Job Search and Application Process

How to Apply for a Private School Job

If you haven't applied for any job in a couple of years, be aware of two things.

• First of all, you can do most job applications online.
• Secondly, applying for a private school job is similar to applying for a public school teaching job, although there are some subtle differences.

Review the job application process carefully.

• Don't assume everything is the same as when you last applied for a job. It won't be.
• The most significant change is the online application process.

Canva generated this picture of a teacher at her computer.

The Application Process

Most employers, including private schools, will expect you to apply online these days. They do this so that they can screen applications.

• Years ago, an administrative assistant or secretary screened snail-mailed job applications. That involved opening envelopes and sorting the applications.
• Occasionally, the assistant screened the applications to ensure that all requested materials had been sent.
• At some point, the pile of applications and cover letters ended up on the desk of the person charged with filling the job opening.

This process could take a couple of hours or even longer. That depended on the number of applications received.

• Nowadays, the screening process can be done by the staff member who is looking to fill the position.
• Viewing the online responses to an open position is very simple, fast, and convenient.
• Furthermore, you

What's Your Marketability Quotient?

If you have three or more of the following skills or credentials, you will position yourself for greater success in the private school employment market. While there is a shortage of qualified teachers, it is still a highly competitive arena in the private school world. Consequently, your chances at finding your dream job will improve if you can offer one or more of the following:

1. Speak and teach a second language.

Teachers who speak French, Spanish and Mandarin are much in demand in any school. Add a degree and certifications in those subjects to your credentials, and you will be a 'hot' property! Unlike public schools where language skills are necessary just to deal with a non-English speaking population, private schools offer academic courses in French, Spanish, and Mandarin language and literature. Many of these courses lead to AP level examinations. You will have the opportunity to use that honors degree work in foreign languages to your advantage.

This video shows a Spanish class at The Orme School in Mayer, Arizona.

2. Hold specialist certifications.

An ESL certificate or a reading specialist certificate will virtually guarantee you employment for life at many schools. Schools that enroll non-English speaking students frequently require those students to master English at a very high level to complete their academic coursework with good grades. An ESL-certified teacher is an integral part of the teaching

I have interviewed hundreds of job applicants over the years. I can assure you that a job interview will contain all kinds of traps. Sometimes the interviewer sets the traps. She will build questions into her interview script so she can see how you handle unexpected situations. Other times you will unknowingly set a trap for yourself by making a statement which the interviewer determines is worth exploring in greater detail. Against that backdrop, let's review how to handle some of those traps which might occur when you interview for that job as the math teacher at St. Agatha's Academy.

1. Do some role-playing.

Preparing for a job interview is an essential part of the process if you truly want the job. That's because the competition is a lot tougher these days. Public schools and colleges and universities have been down-sizing their teaching staffs. There are many reasons for this, but the bottom line is that more qualified education professionals are applying for teaching jobs than ever before.

How should you prepare for your interview? A few weeks before your interview do some role-playing, enlist the aid of a trusted friend or family member to play the part of the interviewer. Dress up in your interview outfit. Do the role-playing in a setting similar to what you might expect for the interview, such as an office or a table in Starbucks. The 16th-century adage that 'practice makes perfect' applies to your job interview. You will be amazed at

Private school teachers do not belong to a teachers' union. One of the great strengths of a union is that it connects like-minded workers, keeps them informed of trends within their industry, and promotes solidarity. These are all laudable aims. How do private school teachers get connected with others in their profession?

Keep your network current

Think of all the people you meet in person or electronically every day. Keep email addresses for those colleagues and others whom you consider valuable in some way. Perhaps you admire a colleague for her leadership in a particular area such as online learning or podcasting. Leave a comment on her blog. Email her. You don't have to write an epistle. A few words of positive support and encouragement are all that is needed. Ask for help. It is impossible for anybody to have all the answers. Your colleagues are a wonderful resource. Keeping your network current allows you to utilize those resources fully.

Connect on ATLIS

Interacting with your colleagues is something you need to do regularly. Join the discussions on ATLIS (The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools) Express your opinions. Learn from what others are saying. ATLIS offers virtual events and a career corner. as well as many other resources for the busy independent school teacher.

Podcasting

Podcasting is an effective way of letting people know what you do. Podcast Insights has a list of podcast hosting sites, several of which are free. Keep your

You can send a resume and use an agency to find a private school job. However, using your network is the best way to find a private school job. You do have a network, don't you?

In truth, the private school job-hunting season never ceases. The main window of opportunity is from December through March. Not much happens on either side of those months unless a school has an unexpected vacancy. This is where your network comes in. Let's say you are considering finding a new position for the next school year. Firm up your decision by the end of October or November so that you can begin your active job search.

The First Steps

Check the job boards in the areas you are thinking about moving to. Register with an agency that specializes in placing private school teachers. They will know about openings. That will get you thinking about the possibilities.

Know why you want to make a move. Are you making a lateral move, i.e., moving to another school to do the same thing you've been doing? Or are you seeking different responsibilities, such as being an administrator? You need to have your goals clearly understood. That will be invaluable during the interview process when the question "Why do you want to leave St. Swithin's and come teach at our school?" is asked.

This brief video offers three tips to advance your career by networking.