Featured: Published November 11, 2008
Teaching or working in a boarding school is quite unlike any job in a day school. Why? Because in most schools you will live above the store as it were. Most faculty, deans and heads of school as well as some key support staff such as the admissions and development directors are housed in school accommodations as part of their conditions of employment.
Boarding schools are self-contained communities. Students and faculty eat together. They share relaxing times watching TV and playing games together. That is because teachers and staff in a boarding school function in loco parentis. They take the place of parents literally and figuratively. They play a powerful role in shaping and guiding their young charges while they are at school. Because the students cannot escape at the end of classes, they cannot avoid the strong influence teachers have on them. This is a major reason many parents send their sons and daughters off to boarding school.
How do you find a job in a private school? The best way is to use your network. Alums, colleagues past and present, friends and family constitute the most important group of people who know you and can attest to your suitability, skills and experience for employment better than anybody. They will often be your references simply because they are fans of your work and know you intimately. As far as credentials are concerned, possessing a teaching license is a good thing. If you are a foreign national, you will have some hurdles to jump over. They are not insurmountable but they are very real.
There are a few tricks to applying for a private school job. The main one is to make sure that you get across your love of teaching. If you are seeking employment at a boarding school for any other reason, beware. You must love teaching AND you must love being around young people 24/7. If you don't, you will not be happy and you will not last long.
If you are invited to the school for an interview, expect a serious vetting process. Schools are extremely particular about hiring new faculty. They will most likely send you around to several people which might include a dean, a head of school, her assistant and your future department chair person. Be prepared for a thorough grilling if the powers that be decide that you are a serious contender for the position. Are you gay? Be honest about your life-style. In many schools, it will not be an issue.
If luck is on your side, you will receive the happy news you have been waiting for. Welcome to St. Swithin's
- Why Boarding School?
Is boarding school right for you? Boarding schools offer a wealth of experiences in both learning and living which will do you well in later life. - 10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School
There are many reasons to go to boarding school. The academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities are just a few considerations. Here are the 10 top reasons why you should go to boarding school. - 10 Facts About Boarding Schools
Here are 10 facts about boarding schools which the schools want you to know. If you are considering sending your child to boarding school, this data and information will address some of your concerns. - Boarding School DO's and DON'TS
Here are some considerations to ponder whilst choosing schools and when your child is actually away at school. - The Boarding School Glossary
Boarding schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. - Boarding School Myths
Read about common boarding school myths in case your perception of boarding school is driven largely by popular movies and urban legend. - Boarding School Pictures
What does boarding school life look like? View photos from a variety of boarding schools and see if you can also picture yourself there. - Dr. Hank Nuwer on Hazing
We asked Dr. Hank Nuwer,a nationally recognized authority on the subject of hazing, to weigh in with his views. - International Students: Boarding School Benefits
Boarding school is appealling to both U.S. and international students. Learn why boarding school is a popular option for international students around the world. - Summer Boarding School Programs
Learn several key reasons why a summer boarding school program can be beneficial for your child. - Types of Boarding School
Explore the different types of boarding school options in the US. Find which type of boarding school is most appropriate for you. - Understanding Financial Aid
Learn how financial aid works in boarding schools. - Understanding the Post-Graduate (PG) Year
Learn about the Post-Graduate(PG) Year, and how it can benefit certain students. - When Should I Go Off to Boarding School?
When should you go off to boarding school? It depends. Most students enter prep school in 10th grade. But you have choices. - Why Do a Gap or Post-Graduate (PG) Year?
Learn why more and more students are choosing to do a gap or post graduate (PG) year at boarding school. - Schools for Students with Learning Disabilities
How to deal with a child who has a learning disability. - 5 Common Myths About Military Schools
Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. Let's take a look. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
We have been hearing a lot about the benefits of single sex education recently. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing a boys' school for your son. - 5 Reasons To Choose a Girls' School
There is a body of research which suggests that girls do learn differently from boys. So, if that is the case, maybe you should consider a girls' school for your daughter instead of sending her off to a coed school. Here are some points to ponder. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Junior Boarding School
A junior boarding school offers certain distinct advantages for the middle school aged student. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing this option for your child. - 5 Steps for Choosing a Boarding School
Choosing a boarding school involves several steps. We guide you through the process and offer advice and help. - Benefits of a Small Boarding School
Learn about the benefits of a small boarding school. - Considering a U.S. Arts Program?
"If the arts are part of your interests and your passion, you should research each school’s available offerings. Spend time reading the school’s literature and visiting its website..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA - Girls' School Graduates Have an Edge
Exciting new research shows that a girls' boarding school can offer your daughter many advantages. - How to Apply to Boarding School
There are several ways to apply to boarding school. - I Can't Find Any Rankings!
This cry is heard throughout the land as parents try desperately to compare one boarding school against another. - Looking at Schools
"Do you like large schools or small schools? Are you most comfortable in a city, small town or countryside? Are you interested in attending a school that has a religious or military orientation? Would you like to attend a school that is only for boys or girls? These are some questions you must ask yourself before you begin your search for the right U.S. boarding school for you..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA - Quaker Education: What’s Different about a Friends School?
Learn about the benefits of attending a Quaker boarding school. - Using an Educational Consultant
An education consultant knows schools. Like any professional he has vast experience in and knowledge of his chosen field. - What About Canadian Schools?
Canadian boarding schools have a lot going for them. Great value, location in a foreign but friendly neighboring country, English speaking, fine academics, all kinds of sporting activities besides hockey and skiing and much more. - Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is, that is, until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.
