This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments
Employment: Common Questions And Answers
Thinking about teaching in a boarding school? Got some questions? In this fictional conversation, a job seeker and I chat about looking for employment in a private school. In 2026, candidates should remember that boarding school employment often combines classroom teaching with advising, coaching, extracurricular, and residential responsibilities. Boarding School Review's Boarding School Jobs provides additional background on employment in the boarding school environment.
Credentials
Q. Do I need a teaching certificate to teach in a private school?
A. Not necessarily. It depends on the school. Some schools will employ you without a teaching certificate with the understanding that you become certified within a stated time frame, typically a year. Job advertisements are usually clear about requirements.
Certification requirements can also depend on the school's location and the position. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that private school teachers generally do not need to meet state requirements for public school teachers, although individual private schools may prefer candidates who hold state licenses or certifications.
Q. Do I need an education degree to teach in a private school?
A. Most private schools value degrees in a subject more than an education degree. For example, if you are presenting yourself as an English teacher, the school will look for a bachelor's degree with a major in American or English Language and Literature. The teaching skills and methodology that you could learn if you did an education degree will be useful; however, most private schools will require you to teach in their own proprietary way. After all, that's why parents are sending their children to boarding school. They value the curriculum and how it's taught.
Q. Do I need to have a master's degree or a doctorate?
A. Your resume will stand out from the competition when you offer a master's or terminal degree. Once again, schools understand that a highly credentialed faculty is a powerful asset when it comes to marketing what they do. If you have started work on your master's or doctorate, be sure to indicate that on your resume. Discuss your further education plans at the interview. Bring it up even if the interviewer does not raise the subject.
Boarding School Review's Boarding School Teaching Jobs: Qualifications & Requirements provides further guidance for candidates considering this career path.
Q. Will schools ask for a curriculum vitae?
A. Some will. Some won't. Typically, most schools will ask for a cover letter and a resume when you apply. It pays to keep a detailed curriculum vitae up to date. You can offer it when the school interviews you. A CV is invaluable for documenting your activities and affiliations. It develops a more complete overview of you as a person.
Q. Do I have to have teaching experience?
A. It will depend on the school. For example, if you are an alumnus of the school to which you are applying, you will probably find a warm welcome, all things being equal. The school will most likely ask you to take some teaching courses and seminars as soon as convenient to formalize your credentials. They will assume that you know how things are taught at their school. In any case, they will guide and mentor you as you develop and refine your teaching skills.
Q. Do I have to coach a sports team?
A. Most boarding school teaching positions include coaching a sport as part of their duties. That's because the entire school participates in sports. Most schools offer a wide variety of athletic activities, not just major sports such as football and basketball. If you played badminton, tennis, or golf, for example, you would fit right in.
In 2026, candidates should read each job description carefully. Some positions combine teaching with coaching, advising, dormitory supervision, weekend duties, or other responsibilities, while others are more specialized.
Finding jobs
Q. How do I find available boarding school positions?
A. Assuming that you are looking for something in your local area, explore the websites of private schools in your locality. If a school has an opening, it will be easy to find the link to it on its website. If you are interested in finding a job further afield, Google "private school teaching jobs your desired location." That will start your search. The regional private school associations' websites also list jobs.
In 2026, online employment resources make a nationwide search easier. The National Association of Independent Schools maintains an independent school career center where candidates can search current openings. Individual schools and regional associations remain important sources as well.
Q. Is there a specific time of the year when I should start looking?
A. Since most teachers have year-to-year contracts, the school will notify them whether their contracts will be renewed or not. This renewal or non-renewal process usually occurs at the end of a calendar year. I recommend beginning your job openings research in December.
However, don't stop searching after the traditional winter and spring hiring period. Schools can advertise openings throughout the year because of retirements, enrollment changes, newly created programs, or unexpected vacancies.
Applying for jobs
Q. How do I apply for a private school job?
A. The job posting on the school's website will be very clear about how to apply. Follow those instructions to the letter. If you omit a required document or submit your application in a format that is different from what the school is asking for, your application might not even make the first cut.
Q. I don't have a printer. Can I handwrite my application?
A. Absolutely not! First impressions are everything in a job application. You want to make sure your application goes on the "interview" pile.
In 2026, most applications are submitted electronically, so candidates should prepare polished PDF versions of their resume, cover letter, and other requested documents. Follow the employer's instructions rather than assuming that either electronic or printed submission is acceptable.
Q. The school wants me to mail my application materials. Can I use a #10 envelope to send my application and supporting documents?
A. Absolutely not! Use a 9" x 12" manila envelope. Include a letter-size piece of cardboard with your unfolded application materials. That way, everything will arrive in pristine condition. Impressions count. A professional presentation of your application and supporting documents indicates that you care about details.
While mailed applications are much less common in 2026, this advice still applies if a school specifically requests paper materials.
Q. I have a standard cover letter that I have been sending out with every job application. Is this ok?
A. No. Always customize your cover letter to the job for which you are applying. For example, if the position being advertised states "English teacher with AP exam reading experience," the first sentence of your cover letter should state that you are applying for that position.
Boarding School Review's Finding the Right Boarding School Job offers additional guidance about matching your experience and interests with a particular school.
Q. My standard cover letter is three pages long. Is that ok?
A. No. A cover letter should be no more than one page long. Your resume and curriculum vitae will include all the details you need to share with your future employer.
This video explains how to write a cover letter for a teaching position.
The interview
Q. How should I dress for the interview?
A. Conservative business formal attire is always appropriate. That can include a dark suit or a blazer with dark pants. Don't wear sneakers or stiletto heels. Don't wear cologne or perfume.
In 2026, candidates may encounter both virtual and in-person interviews. For virtual interviews, professional attire, appropriate lighting, a neutral background, reliable audio, and a distraction-free setting are important.
Q. My religion requires me to wear a head covering. Is that ok?
A. Yes, it is. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains that federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on religion and requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious practices unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
Q. I have not interviewed in years. How should I prepare for my interview?
A. Do a couple of practice interviews with a trusted advisor. Dress as you would for the interview when you do your practice sessions. Record those sessions so that you can review any weak answers or visual faults. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the job or your responsibilities.
In a boarding school interview, be prepared to discuss more than classroom teaching. Depending on the position, interviewers may want to know how you would contribute to advising, athletics, clubs, residential life, and the wider school community. Boarding School Review's What Is Boarding School Really Like for Teachers? can help candidates understand the broader professional environment.
Q. How early should I be for my interview?
A. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the time appointed. That will give you a moment or two to relax and compose yourself for that all important first meeting with your future employer.
This video offers help with answering common interview questions.
Now that you have an idea of what's involved with finding a job in a boarding school, be sure to ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you practice interviewing. After all, if you have been out of the job market for a couple of years, you will need to sharpen your interview skills.
In 2026, it also pays to research the school's mission, curriculum, residential program, technology policies, and expectations for faculty before the interview. The Association of Boarding Schools provides additional information about the boarding school sector and its member schools. The fundamentals, however, remain the same: prepare carefully, follow the school's application instructions, and show how your experience can contribute to the entire boarding school community.
