If you haven't applied for a job in a couple of years, it's important to be aware of some key changes in the job application process. Nowadays, most job applications are conducted online, and applying for a private school job is similar in many ways to applying for a public school teaching position, with a few subtle differences. In this article, we'll guide you through the process and offer valuable insights to help you succeed in securing a teaching position at a boarding school.
Embrace the Online Application Process
The most significant change in recent years is the shift toward online applications. Boarding schools, like most employers, now expect candidates to apply through an online careers portal or recruitment platform. This approach streamlines the screening process, making it faster and more efficient. Unlike the days of mailed applications, today's process allows you to submit your information digitally, upload supporting documents, and track the status of your application.
Many independent schools also recruit through organizations such as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and Carney Sandoe & Associates, in addition to posting openings on their own websites.
This video from Indeed explains how the online application process works.
Polish Your Job Application
Your job application is your first impression, so make it count. It should shout, "I have the qualifications and experience you're seeking, and I'm excited about the opportunity your institution offers." Take the time to review your answers and information before hitting the submit button. Pay close attention to grammar and eliminate typos to present yourself in the best possible light. Consider having a trusted friend, mentor, or family member review your application for clarity and correctness.
Many schools now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to organize applications before they reach hiring committees. As a result, it's a good idea to tailor your résumé and cover letter to each position by incorporating keywords from the job description while accurately reflecting your experience.
Boarding School Specifics
Applying for a teaching position at a boarding school has its nuances. Here are five key things you must do.
a. Impeccable Credentials
Ensure your academic credentials are impeccable. Boarding schools often prefer candidates with degrees from well-regarded colleges or universities. Having a degree from institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, or Princeton University can certainly strengthen your résumé, but it is far from the only path to success.
Today's boarding schools place increasing emphasis on demonstrated teaching ability, subject-matter expertise, mentorship skills, and a willingness to contribute to campus life. If you hold a bachelor's degree, emphasize your plans to pursue a master's degree or other professional development. Relevant certifications, classroom experience, and evidence of continuous learning can also make your application more competitive.
Many schools also appreciate candidates who are comfortable integrating technology into the classroom and who understand how to support students with diverse learning styles.
b. Stellar Recommendations
Strong recommendations are crucial. If you can secure a reference from someone the head of school knows personally, that's certainly an advantage. Otherwise, make sure your references provide unequivocally positive feedback about your teaching ability, professionalism, and character. Expect hiring committees to contact your references directly, so ensure they can speak confidently and enthusiastically about your qualifications.
Choose references who have observed your teaching firsthand, such as department chairs, principals, mentors, or supervising teachers. Their ability to discuss your classroom management, communication skills, and contributions to school life will carry far more weight than a generic letter of recommendation.
c. Coaching and Extracurricular Activities
Be prepared to coach sports or lead extracurricular activities. One of the defining characteristics of boarding schools is that faculty members often wear many hats. In addition to teaching, you may serve as an athletic coach, club advisor, dorm parent, academic advisor, or trip leader.
Familiarity with the school's traditions and extracurricular programs can make your application stand out. Offering expertise in activities such as hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, rowing, robotics, debate, theater, music, outdoor education, or community service can be particularly attractive to boarding schools. Hiring committees often seek candidates who are excited to become active members of the campus community beyond the classroom.
If you're new to boarding schools, our article on Want to Teach in a Boarding School? explains why faculty involvement outside the classroom is such an important part of boarding school life.
d. Follow Instructions
Follow the school's application instructions meticulously. Each boarding school has its own hiring process, and carefully following directions demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Today, nearly all schools request that applicants upload a cover letter, résumé, references, and supporting documents through an online application portal. If additional materials such as transcripts, teaching certifications, writing samples, or a teaching philosophy statement are requested, submit them exactly as instructed. Never assume that one application fits every school. Tailor your materials to the specific position and institution.
Before submitting your application, review everything one final time to ensure there are no grammatical errors, formatting issues, or missing documents.
e. Express Your Love for Teaching
Highlight your passion for teaching young people. Boarding schools place tremendous value on outstanding teachers who genuinely enjoy working with students both inside and outside the classroom.
During interviews, be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, classroom experiences, and examples of how you inspire students to think critically and become lifelong learners. Schools also appreciate candidates who demonstrate empathy, collaboration, flexibility, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Increasingly, hiring committees are looking for educators who are eager to contribute to the overall boarding school community by mentoring students, participating in campus events, and supporting student well-being.
This video offers suggestions on how to spotlight your strengths in your résumé.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, take your time with the application process, being thorough, detailed, and clear in your responses. Avoid rushing, save your work, and review it later to catch any typos or missing information. A carefully prepared application demonstrates the same attention to detail and professionalism that boarding schools expect from their faculty members.
Remember that hiring committees are looking for more than outstanding classroom teachers. They want educators who will become active members of a residential learning community by mentoring students, coaching teams, advising clubs, and contributing to campus life. Demonstrating your enthusiasm for these opportunities can help distinguish you from other candidates.
Research each school thoroughly before applying. Familiarize yourself with its mission, values, academic programs, and extracurricular offerings so that you can explain why you would be a good fit during interviews. Our guide to Choosing the Best Boarding School: 10 Key Factors (2025) can also help you better understand what makes each school unique, which is valuable insight when preparing for interviews.
After submitting your application, remain patient while continuing your job search. If you have additional questions about the hiring process, our article on Boarding School Employment: Common Questions and Answers addresses many of the questions prospective teachers ask before applying.
Some schools fill positions quickly, while others may conduct multiple rounds of interviews over several weeks. Sending a brief, professional follow-up email after an interview is appropriate and demonstrates your continued interest in the position.
Above all, stay positive. Finding the right boarding school is much like finding the right college or career. It takes preparation, persistence, and careful research. The effort you invest before you apply will pay dividends when you find a school whose mission, culture, and community align with your own educational philosophy.
With these tips, you'll be well prepared to land your dream job at a boarding school.
