5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job

I applied to teach at a private school in The Bahamas some years ago. During my interview, the head of school noted that I had a degree in Latin and Greek from McGill University. She exclaimed that she had always wanted her students to learn Latin. I looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and asked why she wanted Latin as part of her school's curriculum; she opined that it would help their SAT scores. I remember being skeptical about this claim, but I was more concerned about what the parents would think about having their children study a dead language. So, the head of the school called a meeting of the parents to discuss her proposed addition of Latin to the curriculum. Many parents expressed their concerns, but the head of the school was compelling in her arguments. As a result, I began teaching Latin to students in Grades 5 through 9.

Selecting a Curriculum

My next challenge, of course, was to select a Latin curriculum. Several courses were available, but I chose the Cambridge Latin Course. It enjoyed a good reputation. It was also very well laid out and organized. I made these choices in the 90s, so we were looking at the first or second edition of that particular curriculum. That was back when there was no such thing as a digital edition. Nowadays, the Cambridge Latin Course has a digital edition and a host of resources available on their website.

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 private school.

Embrace the Online Application Process
The most significant change in recent years is the shift towards online applications. Private schools, like most employers, now expect candidates to apply online. This approach streamlines the screening process, making it faster and more efficient. Unlike the days of snail-mailed applications, today's process allows you to submit your information digitally, saving time and resources.

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 or family member review your application for clarity and correctness.

Boarding School

Read on to find out more about the distinctive boutique boarding experience at this family-oriented school, from its calming surroundings to the warmth of its community and the excellence of its education.

An Enchanting Location

Forget the hustle and bustle of city centers. Haut-Lac's 5-star location at the heart of the Swiss Riviera treats staff and students to stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond.

If you ever wondered why Charlie Chaplin and Henri Nestlé chose this scenic area as their base, just step out onto our secondary campus and boarding house terraces, and you’ll have your answer.

The school's proximity to the lake and mountains offers both an inspiring backdrop for learning and a unique opportunity for students to connect with the natural world. Outdoor lessons, Winter season ski outings, and paddle-boarding or hiking weekends with the boarders are a few of the many ways Haut-Lac uses the region's rich cultural heritage to create a stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity and a global perspective.

Nested in the heart of the Swiss Riviera

Studying at Haut-Lac

As an IB World School accredited by the Council of International Schools, Haut-Lac’s commitment to quality is second only to its passion for nurturing the potential in each student and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

It’s four secondary academic curricula, namely the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-Related Programme

What To Wear at Your Job Interview

It's tough enough getting an interview in the first place.

• Why ruin your chances by turning up in the wrong attire?
• Because you are applying for a teaching position in a boarding school, you must be particularly aware of how you dress.

Why is how you look important? The first impression an interviewer has of you is a lasting one.

• This snapshot of you must convey a positive image of who you are and the value you bring to the situation.
• Indeed, many hiring decisions are made subconsciously as soon as the interviewer looks at you.
• Because the job market is highly competitive, your primary goal is to have the first interview go so well that you make the shortlist for the second interview.
• The way in which you dress is one part of the picture your future employer will have.
• Make sure that you create the very best impression possible.

Canva generated this picture of a young man arriving for his interview with a senior member of staff.

Dress to the level of the job environment.

Teachers are exemplars to the young people they teach.

• The way you dress sets an example, just as your speech patterns do.
• It is always sensible to dress conservatively when you interview for a teaching position.
• Nor does it matter what that position is.
• Whether you are applying for the Spanish teacher position