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Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
This in-depth article explores the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment. It provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.
iStockPhotos/Rido Franz

The Unique World of Boarding School Teaching

Teaching 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.

I know what I have written to be true because I have had many friends and acquaintances over the years who have taught at boarding schools. I always came away from my conversations with them impressed by their love of teaching their subject at a high academic level to young people who were generally very keen to excel. As a parent, I was also impressed by the superb facilities at the schools my daughters attended. Libraries, classrooms, sports facilities, chapels, and a tremendous sense of history were part of the mix of memories I have from those years. My point is that if you want to teach at an institution where your work will be respected, you owe it to yourself to investigate teaching at a boarding school. Here's how to make that happen.

Home and School Intertwined

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

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Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

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Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Why Consider a Military School?

Military schools offer a unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with character development and leadership training. If you are thinking about a military school education for your child, then investigate residential military schools. It will be a 24/7 experience versus the after school experience available in most public day schools. Furthermore, if you are looking for a well-rounded, balanced approach to education together wth fulltime supervision, a military school is worth considering.

Here are some compelling reasons to consider a military school for your child.

Discipline and Structure
Military schools are renowned for their disciplined environment and structured daily routines.

This approach helps students develop:

  • Self-discipline
  • Time management skills
  • Respect for authority
  • Personal responsibility

As one military school puts it, "We always expect our cadets to do the right thing–acting with respect, responsibility, honor, and generosity."

Leadership Training

A key component of military school education is leadership development. Students learn:

  • Effective communication
  • Group dynamics
  • Decision-making skills
  • Goal setting
  • Ethical leadership

These skills are valuable in any career path, not just military service.

Academic Excellence

Contrary to popular belief, military schools prioritize academic achievement. They offer:

  • College preparatory curricula
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • SAT preparation
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • Many military school graduates go on to attend prestigious colleges and universities.

Character Development

Military schools focus on developing well-rounded individuals. They emphasize:

  • Patriotism
  • Community service
  • Teamwork
  • Personal integrity

Potential Pathway to Military Academies

While attending a military school doesn't guarantee admission to a service academy, it can provide:

  • Familiarity with military culture
  • JROTC training
  • Strong academic preparation
  • Leadership experience
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Considering a Military School?

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Considering a Military School?
If you are looking for a college preparatory education with a military emphasis, then take a look at military schools.
iStock Photos/Christine_Kohler

One of the best things about boarding schools is that there is a school out there somewhere that is a good fit for your educational objectives, however varied those might be. As you begin to draw a picture of the kind of school that works for you and your child, you could discover that the structured environment and leadership training military boarding schools offer are attributes you are looking for.

As one parent to another, I'll raise my issues with military schools. Also, I want to disclose that my eldest daughter took part in the ROTC program at MIT while she was at Harvard. I had no idea she was interested in a military career until she announced she was in ROTC. No clue! So, don't hesitate to think outside the box. Assume nothing when looking at boarding schools. You and your child could visit one of our exemplary military school campuses and decide that it has everything you are looking for.

When are military schools a good option?

So, what about military schools? When might you consider sending your son or daughter to one? I'll answer those questions and more, but first, let's settle some things before proceeding.

  • Military schools are NOT places where you send a child with discipline or other behavioral issues.
  • Military schools are NOT reform schools or schools for troubled youth.
  • Military schools ARE genuine learning institutions with a specific focus, i.e., military training.

When a healthcare professional such as a psychologist

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Are You a Good Fit for Our Job?

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Are You a Good Fit for Our Job?
Here is some practical advice to help applicants stand out and increase their chances of securing an interview in the competitive boarding school job market.
iStockPhoto/ipuwadol

In this article, we're going to do a little role-playing. I will assume the role of the boarding school advertising a position. I want you to see and understand what goes on behind the scenes as applications come in online, via email or snail mail. With that knowledge, I am confident you will take the extra time and care necessary to submit the application, which will make the first cut. After all, you want to get an interview. Otherwise, all bets are off.

In the following, I will present the school and its point of view. Then, I will follow that with editorial comments and advice based on my professional experience to determine which applicants get an interview and which don't meet the requirements.

The School: We expect to receive hundreds of applications and resumes when advertising a position. Some of these are from people we know; however, most applications are from people we do not know. So, tell me now, why should I look at your resume? Here are some reasons why your application will go into the "Review" folder.

1. You presented your application in the format we specified.

School: Following instructions is a trait most employers value. As a result, a simple thing like following the instructions on applying for the job opening at our school speaks well of you. Our school uses a standardized application form to comply with various legal requirements. So, if you use something other than the form we specify,

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5 Tips for a Successful Boarding School Admissions Interview

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5 Tips for a Successful Boarding School Admissions Interview
Discover essential tips for acing boarding school admissions interviews. Learn how to present your child in the best light without unnecessary stress.
iStockPhoto/Jacob Wackerhausen

Visiting boarding schools that you and your child are seriously considering is an exciting step in the admissions process. During these visits, you'll meet with admissions staff and possibly even a dean or the head of school. It's natural to want to make a great impression. You will put your best foot forward when you meet with these people. However, you will be in unfamiliar surroundings.

When parents think about secondary school interviews, they tend to focus on prepping their child for the all-important, anxiety-inducing applicant interview. The parent interview, which usually takes place during the same visit, can seem less significant, and parents often neglect to prepare for it in the same way. However, with a little planning, the parent interview can be a real asset to your student's application. Source: Secondary School Admission: The Do's and Don'ts of The Parent Interview...The Fay School

So, my advice is to relax, stay calm, and, above all, not let your nerves get the better of you. Here are some tips to help you navigate the admissions interview successfully.

This video shows a day in the life of Exeter.

1. Be Mindful About Discussing Learning Challenges

While honesty is important, there's no need to highlight minor learning issues during the interview. Admissions staff are adept at interpreting academic records and test scores, so let those documents speak for themselves. On the other hand, if

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Recent Articles

5 Things You Didn't Know About Boarding Schools
5 Things You Didn't Know About Boarding Schools
Boarding schools are a subset of private schools which many people don't know much about. Here are five points to ponder as you research boarding schools.
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
This in-depth article explores the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment. It provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.