Jobs in Boarding Schools

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

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,

If you last applied for a job a couple of years ago, be aware of two things. First of all, you can do most job applications online. Secondly, applying for a boarding school job is similar to applying for a public school teaching job, although there are some subtle differences.

Review the job application process carefully. Don't assume nothing has changed since you last applied for a job. It has. The most significant change is the online application process. Most employers, including boarding schools, will expect you to apply online these days. They do this so that they can screen applications efficiently. It is also easier to import the data from an online application into a database or spreadsheet. Furthermore, authorized staff can access applicant data securely, instead of having personal information lying about on a sheet of paper or in a manila folder as was the custom years ago before the advent of computers.

Years ago, an administrative assistant or secretary screened snail-mailed job applications. That involved opening envelopes and sorting the applications. Occasionally, the assistant actually screened the applications, generally to ensure that all requested materials had been sent. At some point, the pile of applications and cover letters ended up on the desk of the person charged with filling the job opening. This process could take a couple of hours or even longer. That depended on the number of applications received.

Nowadays, the screening process

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

It's tough enough getting an interview in the first place. So, why destroy 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.

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 or the Robotics teacher position, you must present yourself as a professional brimming with ideas and values that will make employers immediately think, "Ah! She will fit right in." What may not be apparent to