A Conversation About Boarding Schools

5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job

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.

Canva generated this picture of a teacher working on her laptop.

The Application Process

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 customary years ago before the advent of computers.

In the past, 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

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