.:Resource Guides:K-12 Education-Pathway-Teaching at an Independent School.
K-12 Education
Pathways > Teaching at an Independent School
There are many kinds of independent schools — elite boarding schools, those with sliding scale fees, international schools, schools that focus on the needs of a particular kind of student (e.g., children with learning difficulties, girls), or those that have developed
a community based on a particular religious tradition or educational philosophy.
Most independent or private schools in the U.S. and abroad do not require certification. Although independent schools generally pay less than public schools, they are generally smaller schools with smaller class sizes.
Careers in Independent Schools from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) includes an overview of the independent school job search process.
Many independent schools offer internship or teaching fellow positions that provide support and guidance for new teachers. Often these positions require teaching fewer classes and involve mentoring or other guidance from more experienced faculty. Sometimes the positions are
also associated with specific roles at the school, such as coordinating a community service program. A few of these programs also involve graduate school coursework.
There are many American-style independent schools abroad that provide private education for American families in the foreign service, foreign corporate offices or local families interested in Western style
education. These schools are often less likely to hire new teachers.
There are several independent school placement services that recruit new candidates. Several of the largest firms -- including Carney Sandoe, Independent Educational Services and
Educational Resources Group -- visit college campuses regularly. There are other organizations, such as Interschool Faculty Diversity Search, that specialize in helping independent schools recruit
teachers of color. Some agencies charge a fee and others do not.
