Skip to main content
Independent School Careers
Independent School Careers

Purposeful Education

Being an educator is so much more than a job — it's a calling. With a range of CAIS schools to choose from, the right fit for your career is just around the corner.

Find your Future at a CAIS Independent School

Explore the Q&A section below to help you step confidently into the next phase of your career.

What are independent schools looking for?
  • While every independent school is unique, all CAIS schools seek motivated, caring teachers and administrators who are experts in their field.
  • Teachers in independent school environments are encouraged to go beyond classroom materials to engage with the whole child in ways that make a lifelong difference.
  • Independent secondary schools often require a degree related to the field being taught, but may not require formal certification in education.
When do I apply?
  • Although the main hiring period is typically January - May for the following school year, teaching positions open up throughout the year.
  • Senior administrative positions are often advertised in the fall for a July start date.
Where can I find a job?
Should I sign with a search firm?

Professional search firms share your resume with many schools, advancing your candidacy for jobs that meet your criteria. Most schools use search firms and pay a fee when they hire someone that firm has referred.

What about substitute teaching?

Substitute teacher agencies connect you with work as it arises in nearby schools. Substitutes are employed by the hiring agency, not by the school itself. Substitute work can be a helpful "foot in the door" to more permanent positions. Widely-used agencies include:

What should I expect from the hiring process?
  • Schools receive some resumes and cover letters directly from candidates and others via placement firms.
  • Most schools will conduct initial interviews via phone or videoconference, then invite a smaller number of candidates to visit campus.
  • Candidates are encouraged to ask questions during the interview process. Common etiquette is for earlier interviews to focus on the school community and the task at hand, while later conversations, sometimes at the time of the offer, focus on compensation and benefits.