Why work in Independent Schools?
Being an educator isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. With a diverse network of NCAIS schools, the perfect fit for your career is closer than you think.
Explore the Q&A section below to help you confidently navigate the next phase of your career.
While every independent school is unique, all NCAIS schools seek motivated, caring educators who bring expertise and passion to their work. Independent schools foster an environment where teachers go beyond traditional materials, engaging with the whole child and making a lasting impact.
What Independent Schools Look For:
- Subject-Matter Expertise – Independent secondary schools often require a degree related to the subject being taught but may not require formal certification in education.
- Commitment to Student Growth – Passionate about fostering learning, curiosity, and personal development.
- Supportive & Engaging Presence – Builds strong relationships with students and contributes to a positive school culture.
- 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.
- See the NCAIS-SAIS Career Center and NAIS Job Board.
- See the Employment page on a school's website.
- For senior administrative positions, subscribe to the Green Sheet.
- For Head of School positions, visit SAIS' Head of School Database, explore NAIS' resources for aspiring heads, and subscribe to the Blue Sheet.
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.
| For Teachers and Administrators | For Heads and Administrators |
| ST Search & Consulting | ST Search & Consulting |
| Carney, Sandoe, and Associates | Carney, Sandoe, and Associates |
| Searchality | Educational Directions |
| Strategenius | Educators Collaborative |
| Nemnet | RG175 |
- 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.
Other FAQs
- Do NCAIS schools sponsor/offer US visas for teachers? No, NCAIS schools do not sponsor teacher visas. Candidates must already have a work visa or green card.
- What if I don’t have a teaching license or relevant certification? Many independent schools do NOT require the state certification. They do require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and prefer some classroom experience and/or subject-matter expertise.