Working 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.
Our schools don't just look for educators; we look for community builders. While our baseline requirement is a Bachelor’s degree, our most successful candidates bring a blend of academic expertise and a heart for student mentorship.
A note on certification: While many of our faculty hold state teaching licenses, we also highly value subject-matter experts and industry professionals who are passionate about transitioning into the classroom. A teaching license is welcomed, but not required for application.
Beyond your credentials, we look for:
- Versatility: You’re ready to lead a lab in the morning and a hiking club in the afternoon. You embrace the "triple threat" model of teaching, advising, and coaching.
- Curiosity: You view your curriculum as a living document. You are a lifelong learner who is always looking for ways to innovate and keep lessons relevant.
- Empathy: You understand that a student’s emotional well-being is the prerequisite for their academic success. You prioritize building authentic relationships.
- Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in an environment where faculty rooms are hubs of shared ideas and pedagogical brainstorming, not just places to grab coffee.
If you are new to the world of independent schools or are looking for a comprehensive way to manage your job search, you may want to consider registering with a search/placement firm.
These agencies specialize in matching educators with independent schools. They often provide personalized resume feedback, interview coaching, and access to a broad network of openings across the country.
Most placement firms are free for candidates. The school typically pays the agency fee if a hire is made, so there is no cost to you to have an advocate helping you in your search.
- Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A) – A national leader in faculty and administrative placement.
- IndySchool Consultancy – A boutique firm focusing on "competency-based" hiring and finding the perfect cultural "fit" for both schools and leaders.
- Searchality - A next-generation platform that uses smart matching technology to connect teachers with the right school cultures in the US and abroad.
- Educator’s Ally – A highly personalized placement agency focusing on day and boarding schools nationwide.
- DovetailED - Known for "talent sourcing," DovetailED specializes in finding high-quality candidates for specialized roles, from classroom teachers to senior leadership.
- Strategenius – Dedicated to helping schools build diverse faculty bodies and inclusive communities.
- Nemnet – A national resource organization committed to assisting schools and organizations in the recruitment and retention of diverse teachers, administrators, and coaches.
NCAIS/SAIS Career Center (The Best Place to Start)
Many schools prioritize posting on their regional association boards. These are excellent for finding schools in specific geographic areas or those with shared missions. NCAIS partners with SAIS (Serving and Accrediting Independent Schools) on a shared job board, making it the most concentrated resource for roles in North Carolina and the surrounding Southeast.
NAIS Career Center
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosts the industry-standard national job board. It is a comprehensive database for teaching, administrative, and leadership roles across the entire United States.
Specialized Recruitment Agencies
See the recruitment/placement agency section above.
School Websites
If there is a specific school you’ve always admired, go straight to the source! Almost every independent school has a "Careers" or "Work With Us" link on its website. Many schools post here weeks before they list on national boards.
Pro-Tips for Your Search
- Timing is Everything: The "peak" hiring season typically runs from January through April for the following school year. Start your search early to see the widest variety of roles.
- Set Up Alerts: Use the notification features on sites like SAIS and NAIS. This ensures you’re the first to know when a "perfect fit" opening is posted.
- Mission Alignment: Independent schools are deeply mission-driven. When you find a school that interests you, read their mission statement—it’s the best way to tailor your application to what they truly value.
Designed to bring together talented educators* and NCAIS member schools,
our Hiring Fairs offer meaningful opportunities for connection, discovery, and career growth.
Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting your career in education, the NCAIS Hiring Fairs are your opportunity to:
- Meet representatives from leading independent schools across the state
- Explore open teaching, administrative, and coaching positions
- Learn more about the unique mission and culture of each school
*NOTE: Applicants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents, as our schools do not sponsor visas.
| Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill February 2027 Ravenscroft School (Raleigh) |
Charlotte Area March 2027 Cannon School (Concord) |
