Private School Jobs Overview
Are you considering private school jobs? You’re likely wondering if and how they differ from their public school counterparts. Public schools are government-run and funded. Private ones, on the other hand, usually rely entirely on private funding in the form of paid tuition fees.
Private schools are essentially private businesses. So, they don’t have to follow the same state guidelines that public ones do. This means that they have almost complete autonomy in their decision making around curriculum, classroom sizes and, of course, hiring staff.
This flexibility makes them an excellent choice for people that:
- Are looking to newly enter the education field.
- Are still working towards obtaining all the necessary certifications for public schools.
- Simply want an alternative to the public sector.
Around 825,350 people work in private schools in the US. Crucial jobs in private schools, besides teaching roles, include:
- Teachers’ assistants: support the classroom teacher by providing one-on-one small group assistance to students. They help with classroom activities, grade assignments, and manage classroom materials.
- Office clerks: manage administrative tasks in the school’s front office. They specifically answer the phone, organize files, schedule appointments, and assist with communication between staff, parents, and students.
- Administrators: supervise the overall operations of a private school. They manage staff, budgets and curriculum development, and ensure the school’s compliance with regulations.
- Maintenance workers: are responsible for keeping the school’s facilities in proper condition. They perform repairs, conduct routine maintenance, and ensure a safe and functional environment for students and staff.
- Librarians: operate the school library, curating and organizing educational resources. They assist students in finding appropriate materials and promote a love for reading and learning.
- Custodians: are in charge of maintaining the school facilities, including classrooms, restrooms, hallways, and other shared spaces to provide a hygienic environment.
- School nurses: provide medical care and support to students, addressing health concerns, administering first aid, managing medications, and promoting wellness within the school community.
- Food service workers: prepare and serve meals to students and staff, making sure that the cafeteria operates smoothly. They adhere to health and safety standards and provide nutritious dining options.
- Admission counselors: are responsible for recruiting and enrolling new students. They guide prospective families through the application process, conduct interviews, and provide information about the school’s offerings.
- Guidance counselors: support students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. They offer guidance on course selection, career planning and personal development. On top of that, they help students address any challenges or concerns they may face while in school.
Salaries for Private School Jobs
The salary you’ll receive working in a private school depends first on your job title. Here are some of the most common roles you can find in schools and their median wages:
- elementary school teacher: $31,478 to $56,368 per year
- school bus driver: $13.57 to $19.86 per hour ($28,225 to $41,308 per year)
- school administrator: $32,003 to $91,598 per year
- school nurse: $45,711 to $81,747 per year
- school principal: $32,910 to $105,508 per year
Location impacts your earnings too. Looking into the states below for example. Because they have the highest percentage of K-12 students enrolled in private schools, they’re more likely to offer the most competitive wages:
Keep in mind, however, that your level of experience and the specific institution you work for deeply impact your paycheck as well. To get a better idea, input your role and location into Monster’s salary tool.
Our calculator will show you the median salary for that position, as well as similar private school jobs. Plus, you’ll find suggestions on what steps to take to advance in your career.
How to Find the Best Private School Jobs for You
Easily find suitable private school jobs to apply to using the following tips:
Know Which Roles Are in Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, compared to public institutions, private schools offer a higher share of roles in:
- management
- administrative support
- business and finance
- installation, maintenance, and repair
- community and social service
- arts and design
- entertainment and media
- sports
- personal care and service occupations
- secondary school teachers
Knowing this before you start your job hunt could be helpful if you’re still torn between two types of positions.
Examine Job Ads
Carefully read the job listings to make sure job titles, descriptions of tasks, and requirements are all clear. Be wary of vague job openings. Then, focus on roles that align at least 90% with your skills and experience. You can make up for the rest with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Research the Schools
Once you find a job opportunity you love, look into the school’s reputation, educational philosophy and values. You’ll find useful information on the school’s website, but even more in the previous employee reviews.
How to Apply to Private School Jobs
To increase your chances of success when applying for private school jobs, have a clear plan for preparing your resume and cover letter before sending out your applications. Here’s what we suggest:
Perfect Your Resume for Jobs in Private Schools
Looking for the fastest and most efficient way to write a resume for any private school position? Use one of our resume templates for roles in education. You’ll have a strong and organized layout that you only need to fill in with your details.
Tailoring your resume to the specific job and educational organization is another essential yet often overlooked practice that really makes a difference. The job listing itself is your go-to for choosing the right keywords to include in your resume. Common ones to all private school jobs include:
- interpersonal skills
- customer service orientation
- flexibility
- a clean record
- time management
- teamwork
- patience and empathy
On top of that, no matter if you’re targeting private school teaching jobs or other positions, make sure to include past achievements in the form of KPIs you’ve achieved. Here are a few examples:
- students’ average test scores
- student achievement and engagement rates
- feedback collection data
- enrollment and retention rates
- cost saving initiatives
- budget adherence
- cleanliness assessment
- speed of maintenance and repairs
If you need extra guidance, reach out to Monster’s Resume Writing Services. One of our expert resume writers will analyze your resume and help you showcase your experience and talent to attract attention.
Write Original Cover Letters for Different Private School Jobs
Your resume shouldn’t be longer than two pages. So, to add details about your achievements, what you’re looking for in your career, and why you’re interested in that specific role, you need to write a cover letter. Check out our education cover letters to get inspired.
A general structure you can follow when writing a cover letter for all the different types of jobs in private schools looks like the following:
- Greeting and introduction. Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. State what role you’re applying for and briefly mention how you learned about the job opportunity.
- Reasons you’re a strong fit. Here you need to present your credentials. Think about how long you’ve been in the industry and what key skills make you the best candidate.
- Specific skills and experience. Provide more details about your relevant work history and make sure to connect your experiences to the role you’re applying for to emphasize transferable skills.
- Passion and value alignment. Show your enthusiasm to work for that school. Reference the school values and highlight how they align with your own.
- Closing. Thank the recruiter for their time and offer to provide any additional information or references they might need.
Then upload your resume and cover letter to your free Monster candidate account. You’ll be able to apply to any openings in a flash. Plus, we’ll keep you posted with customized alerts to all the jobs matching your preferences.
How to Follow Up with an Employer
After applying to private school jobs, show your commitment and enthusiasm by following up. Here is how we recommend proceeding:
- Have patience. Give the school at least a week after the application deadline before reaching out. If the school is small, add another week since they might not have someone dedicated specifically to HR matters.
- Go for an e-mail. Opt for a concise and respectful follow-up email at this point in the recruitment process. It gives recruiters the opportunity to check your resume without pressure.
- Express your continued interest. Mention which position you applied for as well as the date, so they can find your application easily. Then, reiterate your interest in the role.
- Remind them of your qualifications. Briefly mention which relevant skills and experiences make you an ideal fit.
- Ask for an update. Inquire about the status of the hiring process and if they need further details from you. Thank the recruiter and attach your resume.
Interview Tips for Private School Jobs
Whether you’re interviewing for an administrator, a janitor or private school teaching jobs, you should always take some time to prepare. First, find out what types of interviews are part of the recruitment process. This is because a panel interview requires a different approach than a screening or virtual one.
Interview Questions for Jobs in Private Schools
Next, revise how to answer all the classical opening questions like:
Be ready to also answer “what motivates you?” specifically addressing why you want to work in the education field and with kids, no matter your role.
The next step is to practice the specific interview questions for your position. Depending on the role you can expect things like:
- How do you manage X task in a fast-paced school environment?
- How do you stay updated with education regulations and policies that may impact your role?
- Can you describe your approach to X?
- How do you build rapport with students?
- Can you share examples of how you have supported schools in improving their educational offerings?
Remember, recruiters want to know how you would bring value to the school, and if you are resourceful and flexible to adapt to the challenges.
Finally, always write down a few questions of your own about the role, its responsibilities and anything you might want to get into detail about. It will help you understand if the school is a good fit for you as well.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
Got an offer for one or more private school jobs? Nice work! Now it’s time to decide if you’re going to accept or decline the offer. Here are some factors you need to evaluate based on your personal needs:
- Compensation and benefits: Compare salary, bonuses, and benefit packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Location and commute: Consider the proximity of the school to your home address and the ease of your commute.
- School culture and values: Reflect on if these align with your own.
- Work-life balance: Assess the expected workload and the school’s policies on work hours and overtime.
- Support and resources: Look into the level of support and resources available to your perspective role.
- Career advancement opportunities: Are there opportunities for career growth and leadership roles?
Private School Job Career Paths
After gaining experience in private school jobs, you’ll be able to pursue various opportunities within and beyond the school environment. Depending on your specific role, and your willingness to obtain additional education, training, and certifications, you could become:
- An education consultant: You could leverage your industry knowledge to provide guidance to schools or families seeking advice on curriculum design, student counseling, special education services, or school improvement strategies.
- A non-profit advocate: Interested in making a social impact? Join organizations focused on educational reform, child advocacy or educational policymaking. Your understanding of school dynamics and student needs will contribute to positive changes in the education system.
- A child and family counselor: You could transition into counseling roles. You’d support students’ emotional and psychological well-being, either within a school setting or in private practice. Your experience with students and families could be valuable in helping individuals navigate challenges.
- A curriculum designer: If you come from private school teaching jobs, use your expertise to create educational materials, lesson plans and curriculum content for schools, educational publishers or online learning platforms.
Similar Occupations
If you’re looking for private school positions, perhaps you’re also interested in other education jobs. Here are some of the most popular options on Monster: