A public school music teacher finding a private school position?

December 31, 2004 2:47 PM

I'm a public school music teacher. I'm thinking about moving to another part of the country. How do I go about finding a position teaching at a private school? [more inside]

I'm an elementary school music teacher (I've taught high school vocal music, but I've found that I prefer working with younger students). I'm considering moving back to my homeland of Southern California from Florida, but IIRC public school jobs as an elementary music specialist are in short supply there. So I'm thinking about working for a private school provided I can find a full-time position with benefits, since many private schools have maintained their elementary music programs.

That being said, I have no idea how to go about finding private school jobs. The problem is compounded by the fact that I need to remain in Florida until at least the end of the school year, and that there's no one city that I'm looking at (San Diego would be nice since I grew up there, but I'd also like to live in OC or LA). I'm going to contact the California Music Education Association to find out about job openings, but would appreciate other suggestions regarding networking and seeking out private school employment.

posted by the_bone to work & money (3 comments total)

Check out the CAPE website. Register with firms like Carney, Sandoe, and Associates, The Education Group, and the Educational Resources Group.
posted by Sidhedevil at 3:47 PM on December 31, 2004

Great resources... thanks!
posted by the_bone at 10:06 AM on January 16, 2005

If you can swing it, you might consider moving back in the Summer, and then really searching. I've found that (no matter what people say), it's virtually impossible to find any employer who will seriously consider a candidate living elsewhere.
Even if you offer to pay to fly out for an interview at your own expense, in my experience, out-of-town searches are basically a waste of time. I think one main reason is potential employers don't want to have the responsibility of having someone (and maybe their whole family) move across the country - and then leaving them stuck in an unknown new city if things don't work out. Better to hire someone local they can sack guilt-free, if the need arises.
posted by sixdifferentways at 9:17 PM on January 17, 2005