FAQs

  • About Us
  • For Job Seekers
  • About Us
  • For Job Seekers
  • What is CS&A?

    We are an educational recruiting and consulting firm founded in 1977 with the primary mission of helping K-12 non-profit, independent, charter, and like-kind (non-public) schools worldwide recruit and hire highly qualified teachers and administrators. We also specialize in retained executive search and management consulting for educational organizations. No other firm has successfully placed as many teachers and administrators in the country's top schools as we have for as long as we have.

  • How does your placement service work?

    Candidates who are looking for a teaching or administration job first apply to become a job-seeking candidate with us. Based on a number of applicant criteria (including but not limited to work experience, education, and geographic flexibility) and the requirements of our hiring schools, if we feel we can assist them in their search, we create a proprietary dossier of documents and information about each candidate's background, experience, and preferences.

    We are not a job board. Rather, our client schools notify us about teacher and administrator openings daily. When there's an open position that both matches a candidate's requirements and those of the hiring school, we refer candidates by sending their dossiers and facilitating the connection between candidates and schools. When we make a referral, we simultaneously provide the candidate with details about the opening and the school. Each candidate then follows up directly with the school to learn more or schedule an interview. Through communication directly with a hiring school, the Placement Team advocates on behalf of candidates and provides deep insight into a candidate's strengths and fit for the school.

    Elementary, middle, and secondary schools of all types list positions with us in all teaching and administrative fields. These schools are incorporated, not-for-profit, and, like CS&A, non-discriminatory.

  • Why can CS&A help me find a job?

    Schools trust us with filling their open positions, so we know where the jobs are and when they open. We save you time, money, and effort by helping you stay focused on real job opportunities that are right for you. We make the search easier and more efficient because we can immediately put you in touch with schools whose openings match your skills and interests. Rather than getting lost in a pile of resumes, we get to know you personally and are able to advocate on your behalf to hiring contacts.

    We also serve as your lifelong job search team and sounding board for your entire career. Our Placement Team is here to coach through an on-campus interview, provide advice on your resume, and guide you in your career aspirations. When you work with CS&A, you get more than job opportunities, you get a trusted partner in your career.

  • How extensive is your school network?

    Schools rely on us as a primary source for qualified teaching and administrative candidates. Our clients represent all types and sizes of schools in the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, including primary, elementary, and secondary; boarding and day; co-educational and single sex; charter and religious affiliated; and urban, suburban, and rural.

    We place more teachers and administrators in independent and like-kind schools than any other firm in the country. Since our inception, we have worked with over 1,500 schools in 46 states and 26 countries internationally, and we have facilitated over 33,000 teacher and administrator hires.

  • Why teach at an independent school?

    Teaching at an independent school can be a tremendously rewarding career. You'll have more time with your students; the average class size of 18 keeps student-faculty ratios low. You'll work closely with students and colleagues and have greater latitude in developing curriculum and programs. You'll have a chance to become an active member of a vibrant community as teacher, coach, and adviser. You'll really have a chance to make a difference!

  • Do you accept everyone who applies?

    Because the schools we work with dictate the type of candidates they are looking for and when they have open positions to hire for, we unfortunately cannot accept everyone who applies. When you apply, our Placement Associates, who each specialize in a specific area of teaching, evaluate your candidacy based on a variety of criteria, including your teaching experience, history working with children in a K-12 setting, geographic preference and flexibility, educational credentials, and familiarity in a given subject area. We accept candidates who we are confident we can assist in finding a job they want based on the hiring requirements and position availability from our client schools. If we do not think we will be a good resource for your job search, we will respond accordingly and honestly to your application.

  • How much do your services cost for job seekers?

    Nothing! Our services are completely free for candidates. The schools who work with us are our clients and pay any fees associated with using our services.

  • Do you place candidates in online jobs?

    No, the positions we work to fill are in-person, on-site jobs at schools. We do not fill online or remote teaching or administrative positions.

  • How do I apply for candidacy with CS&A?

    To apply, you must first fill out our online application. You will be notified via email whether or not you have been accepted as a candidate. If you are accepted, you will work one-on-one with a Placement Associate who specializes in your area of interest and experience. Through phone calls, emails, and a personalized experience, we work to match you with positions at schools that will be a great fit for your needs and preferences.

  • What are some general tips for my candidate application?

    Keep your teaching options open. The broader your range of abilities, the better your chances of being hired.

    Be as geographically flexible as possible. Consider carefully the difference between choosing a job and choosing a location. The wider your search, the more opportunities we can show you.

    Fill out your application thoroughly and carefully. A rushed job will appear as such and is less likely to be taken seriously.

    Remember, the success of your job search will depend substantially on how you present yourself on paper and on the phone. Be confident, articulate, and energetic — and be yourself!

  • Are initial interviews with the Placement Team necessary?

    Interviews with the CS&A Placement Team are not required for your application to be accepted. However, whenever possible, an interview is highly recommended once you come on board at a candidate. An interview permits you to discuss your preferences and aspirations directly with your Placement Associate and allows him or her to provide you with tailored job search feedback. It is a good idea to discuss setting up an interview with your Placement Associate after we have notified you that you are registered with CS&A.

  • How can I improve my job search?

    First thing's first: start now, and apply sooner rather than later.

    Follow up with leads promptly; candidates who express interest and take initiative are always more interesting to schools. Remain flexible, especially geographically; the more open you keep your options, the more opportunities you will have.

    Keep us up-to-date on the progress of your search. We can follow up with schools on your behalf more effectively if we know what's going on.

  • Can CS&A help me work abroad?

    Yes! Our teacher and administrator placement and search work extends beyond the United States. Every year, we place teachers, administrators, and key leaders in schools across the country and around the world. Most of the international schools we work with are in Asia and the Middle East with a few in Europe and several other countries. If you are interested in exploring leadership opportunities in international schools, learn more here. If you are interested in pursuing a teaching job abroad, please click here to fill out our application.

  • Should I submit letters of reference?

    Once we've accepted you as a candidate, we will ask you to submit 3-5 letters of reference. When choosing your reference writers, select people who have worked closely with you, especially those who have supervised you in a recent position. If you are teaching in an independent school, be sure to include the Head of School as a reference. If you are currently a college student or a recent graduate, ask professors who know you best and/or who teach in your field of study. You can also contact any of your supervisors from jobs or internships.

    Request that your references be written generally and not for a specific school so you can use them repeatedly. Be sure that your references address your teaching and/or administrative ability or potential, as that will help you most. References should be written on the letterhead of the writer. It is a good idea to provide the reference writer with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope.

    Please note: References can only be sent to those schools that have listed a position opening with us. Additionally, we cannot return letters of reference once we receive them.

Carney, Sandoe & Associates | (617) 542-0260 | Interested in finding a school job you love?

Apply Now