What We Do

At Carney, Sandoe & Associates, we do the hard work of finding the right candidates for you. We know that every school is not created equal: a stand-out candidate for one community might not be a good match for another. Our experience, passion, and diligence allow us to make the right match between a school and a candidate — and we've done so over 33,000 times since 1977.

How does Carney Sandoe work for your school?

When a position opens at your school, you list it with us, either via the web or phone, and we get to work immediately.

Our Placement Group is divided by subject area. Each Placement Associate handles a specific area (e.g., chemistry, science, admissions) and works with client schools to fill positions in his or her area. When you list a position with us, your Associate will send you a collection of appropriate candidates that she or he has personally culled from our proprietary database.

How does Carney Sandoe know which candidates to send?

When you list a position with us, make sure to provide as much information as possible regarding the criteria we should incorporate into our search. Do you need a math teacher who can also coach soccer? Let us know! Not interested in rookie candidates fresh out of college? Tell us! Your Placement Associate will review your notes and send only the candidates who expressly comply with your specified qualifications.

What does a candidate's Carney Sandoe file contain?

  • An application
  • A resume
  • 3-5 letters of reference
  • A personal statement
  • A transcript for undergraduate and/or graduate work

Candidates' files will also include personal comments written by your Placement Associate. These notes provide insights that you might not initially ascertain from the candidate's other materials. Since we interview nearly all of our candidates on the phone or in person, we often learn information that extends past the scope of their supporting documents.

How does this year stack up for Carney Sandoe?

More schools and candidates are working with CS&A than ever. Over 75% of all NAIS schools are current CS&A clients. In the last decade, our candidate pool has grown by over 80% and the number of placements we've made has grown by nearly 50%. Every year, we only accept those who we know will prove to be excellent candidates and positive additions to our client schools' communities.

Hiring Conferences

Boston waterfront skyline
Boston | February 7, 2025 – February 8, 2025 FORUM/Boston

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Nashville | February 28, 2025 FORUM Nashville/NAIS

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San Francisco | March 7, 2025 FORUM/West

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New York City skyline at sunset
New York City | March 28, 2025 FORUM/New York City

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Colorful sunset over the Capitol building
Washington, D.C. | April 11, 2025 FORUM/Washington, D.C.

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Boston waterfront skyline
Boston | February 7, 2025 – February 8, 2025 FORUM/Boston

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Nashville | February 28, 2025 FORUM Nashville/NAIS

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San Francisco | March 7, 2025 FORUM/West

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New York City skyline at sunset
New York City | March 28, 2025 FORUM/New York City

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Colorful sunset over the Capitol building
Washington, D.C. | April 11, 2025 FORUM/Washington, D.C.

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Recent News

09/28/2024 | The Importance of the Head of School Compensation Benchmarking Process

Competition for Talent Over the past twenty years, the job of an independent school Head of School has become increasingly more complex and demanding. As a result, there has been and continues to be keen competition for talented individuals who can successfully and effectively lead independent school communities. In this highly competitive market for talent,

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09/19/2024 | Empowering Potential: A Transformative Journey

I started my career in education as an English teacher with Detroit Public Schools in 1993. My first teaching assignment was at the high school I graduated from after writing a letter to the principal– Mumford High School, made famous by Eddie Murphy, who wore a t-shirt with the school’s name in the first Beverly

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08/26/2024 | A Seamless Head of School Transition: An Interview with Jacques Weber and Ariane Baer-Harper

Senior Consultant, Karen Neitzel, had the privilege of sitting down with Heads of School, Jacques Weber and Ariane Baer-Harper. Karen worked with both candidates in their Head of School searches, supporting Jacques’ placement at Dallas International School and then partnering with the Austin International School board to replace him at Austin International with Ariane. She

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08/09/2024 | Meet Me at The Well

One of my favorite childhood memories is of our annual summer trip from Philadelphia to Virginia to a family home where my mother was born. As we drove south, my excitement grew when the Blue Ridge Mountains came into view and we exited I-81 to a state road the led to my small maternal hometown.

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08/08/2024 | A Proven Approach to Support and Guide the Board of Directors/Trustees

Over the years as President/Head of School/CEO I have been both blessed and challenged to engage with the complete constellation of contributors and claimants to an academic institution. This includes twelve different Board Chairs.  Each chair brings a different perspective to the position and, as a result, a different presumption about the relationship between Board

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07/24/2024 | Discernment is Disposition

Search Consultant, Kent Hickey co-wrote an article entitled Discernment is Disposition about effective discernment in Catholic School leadership through integrated contemplative practices that foster spiritual integrity.  Follow the link below to read this inspiring article written for Catholic Virtual. Discernment is Disposition

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06/23/2024 | Leading in a War Zone: An Interview with Trae Holland, School Director at Pechersk School International in Kyiv, Ukraine

Carney, Sandoe & Associates International Practice has the privilege of working with schools around the globe.  They are offered the unique opportunity to learn about the different cultures that shape a school and how it influences the curriculum, faculty, and students.  International schools provide opportunities for cultural awareness, global citizenship, and social-emotional learning. Senior Consultant,

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05/13/2024 | , Eye-Catching Résumés for a Headship Are Accomplishment Driven

More often than not, as a job seeker your résumé precedes you. It is the first impression a potential school has of you – and is usually a quick one. At Carney, Sandoe & Associates, we see hundreds of résumés for aspiring and current heads of school each year. Some catch our eye and capture

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04/28/2024 | The Role of the President/Head of School in Strengthening Student Engagement

In the heart of leadership, our mission goes far beyond the boardroom. As a consultant trusted to guide the appointment of leaders in esteemed institutions, I’ve discovered the immeasurable value of strengthening student engagement. Serving as a president in the president/principal model for over two decades, I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the

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

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