Finding the right educators is one of the most important investments a school can make. Great teachers shape the student experience, inspire curiosity, strengthen community, and help bring a school’s mission to life. For decades, we’ve helped make long-lasting connections possible through our Hiring Conferences. These events are a crucial part of the recruitment process, creating opportunities for successful connections between schools and candidates. They give attendees the opportunity to meet in person, build relationships, and explore new opportunities together. With registration now open for 2027, we’re taking a closer look at what makes these events such a unique opportunity for those looking to hire.

Where it All Began: A Different Approach to Hiring 

Beginning in the 1980s, we saw an opportunity to connect with independent schools and educators in a more personal way. For schools, the hiring process can be time-consuming and challenging, requiring more than simply finding someone with the right qualifications. Schools are looking for educators whose experience, values, and teaching philosophies align with their mission and community. For candidates, the process can be just as challenging as they navigate competitive opportunities while searching for schools that align with their professional goals and where they can grow in their careers. Recognizing the importance of bringing both sides together, we saw an opportunity to approach recruitment differently. 

As Ben Bolte recalls, the idea behind the conferences came from a simple concept:

 “I think it was as simple as, ‘We should create some kind of event that brings schools and candidates together in person to interview with each other.’ Remember, this was pre-internet. Email, fax, and word processing was just becoming a thing.”

In 1984, that idea became reality with our first Forum. As Ben remembers,

“The first Forum in 1984 was small. A handful of schools and candidates. Still, it took three days to schedule everyone; it was kind of like the MLB draft, with a board displaying all the matches. And no one really knew what to expect, but candidates got hired nonetheless. “

We’ve always been dedicated to connecting people through strong recruitment practices. The introduction of our Hiring Conferences helped transform the process, condensing weeks or months of traditional applications and screenings into a more efficient, face-to-face experience.

More than a Meeting: The Advantage for Schools 

In today’s digital world, technology has made the recruitment process seemingly faster and more accessible. Many schools can arrange a Zoom meeting or post a job application within minutes. With that in mind, what makes attending one of our Hiring Conferences worthwhile? 

The difference is in the strength of the connections. Attending these events is essential to building relationships. They give schools the opportunity to showcase their culture, values, and mission while allowing hiring teams to gain valuable insights into the candidates they meet.

As stated by Kim Bagley, our Director of Conferences, 

“Schools who attend a hiring conference tend to have stronger hiring outcomes. Since the candidates who attend conferences are self-selected, those people tend to be more engaged in the search process. Conferences are also a time to consult with Carney Sandoe team members about your school and your hiring needs.”

Our Hiring Conferences bring together schools and a curated group of top educators to meet and interview multiple candidates in one place. Schools can meet candidates face-to-face, tap into talent beyond their immediate geographic area, and partner directly with the Carney Sandoe team to identify educators who align with their school, rather than relying solely on online applications and virtual conversations. 

Through our application process, we bring together educators with a range of skills, professional backgrounds, educational experiences, and areas of expertise. This is especially important for independent schools, which often have specific hiring criteria and are looking for candidates with specialized qualifications that align with their programs.

As Beth McArdle, Associate Director of Placement, explains,

“The Forums are limited solely to Carney Sandoe candidates. Meeting and interviewing candidates in person for one/two days cannot be replicated by phone or Zoom interviewing. By attending Carney Sandoe Hiring Forums, schools have the opportunity to meet with candidates from all disciplines who have traveled from all over the country and the world. Forums expand the schools’ prospective candidate pools beyond their local networks.” 

Unlike online job boards or automated recruiting platforms, our approach is based on authentic relationships and an understanding of what makes each school and candidate unique. Schools have the opportunity to speak directly with experienced members of our placement team, each of whom specializes in specific areas of independent school education.

“The people behind the work,” Kim Bagley explains, “are what makes these conferences so unique. We are not a job board or an algorithm. We build relationships, we learn about the needs of both schools and candidates, and we help make meaningful matches.”

Ultimately, it’s that personal approach that makes the difference: every connection is grounded in people, experience, and a shared understanding of what makes a successful match.