Hiring a Teacher: Job Description Template

Are you ready to find the perfect educator to shape young minds and inspire the next generation?

Hiring a Teacher is a pivotal decision for any educational institution, and it begins with a thorough understanding of the process and the Teacher’s role.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide the steps required to recruit the finest educators, explore the intricacies of the hiring process, and learn what makes a Teacher job description stand out and attract talented and qualified professionals.

Responsibilities & Role of a Teacher

Teachers are the cornerstone of an educational institution, tasked with various essential functions that shape students’ academic journey and contribute significantly to the institution’s success. From curriculum delivery to classroom management, assessment, and fostering a supportive learning environment, they bear a diverse array of responsibilities:

• Curriculum Planning and Delivery: Teachers develop and implement well-structured lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and educational objectives. They deliver engaging and effective instructional sessions that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Teachers assess and evaluate student performance through various assessment tools, such as tests, quizzes, assignments, and projects. They assess data to track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide timely feedback to students and parents.
• Classroom Management: They establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning. These Teachers implement effective classroom management strategies to promote student engagement, behavior management, and a sense of community.
• Individualized Support: Teachers identify students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities or special requirements, and develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) or accommodations.
• Parent and Guardian Communication: They foster open and proactive communication with parents or guardians to keep them informed about student progress and any concerns. Teachers even conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss academic performance, goals, and strategies for improvement.
• Cultural Competency and Inclusivity: Most Teachers Embrace and celebrate diversity within the classroom, creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
• Compliance with School Policies and Regulations: Teachers adhere to school policies, rules, and regulations for teaching, safety, and student well-being. They promptly report any safety concerns, incidents, or policy violations to the appropriate authorities.

How to Hire a Teacher

Hiring an exceptional Teacher is a cornerstone of building a successful educational institution. But finding the right one is no simple task; it’s a meticulous process that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hire a Teacher:

1. Know Your Teaching Requirements

Hiring the right Teacher begins with clearly understanding your institution’s educational requirements. Take the time to comprehensively define your needs and expectations, as this foundational step will guide the hiring process. So, to know your requirements, find answers to these questions:

• Does your institution need a math Teacher for high school students or an elementary school generalist?
• Do you prioritize experiential learning, project-based instruction, or a traditional classroom setting?
• Are you seeking a seasoned educator with years of experience, or are you open to hiring a newer Teacher with fresh perspectives?
• How will a candidate’s experience level impact their ability to adapt to your institution’s culture and requirements?
• Are you in a bustling urban school with large classes or a smaller, rural setting with more intimate classroom dynamics?
• What kind of Teacher will align with your school’s ethos and contribute positively to the educational community?
• Does your institution expect Teachers to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or coaching roles?
• How does this teaching position fit your institution’s growth and development plans?

2. Search for the Top Talent

Finding top talent in the teaching field is essential for your educational institution’s success. Here are some strategies to help you search for and attract the best candidates:

• Online Job Boards: Post your teaching job openings on educational and teaching job boards such as EducationWeek, SchoolSpring, TeachAway, and Daves ESL Cafe, which can help you connect with teachers actively searching for job opportunities. Use our Teacher job description below to create one that stands out and attracts qualified and experienced professionals. 
• School Website: Utilize your school’s website as a recruitment tool. Create a dedicated careers page that showcases your institution’s values, culture, and available teaching positions. Make it easy for potential candidates to apply directly through your website.
• Teacher Associations: Connect with teacher associations and organizations relevant to your institution’s location and focus. Joining associations such as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), or the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), These groups often have job boards and networking events where you can engage with qualified educators.
• Local and National Publications: Advertise in local newspapers, education-focused magazines, such as Education Dive or American School Board Journal, and relevant national publications to reach a broad audience of potential candidates.
• Referrals: Encourage your current staff, parents, and alumni to refer qualified candidates. Employee referral programs can effectively identify teachers familiar with your institution’s culture and values.
• Recruitment Agencies: Collaborating with education-specific recruitment agencies such as Teach For America, TES Global, or The Education Group can help you find teaching talent. They often have access to qualified candidates and can streamline the hiring process.
• Alumni Networks: Reach out to your school’s alumni network. Graduates with a strong connection to your institution may be interested in returning as teachers.

Attracting top talent involves showcasing your institution’s commitment to education, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. By implementing these strategies and emphasizing your school’s unique strengths, you can successfully search for and attract exceptional teachers who will contribute to the growth and success of your institution.

3. Look for Educational Qualifications

When hiring a teacher, it’s essential to consider their professional qualifications, which provide valuable insights into their knowledge and proficiency in educational principles and practices. Some key professional qualifications to look for include:

• Teaching Certification: Seek candidates with a valid teaching certification or license issued by the relevant education authorities. Certification like National Board Certification, ESL Teaching Certification, teaching English as a second language (TESOL), or  Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) ensures that the Teacher meets the necessary standards and requirements to teach in your region.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Related Field: A bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related field is a foundational qualification for Teachers. For instance, if you want to hire a:
  • High School Teacher holds a bachelor’s degree in subject area along with an education degree and teaching certificate. 
  • Middle School Teachers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with a focus on middle grades education. They may also pursue a degree in a specific subject area, such as mathematics, science, English, or social studies.
  • Kindergarten and elementary school Teachers hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is typically required. Some teachers may hold degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, or a specific subject area relevant to elementary school curriculum.
• Advanced Degrees in Education: Some teaching positions may benefit from candidates holding master’s or doctoral degrees in education, especially for roles in educational leadership, research, or specialized teaching areas.

When assessing professional qualifications for teachers, ensure that candidates’ credentials align with the subject areas and grade levels they will be teaching. 

Additionally, consider how their qualifications support your school’s educational mission and goals.

4. Analyze Their Work Experience

Analyzing a candidate’s work experience is a critical aspect of the teacher hiring process. It provides insights into their teaching background, instructional methods, and classroom management skills. When evaluating a teacher’s work experience, consider the following factors:

• Teaching Positions Held: Examine the candidate’s previous teaching roles, including grade levels, subjects, and types of educational institutions (e.g., public schools, private schools, international schools). Assess whether their experience aligns with the position you’re hiring for.
• Years of Experience: Consider the candidate’s total years of teaching experience. While experience is valuable, also assess the quality and relevance of their teaching experience. A candidate with several years of experience in a related field may bring valuable insights.
• Grade Level Expertise: Evaluate whether the candidate has experience teaching the grade level(s) relevant to your school. Different grade levels require distinct teaching approaches, so a candidate’s grade-level expertise is essential.

By thoroughly analyzing a candidate’s work experience, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of their suitability for the teaching position.

5. Conduct a Comprehensive Interview Process

Below is a structured interview process that covers various aspects of a teacher’s qualifications, skills, teaching philosophy, and suitability for the role:

• First Round Interview: Organize a panel interview with a mix of interviewers, including administrators and teachers, who will ask standardized Teacher interview questions. During this phase, evaluate the candidates’ teaching philosophy, classroom management techniques, lesson planning abilities, communication skills, and proficiency in using educational technology.
• Teaching Demonstration: Following the first round of interviews, invite the shortlisted candidates to prepare and deliver a sample lesson to either a group of students or the interview panel. This step allows you to assess their instructional skills, classroom presence, and ability to engage and assess students effectively.
• Second Round Interview (Finalists): Begin with another panel interview, but focus on their teaching demonstration experiences this time. Pose situational interview questions to evaluate their problem-solving abilities and address how they plan to build relationships with parents and involve them in their child’s education.

Throughout the process, maintain a consistent and fair approach while documenting all interactions and evaluations to ensure transparency and compliance with employment laws. Involving various stakeholders in the interview process ensures diverse perspectives are considered, contributing to a more well-rounded hiring decision.

6. Cross-Verify Their References

Cross-verifying references involves reaching out to the references provided by the candidate to confirm the accuracy of their qualifications and performance history. Conduct reference interviews and ask specific questions, such as: 

• Can you describe the candidate’s teaching methods and classroom management skills?
• How did the candidate handle challenges or difficult situations in the classroom?
• Could you provide examples of the candidate’s impact on students’ academic progress or personal development?

This thorough verification ensures that the information provided aligns with the candidate’s actual performance and suitability for the teaching position, ultimately aiding in a well-informed hiring decision.

Tips for Avoiding Red Flags During the Hiring Process

In the quest to recruit exceptional educators, navigating the hiring process for Teachers can be a nuanced journey. To ensure your educational institution welcomes dedicated and qualified professionals, consider these essential tips for avoiding red flags during hiring.

• Teaching Philosophy: Ask candidates about their teaching philosophy and methods. Ensure their approach aligns with your school’s educational goals and values.
• Observation and Trial Lessons: Consider conducting classroom observations or requesting candidates to teach a trial lesson. This can provide firsthand insight into their teaching style, classroom management, and student interactions.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Inquire about the candidate’s experience with diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Ensure they are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
• Inability to Handle Parental Involvement: Difficulty managing relationships with parents and guardians or a history of contentious interactions may signal challenges in building positive family partnerships.
• Difficulty with Classroom Management: If the candidate struggles to provide effective strategies for managing classroom behavior or maintaining a positive learning environment, it may indicate limited classroom management skills.
• Lack of Classroom Innovations: Teachers should be willing to incorporate technology and innovative teaching methods into their classrooms in today’s educational landscape. A candidate who resists or lacks experience with these tools may be unprepared for modern teaching.

Teacher Job Description

According to research, too long (around 2000 words) and too short (170-250 words) job descriptions can hurt the quality of candidates who apply to your jobs. So, our goal is to provide a balanced and informative job description that attracts top-tier candidates while respecting their time and attention. 

Here’s what a stellar Teacher job description looks like:

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Teacher?

Here are some key cost components to consider when hiring a teacher:

Recruitment Cost

Recruitment costs for hiring a teacher can vary depending on the methods and resources used to attract and select candidates. Here are some common recruitment cost components to consider:

• Online Job Boards: The cost of using online job boards can depend on factors, including the specific job board, the level of visibility and exposure you desire, and any additional features or services you choose. For instance, EducationWeek charges $395 for a job listing and $1,100 for three job listings, while SchoolSpring charges $250 for a single posting and $650 for three job postings.Daves ESL Cafe charges $75 per job post and another $75 for using their resume database.
• Teacher Association: You can find qualified Teachers in various Teacher’s associations, but you have to pay a membership fee to join them. For instance, the membership fee of NAEYC ranges between $30 to $150 per year, depending on your chosen plan. NSTA charges between $45 to $90 per year for their membership, whereas the membership fee of NCTM starts at $99 per year.
• Recruitment Agencies: If a school or educational institution uses a recruitment agency or headhunter to assist in the Teacher search, there may be fees associated with their services. These fees are typically a percentage of the Teacher’s annual salary or a flat rate.

Salary and Benefits

The primary cost of hiring a Teacher is their salary, which varies greatly depending on factors such as geographic location, the level of education (e.g., elementary, secondary, or higher education), years of experience, and the school’s budget.

The average salary of a:

• High School Teacher is $61,820 per year.
• Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher is $61,350 per year.
• Middle School Teacher is $61,320 per year.
• Postsecondary Teacher is $79,640 per year.
• Special Education Teacher is $61,820 per year.

In addition to the base salary, there are often costs associated with providing benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.