Faculty Diversity Search

A Program to Promote Faculty Diversity in NYC Independent Schools

Founded in 1994 as a non profit organization, the mission of the Faculty Diversity Search (FDS) is to increase the diversity of teachers and administrators in the New York City independent schools.   Each year, FDS works with 25 to 30 different NYC schools (see FDS Member Schools) and place faculty in a variety of positions.   Since its inception, approximately 250 teachers have found and accepted positions through the FDS program (see List of FDS School Placements).  

FDS seeks to recruit and select an outstanding pool of candidates of color and other under-represented minorities who demonstrate current excellence or future promise as independent school educators.   Openings are for teachers of all grades k-12, both entry-level and experienced. Openings for academic deans and division heads, technologists, librarians, learning specialists, counselors, admissions and development officers require an advanced degree and two or more years of experience.  The offer of a position can be made only by an individual school, which also establishes salaries and benefits.

Eligibility:

In determining a candidate’s eligibility for the FDS pool, the following factors are important:

  • Academic background, including advanced degrees
  • Prior teaching experience
  • Strong personal characteristics
  • Commitment to working with children and young people
  • Desire to work in an independent school
  • A commitment to excellence, collaboration and professional growth

Applicants must have at least a B.A. or B.S. degree. State certification is not required. There is no fee to the candidate at any time.

Reasons to Work with FDS:

FDS has been working with the independent schools of New York City for over 15 years and knows the characteristics of the individual schools extremely well.    We work closely with hiring teams and and know whom they are looking for to join their faculties.   We also counsel our candidates individually about which schools will best suit their interests and needs and make nuanced recommendations about strategies when applying for a job.   FDS is a "safe space" to go to discuss options and get advice and coaching on resumes, cover letters, interviewing and demonstration classes.   We stay in close touch with our candidates throughout the hiring season and then follow our placed candidates through their first two years of teaching.    We hold reunions and substantive professional development sessions for new teachers.   We are in essence "cheerleaders" for our candidate pool and enjoy working with individual candidates as they do their job search in the New York City independent school world.  

Application Process:

To initiate the application process, a candidate must first submit an application with a cover letter an resume online.  Please click on Tips for Applying to ensure you have a strong resume and cover letter, and then begin the process by clicking on Post Your Resume under the Faculty Diversity Search tab.

Once the Interschool staff reviews the application, candidates selected for the FDS pool will be notified and invited for an interview with our staff in the New York office. To complete the application process, candidates will be asked to provide three letters of reference and an official transcript.   You do not have to have all your references and transcripts to start the process but in order to be considered by a school and complete the process, you will need those documents.  

Once a file is complete, it is sent to member schools as appropriate openings occur. The Interschool staff works closely with each school and candidate throughout the hiring process. Member schools’ commitment to faculty diversity and their high regard for the FDS selection process assure a careful review of every candidate file.

If contacted by a school, it is important that candidates respond promptly, either by phone or email. The offer of a position can be made ONLY by an individual school. Salaries and benefits are established by each school and vary from school to school.

 

Interschool Faculty Diversity Search Staff:
Cathy Cramer, Director
Brandie Clarke, Associate Director
Jaleh Amouzegar, Consultant
Pat Ranard, Consultant