FAQs
Frequently Ask Questions
& Metro Consulting's Answers
01
Does Metro Consulting support schools in recruiting lead teachers?
Metro Consulting Services does not normally support schools in recruiting lead teachers. We do have some suggestions, though!
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If you are a school member of the American Montessori Society or AMI-USA, advertise on their websites. These organizations have the broadest reach and many members. It is often the first place individuals search when looking for a new position.
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Reach out to the regional groups in your state and surrounding states. For suggestions, start here.
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Reach out to teacher education programs in your state and surrounding states. Both AMS and AMI-USA list teacher education programs. These programs often post openings for free on their websites. If there is no employment openings page, send them an email asking for their help.
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Look to your own community. A classroom assistant or involved parent might be interested in the training to become a lead teacher. We suggest that if you find a good, uncertified candidate, you offer them a contract whereby you pay for the training and forgive 25% of the tuition/housing cost for every year they work for you. If they leave before fully repaying their debt, they should be required to repay the remainder.
02
It’s January, and our Head of School just left. What do we do?
This is a difficult time to fill an open head of school position. By now, most good candidates have signed a contract, or are committed to other schools for the remainder of the school year. We recommend finding an Interim to lead the school for the next year and ½ and start the search as soon as possible.
03
How to we find an Interim?
The interim pool is small. We recommend you look internally for a teacher leader and/or administrative staff member who might be willing to step in. True, they might not have all of the skills that you are looking for with a new HOS, but with a shared leadership model, you can support them. We are happy to help you with this process.
04
What do you think about internal candidates?
In general, school communities love familiarity when it comes to leadership. Internal candidates have that going for them and are generally appreciated by the faculty and the parent body. For the final selection of a new, permanent HOS, however, Boards need to do their due diligence, consider outside applicants as well and vetting all candidates equally.
05
What Is the most optimum inquiry that Metro receives?
(January) Elated when a Board president calls us and says, “ We would like to engage Metro for a search for a new HOS. We have an interim for the next school year, we understand this is a 8-9 month search process (with the new HOS starting the following summer). We want the best for our school. The right fit, someone who fits with our culture, someone who will love us, they love us, and they stay forever.”