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There is no law or regulation in Texas that requires or governs the
use of the title "Independent School", as such there is not
requirement that they be accredited by anyone.

Comparing salary scales I find the top independent schools have
higher salaries in the mid band.

Some private and independent schools provide fixed benefit
retirement plans (annuities) separate from 401Ks, of course social
security is a thorny issue as the windfall guidelines usually make
self employment under social security an unproductive use of
personal financial resources. Social security is usually available to
private and independent schools.

Otherwise, I found our list of Pros and Cons very spot on and
accurate.

On 1/03/15, muinteoir wrote:
> On 1/03/15, what are they like to teach in? wrote:
>> Is anyone a private school teacher?
>> There is an opening in a school near me.
>> What are the pros and cons?
>> How is a private school different from an
>> independent school?
>
> I retired from public schools and began teaching in an
> independent school a couple of years ago.
>
> Independent schools are private schools that do not depend
> on outside sources for finances or governance. Funds to
> run the school are raised through tuition, donations,
> endowments and the like. They have their own board of
> directors and are not subject to local school boards or
> state and national education policy.
>
> Independent schools in Texas are accredited by the
> Independent Schools Association of the Southwest.
>
> Private schools are schools that are not public schools.
> They might be independent schools, or they may might be
> governed and financed by another organization - usually a
> church.
>
> Like most things in education, you can't paint private
> schools with a broad brush. They vary greatly from school
> to school.
>
> In my part of the state, independent schools have a much
> better reputation for academics than the church-run
> schools, although some of the Catholic High Schools are
> highly regarded also. Most (not all) of the Catholic K-8
> schools don't enjoy the same reputation. The schools run
> by the more conservative churches tend to have weaker
> programs, and often teach creation based science.
>
> The independent schools pay much better, very close to what
> the public schools pay. They do this deliberately to
> attract the best teachers they can. Younger, less
> experienced teachers may even make slightly more than they
> would in public schools.
> Insurance benefits are very comparable.
> There is no TRS, but Social Security and 401(k)s are
> provided.
> When positions open up, there are usually nation-wide
> searches to fill the spot. There are several agencies that
> specialize in placing teachers in independent schools.
>
> Most of the non-independent schools have a much lower pay
> rate. A friend of mine who retired the same time I did and
> went to a church sponsored school is making a third of what
> I do - with no benefits.
>
> Based on my limited experience in one school the pros and
> cons are -
>
> Pros
> -smaller classes (average of 15 for me)
>
> -more classroom autonomy
>
> -much less paperwork
>
> -more time for prep
>
> -very supportive parents
>
> -students are all reading at or above grade level
>
> -very little testing (we do one test in 5th and 7th - it's
> a COGAT-type test designed for private schools. High school
> has AP exams)
>
> -a professional. collegial atmosphere - I never hear
> complaining or whining. It's probably my favorite part.
>
> -very limited meetings
>
> -supportive leaders
>
> -community spirit - administration, teachers, non-teaching
> staff, parents, children - all are part of the school
> family
>
> -no ridiculous behavior from students
>
> -I'm not sure if this is "pro" - but we don't make
> modifications for special ed. If a student can't handle
> our curriculum, then our school isn't the best fit for the
> child. I prepare one quality lesson and don't worry about
> differentiation.
>
> Cons
> - In addition to teaching 5 classes, all teachers have an
> advisory and must sponsor an organization or coach. Many
> sponsor AND coach. And many of the organizations have
> weekend events. Fortunately, at my school advisory and
> organization time is built into the school day. It's still
> extra work that you don't necessarily have to do in public
> schools.
>
> - We are required to be available for tutoring for 45
> minutes after the end of class Monday - Thursday. It's
> part of our school day.
>
> - We have several evening events for prospective students
> that are required.
>
> - Big fund-raising events in the evening or on weekends are
> required.
>
> - Because we are small, you don't have a team of people
> teaching the same thing you teach. This frees you from
> communal lesson planning, but also leaves you a little
> isolated too.
>
> - You have to be on your "A" game Every. Single. Class.
> Period. You cannot have an off day. When parents are
> paying thousands of dollars, they will not tolerate any
> type of sloppy performance in the classroom.
>
> - There is little tolerance for any kind of mistake. New
> teachers have a little grace period, but you better make
> sure you read every email (because we don't have many
> meetings) and make sure you follow procedures exactly.
> There are no organizations, or continuing contracts, or
> anything to protect a teacher from the types of tings that
> would be overlooked in most public schools.
>
> I know there are more pros and cons, but this is off the
> top of my head.

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