CANDIDATE FAQ

Working with a search firm like CalWest ensures you have access to a wide network of schools and opportunities. Our deep relationships with private, independent, and charter schools allow us to identify matches that align with your skills, experience, and career aspirations. A search firm provides: 

• Personalized support: We guide you through resume crafting, interview preparation, and offer negotiation. 

• Exclusive opportunities: Schools often turn to us first when they have positions to fill. 

• Efficiency: We streamline your job search by identifying the best-fit opportunities. 

• Confidentiality: Whether you’re employed or seeking your next step, we can conduct confidential searches on your behalf. 

Becoming a CalWest candidate means gaining a strategic partner in your job search. Our deep understanding of schools and educators allows us to: 

• Showcase your strengths to the right hiring teams. 

• Connect you with positions not always advertised publicly. 

• Support you throughout the process: We offer coaching and feedback to set you up for success. 

• Additionally, CalWest’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity ensures we work to find schools where every educator belongs and thrives. 

The process is simple and supportive: 

• Submit your application through our website. 

• Our team reviews your credentials and experience. 

• Qualified applicants undergo an introductory call where we learn about your career goals and preferences. 

• Once accepted, your profile becomes part of our curated candidate pool. 

• We connect you with schools and opportunities that align with your expertise and goals. 

Schools trust CalWest because of our personalized and proven approach: 

• We save schools time and resources by presenting only pre-vetted candidates. 

• We bring deep expertise in identifying educators who align with a school’s mission and community. 

• Our reach is extensive: we review thousands of candidates annually, ensuring schools gain access to diverse, qualified, and engaged educators. 

• Our tailored and empathetic approach reflects CalWest’s motto: Deep – Diverse, Empathetic, Engaged, Personalized. 

We partner with a wide range of private, independent, and charter schools across the Western United States and beyond. These include K-12 schools, religiously affiliated schools, and specialized programs with unique teaching philosophies. 

CalWest partners with schools committed to excellence in hiring, providing enriching environments for both students and educators. 

Hiring cycles peak during late winter through early spring, with active recruiting beginning in January and often continuing into the summer months. However, schools have positions that may open at any time of the year. 

While charter schools in California often require state certification, private and independent schools have greater flexibility in hiring educators. Many private schools value subject expertise, teaching experience, and mission alignment over specific certification requirements. 

Yes. We fully understand and respect your need for confidentiality. When conducting a search, CalWest ensures that your information is shared only with your approval and with schools that are a clear match for your goals. 

Absolutely. Being part of the CalWest candidate pool does not prevent you from applying to roles independently. However, by working with us, you increase your access to exclusive opportunities and gain the benefit of our personalized coaching and insights. 

CalWest primarily partners with schools in the U.S., which generally require candidates to be authorized to work in the United States. While we do not sponsor visas, we encourage international candidates with proper work authorization to apply. 

CalWest’s services are provided at no cost to candidates. Our partner schools pay for our recruitment services to find educators and leaders who are the right fit for their communities. 

You can submit your application through the CalWest website. After creating an account, upload your resume and relevant information to start the process. 

If you have previously applied to CalWest or worked with us in the past, simply email mysearch@calwesteducators.com or log into your account to update your profile. One of our team members will reconnect with you to discuss current opportunities and your career goals. 

CalWest assists in placing educators and school leaders in roles including: 

• Classroom teachers (various subjects) 

• Division Heads 

• Directors of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

• Enrollment Management and Admissions Directors 

• Heads of School 

• STEM specialists 

• Learning Support professionals 

We also partner with schools on leadership and administrative searches. 

Yes! Whether you are actively looking or exploring possibilities, CalWest supports school leaders in finding mission-aligned, impactful opportunities at private, independent, and charter schools. 

CalWest is uniquely positioned to serve schools and candidates because of our: 

• Extensive relationships with schools across the Western U.S. 

• Personalized, empathetic approach to understanding both candidates and schools. 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusive hiring practices. 

• Proven record of guiding searches that ensure great fits and long-term success. 

• Our collaborative process focuses on finding matches that benefit schools, educators, and their students.