The call continues: New answers to an old call

Here in SE Virginia, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and the holiday rush is right around the corner. Yes, it has been quite a while since I posted here at A School to Call Home. I've been busy with various projects, including working on my dissertation (although, until it is accepted, I'll not have put enough time into it) and keeping up with a semi-work-related blog, An Unofficial Coast Guard Blog. In the back of my mind, however, the thought of returning to a school community has never been far away. My daily list of RSS reads includes Dana Huff and California Teacher Guy. They couldn't be more different, but they have one thing in common: they both have a passion for the classroom and for students and for teaching.

I want to fuel my own passion for the classroom, students, and teaching.

While I'd thought that my personal situation would make it nearly impossible to keep seeking a school position this year and next, I've carefully evaluated things, and sought out the opinions of my wife, sons, and former spouse, and have decided to not only continue looking but to open the search from just indendent boarding schools to include day schools (and even public schools).

As has been true, I still have a list of criteria to screen possibilities. Here's the criteria for this season's search. The first set of criteria is for all schools. Then there's a set of criteria for boarding schools; the third set of criteria is for day schools and boarding schools which don't meet the boarding criteria. In short, I'll still consider boarding schools which don't meet the boarding school criteria, but they must meet the day school criteria.

Selection Criteria for all schools

• Non-profit
• College prep or college bound
• Maintain similar standard of living as current
• Co-ed or all boys

Additional Selection Criteria for boarding schools

• 325 students, max
• 35% day students, max
• 1:9 faculty:student ratio, max
• 25% international students, max

Additional Selection Criteria for day schools and day/boarding schools

• 400 students max (upper school)
• Casual dress
• Follows Coalition of Essential Schools or other progressive program
• If private school, must be an "independent" school
• Maximum faculty/student ratio 1:11

I've also decided that I'm not adverse to using head hunters, as by adding day schools and public schools to the mix, I'm increasing the number of possible schools a hundred-fold.

The working copy of my criteria for a school community can be found at my listography profile.