Frequently Asked Career Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about ministry and careers in Episcopal schools.
Questions? Contact NAES.
Chaplaincy & Teaching Religion
Must I be an ordained Episcopal priest to be a chaplain in an Episcopal school?
Some schools feel strongly that their chaplains should always be ordained priests, particularly if there are a large number of sacramental functions, such as the Holy Eucharist, that require a priest's presence and ministry. On the other hand, if other administrators or faculty are ordained Episcopal priests, they can supply sacramental ministry to support a chaplain who is a deacon or lay person. If the school does not offer sacramental liturgies, as is often true in schools that serve our youngest students, an ordained priest may not be essential.
Is it possible to be a chaplain in an Episcopal school and not be an Episcopalian?
As for non-Episcopal chaplains, laity or people ordained in other traditions are encountered in our schools, most commonly in multiple chaplain staffs when there are Episcopal colleagues to deal with denomination-specific matters. Requirements for the religious affiliation of chaplain candidates are set by each school, at its discretion and subject to any bylaw or diocesan requirements and applicable employment statutes.
Can NAES place me in a chaplaincy or teacher of religion position in an Episcopal school?
NAES does not act as a placement agency for its member schools, nor, at the present time, does it maintain a database of resumés for schools to review. We therefore ask that you do not send resumés to our office. Candidates must apply directly to searching schools. Links to web pages listing current vacancies may be found at the left.
Contact NAES with your questions not answered here.
Headship
Must I be an Episcopalian to be the head of an Episcopal school?
In NAES' experience, both Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians have been heads of Episcopal schools. That said, some dioceses do require that the heads of the schools within their boundaries be Episcopalians, or petition for a waiver of this policy. Also, the bylaws of some schools require that the head be an Episcopalian, or even an ordained Episcopal clergyperson. If you are considering applying for a headship at an Episcopal school, NAES strongly urges you to inquire early on in the process as to any requirements concerning the faith affiliation or ordination status required of the head of school.
Can NAES place me in a head of school or director position in an Episcopal school?
NAES does not act as a placement agency for its member schools, nor, at the present time, does it maintain a database of resumés for schools to review. We therefore ask that you do not send resumés to our office. Candidates must apply directly to searching schools. Links to web pages listing current vacancies may be found at the left.
Contact NAES with your questions not answered here.
Teaching & Administration
Who establishes the qualifications and requirements to be a teacher or administrator in an Episcopal school?
Qualifications and requirements for faculty and administrative positions are set by each school at its sole discretion, subject to applicable employment statutes and any bylaw or diocesan requirements. The National Association of Episcopal Schools does not set these policies.
Must I be an Episcopalian to work as a teacher or administrator in an Episcopal school?
Episcopalians, other Christians, non-Christians and persons with no formal faith affiliation teach and work as administrators in Episcopal schools. Again, qualifications and requirements for faculty and administrative positions are set by each school, at its discretion and subject to any bylaw or diocesan requirements and applicable employment statutes.
Can NAES place me in a teaching or adminstrative position in an Episcopal school?
NAES does not act as a placement agency for its member schools, nor, at the present time, does it maintain a database of resumés for schools to review. We therefore ask that you do not send resumés to our office. Candidates must apply directly to searching schools. Links to web pages listing current vacancies may be found at the left.