How do private high school English teacher jobs differ from public schools?

I'm trying to understand the differences between teaching English in private versus public high schools. Does the job description or requirements change significantly?

The job descriptions for private and public high school English teachers will largely be the same: instruct students, create lesson plans, assess student progress, and maintain classroom management, among others. However, there can be notable differences in the specifics or the environment that could impact the role, largely due to differences in resources, curricula, average class sizes, and hiring practices between the two types of schools.

Private high schools often have smaller class sizes than public high schools. This can reduce the amount of grading and could allow for more individualized teaching and deeper relations with students.

As for curriculum, public school teachers must follow state-mandated curriculum guidelines and might have more structured curricula. Private schools have more freedom to adjust their curriculum but might emphasize more rigorous and advanced courses, which could mean teaching a curriculum with greater detail or complexity.

In terms of requirements, public school teachers usually must have a state-issued certification or license to teach, which often includes having a bachelor’s degree, completing an accredited teacher preparation program, student teaching experiences, and passing state exams.

Private high schools, on the other hand, aren't regulated by the same state laws, so hiring requirements may differ. While many private schools prefer their teachers to be certified, many also prioritize subject knowledge and teaching ability, and they may hire a promising teacher who doesn't have a traditional teaching background but a degree in English Literature, for example.

Remember, these differences can vary widely based on the specific public or private school, but these are some general trends you might expect. Your personal teaching philosophy and preferences would greatly influence which environment is better suited to you.