School Meeting elects all staff positions each spring in a two-step process. First, elections are held by secret ballot to determine who may be hired. All students and staff are eligible to vote.

Second, School Meeting decides who of the eligible persons will be offered a contract, and then negotiates a contract with those persons it wants to hire. Staff members are sometimes offered part-time positions. These contracts last, at most, one year, and there is no tenure.

Serious candidates are encouraged to visit so that School Meeting members have a chance to meet them and better assess what they might offer the school. The Staff Hiring Committee recommends one-day visits to the Visitors Clerk; subsequent visits must be approved by School Meeting. During this longer visit, the Staffing Clerk arranges a candidate interview to which all School Meeting members are invited.

Fairhaven School is a Sudbury model school and quite different from conventional schools. We strongly recommend that staff candidates become familiar with our educational philosophy by reading our newsletters and other informational materials, and Sudbury Valley School literature (available for sale from SVS or through our office). Other Sudbury schools also have web sites that provide additional information about our schools. (Go to Other Sudbury Schools.)

Understanding the Sudbury model, being an interesting, productive person, and enjoying the company of young people and respecting their rights are much more significant assets than conventional teacher training.

Currently, a full-time, entry-level staff position pays about $30,000/year, with medical and insurance benefits. Life experience and experience staffing at another Sudbury school may be factored into longevity pay.

The Staff Hiring Committee asks that applicants send an e-mail or letter and a resume telling us why they want to join the staff at Fairhaven School.

Please email your interest to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to:

Staff Hiring Committee
Fairhaven School
17900 Queen Anne Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774