Where Educators Belong: Inside the CDS Educator Open House
On a quiet January evening, after the last bell had rung and the halls had emptied, Carrollwood Day School welcomed educators from across the region to experience the campus in a different light. The annual Educator Open House offered a closer look at a school where teaching is collaborative, growth is intentional, and educators are invited to imagine a long-term professional home.
Every January, we look forward to an evening that invites connection and encourages opportunity. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after the school day had ended and the campus grew quiet, Carrollwood Day School opened its doors once again to welcome educators from across the region for our annual Educator Open House. It is a meaningful tradition that allows us to share not just what we do at CDS, but why we do it, while offering educators the opportunity to imagine what life could look like as a CDS Patriot.
For those seeking a mission-driven school where students are guided to act with honesty, integrity, and respect, Carrollwood Day School has long believed that this work begins with investing deeply in the people who teach them.
The nature of our International Baccalaureate program calls us to create a community of respect and commitment that shapes how we teach, how we lead, and how we support our faculty. At CDS, educators are supported through proactive and meaningful professional development and the trust to bring their expertise and creativity into the classroom. Teachers don’t just instruct. They mentor, advise, coach, and contribute in ways that are authentic and valued.
The CDS Educator Open House was intentionally designed to reflect that philosophy. From the moment guests arrived in the Student Union, there was time to settle in, enjoy food and drinks, and connect with current faculty and administrators. Conversations flowed easily as educators shared what brought them to CDS and what has kept them here. The evening opened with a welcome rooted in shared purpose, as Head of School Sara Rubinstein spoke about the principles that guide our school and how CDS invests in teacher growth through long-term professional learning, global Round Square opportunities, and programs like STAR (Supporting Teacher Achievement and Recognition), which allows faculty to continue doing what they love while progressing as master and mentor teachers.
Guests then heard from our Human Resources team, who shared how CDS remains committed to staying competitive and fair with compensation by benchmarking salaries and benefits annually and recognizing exceptional performance through growth opportunities beyond cost-of-living adjustments. That commitment to fairness and investment extends beyond compensation. CDS dedicates significant resources to professional development, including weekly Power Hour on Wednesday mornings, when students arrive an hour later so faculty can engage in collaboration, training, and meaningful learning together. Tuition assistance is also available for faculty and staff who are furthering their education in their field, reinforcing the belief that learning does not stop at the classroom door.
The heart of the evening followed as educators broke into divisional conversations for Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. These smaller sessions created space for thoughtful dialogue, specific questions, and honest insight into what teaching looks like within each division, offering the chance to hear directly from educators who live the work every day. The night continued with student-led campus tours, a highlight for many visitors. Experiencing the campus alongside CDS students provided a powerful glimpse into the culture of the school through the voices of those who know it best. Their pride, confidence, and sense of belonging spoke volumes.
The Educator Open House is not about filling a position. It is about opening our doors and inviting educators to experience a community where teaching is respected, supported, and celebrated.
That commitment is reflected not only in our culture but in our outcomes. In our January 2026 Employee Satisfaction Survey, 95 percent of faculty and staff shared that they feel valued at CDS, and the same percentage reported being satisfied or very satisfied working here. CDS also retained 95 percent of non-retiring faculty for the 2025–2026 school year, a reflection of a community where educators choose to stay and grow.
As a destination school of choice for PK–12 educators in the Tampa Bay area, Carrollwood Day School continues to attract educators who are passionate about their subject areas, committed to supporting students beyond the classroom, and eager to be part of a school that values collaboration, curiosity, character, and belonging for all.
Like our students, CDS faculty and staff thrive on challenges and enjoy a growth-oriented, collaborative learning community that is committed to the School’s mission and vision. At Carrollwood Day School we take great pride in the diverse talents of our faculty and staff. We are always looking for talented and committed individuals to join our team. Consider joining our family of over 200 dedicated staff members, where you'll nurture students' passions and watch them grow into their full potential. In return, we'll make sure you have all the support, resources, and opportunities you need to pursue your own personal and professional ambitions. Together, we’ll inspire each other every step of the way. Click HERE to explore our career opportunities.