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A school runs on far more than its teachers, even though teachers get most of the attention. These are the top 10 jobs at a school or educational institution that keep the building running and students supported every single day.
Last updated: July 2026.
Schools and educational institutions manage a wide mix of instructional, administrative, and support staff, often with tight budgets and seasonal hiring cycles tied to the academic calendar.
Why Staffing Right Matters at a School
An unfilled support role, like a front office position or a bus driver seat, disrupts a school day just as much as a missing teacher. Staffing gaps in education directly affect students and families, which makes reliable hiring a higher-stakes job than it might look from the outside.
The 10 Jobs at a School or Educational Institution
- Front Office Administrator — manages the main office, calls, and visitor check-in.
- Teacher — delivers instruction and manages classroom learning.
- Teacher’s Aide/Paraprofessional — supports classroom instruction and individual student needs.
- School Counselor — supports student wellbeing and academic planning.
- Custodial/Facilities Staff — keeps the building clean, safe, and well maintained.
- Bus Driver — safely transports students to and from school.
- Cafeteria Staff — prepares and serves meals for students each day.
- IT/Technology Coordinator — supports classroom technology and school systems.
- Registrar/Records Coordinator — manages student records and enrollment.
- Principal/Administrator — oversees overall school operations and staff performance.
Hiring Around the Academic Calendar
Most schools face a hard hiring deadline before the school year starts, unlike businesses that can hire year-round. Building a hiring process that starts early and moves quickly reduces the risk of scrambling for coverage in August.
Building a Hiring Process for Every Role
Netchex’s hiring tools help schools fill instructional and support roles faster, while our education HR and payroll solutions keep staffing and compliance organized across the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bus drivers and substitute teachers are consistently some of the hardest school roles to fill, given licensing requirements for drivers and unpredictable, short-notice scheduling for substitutes.
Yes. Nearly all school roles, including support and facilities staff, require background checks given regular contact with students. Requirements vary by state but almost universally apply to any role on school property.
Most schools begin serious recruiting in the winter and spring for the following fall, since strong candidates, especially teachers, are often hired months before the school year actually starts.
It varies widely. Cafeteria and bus driver roles are often part time around the school day, while front office and facilities roles are more commonly full time, sometimes with reduced hours during school breaks.
Ready to Simplify School Staffing?
See how Netchex helps schools hire and manage staff across every role, all year long.
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