01/04/2023 by Carney Sandoe Staff |

FORUM/DEIB FAQs: A Q&A with our Conferences Team

Kim and Donisha

by Kim Garner, Chief Operating Officer, The Placement Group, & Director of Conferences

and Donisha Thaxton, Associate Director of Conferences, Senior Placement Counselor


FORUM/DEIB, both a hiring conference and professional development event, is an incredible opportunity to connect like-minded educators and schools committed to diversity and inclusion efforts. Our goal is to help candidates of color, candidates from underserved groups, and others interested in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work find job opportunities at schools that are right for them – and to leave the conference feeling inspired, connected, and equipped to bring DEIB work back to their school communities.

FORUM/DEIB will be held in person on January 27-28 in Philadelphia.

Since this FORUM is a little different (though also quite similar!) to our five other hiring events this year, we’re happy to answer any and all questions you might have.

1. Is this the conference previously known as FORUM/Diversity?

Yes! We’ve made the decision to update the name of the FORUM to more accurately reflect our goals for the event. Carney Sandoe believes wholeheartedly in uplifting and facilitating the work of equity, inclusion, and belonging, in addition to increasing diversity in independent and like-kind schools. You can read more about Carney Sandoe’s commitments to DEIB work here.

2. Who can attend FORUM/DEIB?

All CS&A candidates! This is a welcoming, inclusive event intended for everyone who is passionate about and committed to joining the conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in schools. Whether you’re a teacher of color, a DEIB practitioner, a school HR representative, or an administrator interested in learning how to engage in diversity conversations and increase authentic diversity in your school, this conference is for you.

Carney Sandoe recognizes and embraces diversity in all its forms, both seen and unseen – race, age, gender identity, ability, ethnicity, cultural identity, national origin, religion. All CS&A candidates are invited to participate in the event.

3. Can I get a job at FORUM/DEIB?

You certainly can! Like our other hiring events, FORUM/DEIB will have a hiring component where schools will interview job-seeking candidates during consecutive 30-minute interview slots.

Historically, we’ve found that these interviews are wonderful opportunities for both candidates and schools to learn more about one another in an efficient, face-to-face manner. Frequently, conference interviews lead to an invitation to interview on-campus.

4. Am I guaranteed that I will receive a job offer?

No. As at each of our events, we cannot guarantee that candidates attending will be invited to interview, or that an interview will result in a job offer.

However, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build your network with hundreds of other school educators and administrators. In addition to the official interviews that take place, the number of conversations that take place in the hallways, before the keynote address, and in the professional development sessions are innumerable. With so many people from the independent school community in one place, you never know who you're going to strike up a conversation with.

5. Why is CS&A hosting FORUM/DEIB?

We host this conference because of the many common themes that unite even the most disparate independent schools: the need for quality teachers and motivated students, the desire to produce students of integrity as well as intellect, and the tension between progress and tradition. Diversity and inclusion are ever-important issues for schools and candidates, issues that we are committed to through strategies like this event. While we are continually learning on our journey with DEIB, we’re committed to engaging deeply in this important work and trying to make a difference.

6. How can I register?

Registration is free for active CS&A candidates. If you’re a candidate, register in CandidateConnect.

Not a candidate but interested in attending? Complete this form and someone from our team will be in touch.

If you’re a school, register in ORM.

Candidates and schools can take advantage of our discounted room rate at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel here. Room block closes January 10.

We hope to see you soon in Philadelphia!

Any questions? Contact Kim at kim.garner@carneysandoe.com.

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