elementary school teacher

teacher

associate general counsel

Imagine Schools

I can’t speak to how things were before Imagine was hired as the management company.  It sounds as if the transition was handled poorly, especially regarding teachers.   I can write about what it is like to work at LSLA now with its new staff, students, and admin (who, btw, were hired after the change and had nothing to do with it). 

The Good:  Being a small school,  there is a true family atmosphere.  There aren’t the staff cliques I’ve witnessed in other schools. There is a real bond among staff members.  Because LSLA transitioned to an International Baccalaureate school, there is a shared mission to build something great. One of the best things about LSLA is that the IB framework allows teachers some freedoms in how they teach rather than cookie cutter sameness.  Admin is supportive; they haven’t forgotten what it is like to be a teacher. They understand also that you are a human being.  That sounds obvious but having admin that respects your humanity and the things that come with that (health issues, etc.) is huge.

The Not So Good:  the pay is lower than area ISDs and charters.  It’s unfortunate. The health insurance, however,  is amazing.  It is SO much better in terms of both cost and quality than ISD insurance.   If you insure your whole family,  this almost makes up for the disparity in pay.  
The school building could be better but we make it work. 

For me,  the good definitely outweighs the not so good.   The teaching freedoms, the collaborative atmosphere,  my colleagues,  great students, understanding admin, great benefits make me want to remain at LSLA. 

I had the opportunity to work at this school and want to share my honest perspective. The school is truly a nice community with great families, which made my experience generally positive and rewarding. The students and their families are dedicated and supportive, creating a warm environment.

However, I must also highlight some significant challenges. There was a noticeable lack of effective leadership. The principal’s approach was often rude, and every request or concern I raised was met with hostility or threats rather than support. The closed-door policy and limited communication made it difficult to address issues promptly.

Most concerning was the absence of assistance for behavior management despite multiple requests. This lack of support sometimes put the teacher and students in harm’s way, which was distressing and unacceptable. A more collaborative leadership style and better support systems would greatly improve the overall environment.

Overall, the school has a lot of potential, but addressing leadership and support issues would make it an even better place for both staff and students.

We began the day greeting our students, often times on duty to ensure that our students were safe and that the school day began as efficientlly and as peaceful as possible.  Although our days were filled with many unexpected situations, from student behavioral issues, lack of stafffing, to lack of materials, we managed to function at the best leve hat we could in order to satisfy the academic and emotional needs of our students.  Tahe hardest part of this job was the unexpectancies, while I most enjoyed seeing and interacting with the children everyday. Management lacked structure and discipline in dealing with everyone in an integrous manner.

I learned it used to be a family, there was a drive where you wanted to grow and stay in the company.  Now all they focus on is a show for marketing purposes, it is all political, and they give very little raises....for instance, last school year they wanted to give all teachers $250 raises for the entire year.  They had money to add on positions that helped the principal do less work, though.  That was interesting.  

There are so many meetings!  Data chats, team meetings, after school meetings, character ed meetings, meetings to support which pillar you are focusing on for your 80/20.

Typical company that seeks to take advantage of underprivileged youths in need. Over priced rent charges for the schools and Imagines up front money used prior to the materials needed can be purchased. A scam that justifies their methodsby learning gains, not getting children to the proper level of education... I was an administrator there, trust me, its not in your or your childs best interest to become involvedd with this shady organization...

Be forewarned.  The principal told me he did not give recommendations.  I’ve never heard of such a thing.  Diversity was not found.  In fact, I found the environment uncomfortable.  I would have loved to continue working at Imagine, because it is located in my community, and is close to home.  I am a caring, and effective teacher.  Like most Florida schools there is no retention.  Students are suffering while school administrators let experienced and effective teachers go.  So sad.

Poor communication from admin. Humiliation and shaming used as a way to get employees to change behavior. No clear plans to address school-wide behavior and academic issues. Teachers overloaded with work and not enough time to complete it during the work day so work often must get completed outside of work hours. 

The benefits are pretty good and the teachers, staff and admin all care about the students. Employees nice, but almost all are overworked and tired (and not in the best mood) most of the time. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Teachers and staff are helpful.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The large classroom sizes and behaviors.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
People are friendly and helpful.  Limited school supplies available.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Start off the day with breakfast duty and students.  Instructional time with a lunch break and planning break. Then staying till 3:00pm or later until your students are picked up .

Kelli and Melissa are incredibly supportive and helpful—which is important in a school environment like this. Our students are chaotic, often well below grade-level, and face a lot of socioeconomic challenges. Class rosters and workloads may change without warning. Parents may be incredibly helpful or absolutely psychotic….but the climate is one of collaboration, positivity, and general good humor.
While classroom management strategies and stress thresholds may be tested hourly, it’s a wonderful place to work. 

This job had many flaws it felt like you were in high school, if you weren't part of the clicks you were unworthy. Certain teachers ran the school, some teachers didn't even have a bachelor to be able to work there and were allowed to be teachers.

Management made tons of differences between staff and students. The pay was terrible and low if you started in half of a year they would pay you half your salary. It is a very childish administration and teachers, would not recommend working here.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Elementary school teacher 4 salaries reported	$35,375 per year
Teacher 3 salaries reported	$40,333 per year
Associate general counsel 2 salaries reported	$162,500 per year

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