lead teacher

music teacher

elementary school teacher

special education teacher

school principal

Manhattan Charter School

I always have a thorough lesson plan ready to address literacy for the morning periods.  We would start out reviewing the calendar and the schedule for the day.  We immediately took a "shake break", as the morning meeting is quite long to sit on the rug.  We would then do phonics using the Wilson Fundations program, and go directly into our Common Core lesson for the day.  I differentiated my schedule, and on some days we would do a follow up writing activity on the CC lesson, or we we go into centers and guided reading.  My management was in place where children moved in order to their appropriate centers, using cues and  directions on voice level.  The hardest part of my job was having several emotionally disturbed students who needed specific and individual attention in order for things to run smoothly.  I developed techniques to assist them to be equal members of our class community.  The most enjoyable part of my job was working in small groups with my students.  They really opened up to me on what they were struggling with and it was a bonding and successful time together.  My teaching partner was next door and we would collaborate after school each day,sharing what worked and what could use some changes.

Admins once had a 45 minute meeting to talk about how we should refer to them as "Leadership" and not "Admins."  This is a brief glimpse into the ego driven model in place at this toxic cesspool.  They would go on about not being a "gotcha" culture, but that is exactly what it was. The principal and assistant principal would sit in the principal's office guffawing while the teachers worked themselves to the bone to change the lives of students.   Their collective demeanor was indicative of a deep resentment and mistrust of their staff who did all of the work.  They truly thought they were the smartest people in the room but it was very clear that was not the case, especially during remote instruction throughout the pandemic.  Teachers were let go for even disagreeing with admins or communicating issues. The only saving grace of this institution was the wonderful teachers and incredible student body. I would strongly advise looking elsewhere.

Teachers work long days but have a decent amount of prep time. Many classes have a full time assistant that helps with homework, classroom management, and student support. Everyone is willing to collaborate and help as long as you ask. The principal and assistant principal are available to hear concerns about students and offer support. Yes, test scores are important but that tends to be the nature of education these days. Students have a rigorous schedule and the curricula used matches the students' needs so long as the teacher knows how to implement and manage a classroom. If you have a hard time managing, this community will give you a run for your money. However, if you know how to connect with kids, understand them and support them, it is fine.

Manhattan Charter School is a wonderful place to work.  Be warned, the school is located in a low-socioeconomic neighborhood, servicing children from the surrounding areas.  The school uses existing lesson plans from programs such as EL and Jump Math and requires teachers to refine lessons to meet student needs.  Each student receives music education every day as music is the "fifth core subject".

A teaching position at Manhattan Charter School requires a dedicated teacher willing to put in the hours during the school week.  Students come with a range of needs typical of those from low-income families.  This should be looked at as a positive, rather than a negative.

The principal prides herself on being called a four letter word for a German soldier.There is a lot of screaming and yelling at both adults and children alike. So, be warned! Best peers/staff you will ever work with.  They are warn, compassionate and understanding but, management is oppressive and focuses on an "I gotcha" policies. You will not be recognized for your efforts and you will get consistently negative feedback. If you are used to getting positive constructive feedback, this may not be a good fit. The academic rigor is great as far as a curriculum scope and sequence.   You will bring your work home and you will find yourself working on the weekends. And yes, it's all about the test scores for 3rd-5th grades. The pay is low for a typical Charter school considering the long hours.

This is a very hectic school with many children with severe emotional issues.  Concerns are often overlooked and dismissed.  Your skills as an education grad student are highly under used.  You can spend a majority of the day taking various students to the nurses office.  If you think you will be using any real teaching skills or conducting lessons you are mistaken.  Truthfully this position is nothing more than an overrated babysitter.  The pay is not horrible but this is a charter school so the hours are long 7:30-4:30pm and lets not forget late nights for shows which can easily go into the evening hours 7-7:30pm.  On a good note some of the children are gems and some staff are very friendly.

There is a complete and utter sense of distrust from all higher levels of admin in relation to their teachers. Admin encourages staff to tattle on one another. They cramp corners in the hallway to watch every move you make in the classroom. They work you to the bone, kill all your creativity as a teacher, and then expect you to smile while they backhandedly berate "you" and the rest of the staff for their outfits that week. The HR representative is the daughter of the chief of schools, and it's charter. Expect to be replaceable and know all concerns will fall on deaf ears.

The school expectations are typical of a charter school environment. 

Administration is generally supportive of teachers, but there is some micromanaging. 

Low enrollment and teacher retention are a struggle.



The teachers are unappreciated here. You are expected to show up, do what they say, and then go home. There is no room for questions or creativity. The school is on the 4th floor and that hike gets old really fast.

Not great for job security,  definitely year by year basis, even if you worked there for years. Lots of paperwork and micromanaging. Staff is however great and help each other out.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Lead teacher 13 salaries reported	$33.00 per hour
Music teacher 8 salaries reported	$65,000 per year
Elementary school teacher 2 salaries reported	$75,000 per year
Special education teacher 1 salary reported	$70,000 per year
School principal 2 salaries reported	$125,000 per year

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