teacher

elementary school teacher

high school teacher

social studies teacher

music teacher

The Academy Charter School

So I have worked here for a year and here is my honest opinion. The school has high expectations of its students and its teachers. It can get a little overwhelming at times but, they will give you all the resources that you need to succeed. I really appreciate their willingness to spend money of anything that you need as a teacher. I also love that the administration have tons of experience in teaching so they really can understand what you are going through and have tons of tips that will make you into a better teacher. PDs are actually helpful and informative. Teachers get free lunches and they are insanely good!! So in all, I believe that this school would be great for a new teacher because you will definitely learn a ton and the administration is definitely there to help you!

Cons:
The hours are 7:30- 4:15 and if your new you usually are going to be staying later because of extra paperwork and other things. 
There is a bit of micro managing but usually it makes sense to do it even though it can get annoying. I feel bad for Principals and Assistant Principals at these schools because orders that are last minute and need to be talked out with teachers are usually spouted from people in higher positions and expected to be completed without much notice. This causes teachers and other staff members to want to leave even though it really isn't the principal's fault. Certain parts of how the school is ran can be a little unorganized which sometimes leads to chaos but it does not happen often.

This is overall a really good school to work at. The main reason that I left is because the hours don't fit what I want my work life/ home life balance to be like. 

There is no such thing as a work/life balance when you work here. They will tell you that you’re not forced to stay late/ complete certain tasks, but will shame you and belittle you if you don’t. There is no such thing as “optional” at this charter school. They expect you to attend as many outside of school events, after-school, and even Saturday school programs. I cannot stress how much extra, unnecessary work they pile up for you. They will move you around classrooms without telling you, and you are basically expected to follow whatever administration tells since there is no such thing as a teacher’s union. Put it this way: if there was a union in place at this charter school, their doors would’ve been closed a long time ago. You will be overworked, stressed, and put to the ultimate test throughout the course of the school year. Administration picks favorites and it’s obvious in their annual evaluations. Administration also will tell you in meetings to “quit” if you are not up for what they expect you to do. Expect loads of work, unexpected meetings constantly, and the “7:30-4:15” schedule is non-existent. Expect to stay late, or work throughout your entire weekend or you will be belittled and ridiculed for not completing work. Although there are are a few incredible human beings who work there, It’s an extremely toxic work environment. I haven’t slept better since I stopped working here. 

As someone that's starting out their teaching career and needing experience, I had no choice but to accept a job offer from this school. I learned what I want and don't want out of my next teaching experience.

A special teacher's typical work day includes teaching 4-6 periods with 1-3 lunch duties, bus duty, and sometimes school coverage. Lunch duty is draining and tired me out before teaching my afternoon classes. The days are long for both students and teachers. Sometimes it continued if you volunteered or were volun-told to participate in after school activities.

Management is all over the place. I didn't know a lot of things until someone scorned me for not doing something or until I was told at the last minute.

The hardest part of the job is the environment. I was mentally and emotionally drained on a daily basis. There were many times where I did not feel supported by the school, and I felt absolutely helpless. It became so bad that I questioned myself and my career.

This job is not for the meek. You HAVE to HAVE a strong back bone. I met a few teachers that have been there for a few years, but many don't stay for the long haul. The turnover rate is terrible.

The Academy Charter School is a very good place to work because of the supporting faculty and parents. Children are well groomed and there are several interesting items of the curriculum. For example: S.T.E.M classes, music and art. The school provides two meals daily for students at their cafeteria. There is also a family day in which parents are able to state their concerns and appreciation to teachers. The instruction standard at the school is good and during September 2018 to December 2018, my experience was that students improved their academic levels. I maintain that all classroom activities were engaging and authentic, and I succeeded in having my students inspired and motivated to learn and, furthermore, I helped them to apply everything they learn to their everyday lives. I  used differentiated instruction for all students. Overall, my experience was that each student was unique, and instruction was not done in a “one size fits all manner. Rather my teaching methods involved dividing up my class into small groups based on learning levels. Each group needs were addressed. My pedagogical strategies incorporated technology used to increase engagement and to improve and increase students learning experiences.

Administration is terrible. They micromanage your classroom, disrespect the teachers, and do not care about helping teachers meet their students needs. They want you to follow lesson plans like a script without room for flexible instruction. Unplanned observations occur all the time, despite your performance as a teacher. 

Many students are way below grade level but you are forced to teach grade level concepts without time for intervention. Despite the low performing students, classrooms have over 32 students in them. Classrooms are jammed pack, no room for movement, flow, or a comfortable learning environment. 

Do not go to administration with any concerns, unless you are " one of them". They will not have your back, even in the most serious situations. The staff has very low morale, and the school culture is to " cover your back" or else you will get in trouble.  

Administrators are unqualified, teachers are unqualified, TA's are unqualified. Leaving the entire staff confused, overwhelmed, and extremely over worked. 

The students deserve better. Do not send your child here.. do not work here. 




Theyre very clear FT is 40 hrs.  Teachers work bt 55 to 70 hrs. I saw 2 teachers have nervous breakdowns, 1 got medical attention, the other did not.  Uncertified Assistants teach all the time. Some w only HS diploma! Humiliation is used to punish kids who don't advance by excluding them from "gains parties. " we had to  fight w the administrators to pay us for staying  late  for  parent workshops as they refused  multiple times  to pay us.  teachers were quitting mid year citing abuse,  and an overwhelming work load with no support.   The principal is so incompetent and overwhelmed colleagues were sneaking into her office and going through her notes to see what was scheduled for the next few weeks bc  she would spring everything on  us at the last  minute.  Work  included data entry,  data analysis,  after school  workshops for parents,  curriculum writing,  professional  development.  No one takes lunch.  It is impossible.  














entry  and data eentry data analysis

If you value ethics and professionalism this is not the place for you.  The culture is purely disgraceful.  There is no transparency, no common purpose or goal, no loyalty.  No one can be trusted. It feels like swimming in a pool of hungry sharks all the time.  Everyone backstabbing each other. Teachers become physically and mentally ill as a result of working here.  Nothing put forth is realistic.  All plans are thrown out with no logistical sense.  It's just, this is what needs to be done figure it out but then you get micromanaged but then theres no plan.  this place is the epitome of an oxymoron.  I would not recommend this place to any families for their children or to any teacher for a job.  It is a complete waste of time and resources.  Kids are much better off in the public schools. 

Pros
-They give you incentives and Christmas bonuses based on the time you've been with the company.
-Compensation plan pretty comparable to DOE pay scale.
-Free turkey and pie during Thanksgiving.
- Provide staff with staff appreciation lunches that are really cool.

Cons
-Disorganized HR and school leadership team.
-Too many meaningless meetings (I mean literally, expect at least one a day) that take away prep time.
- Lots of unnecessary paperwork that is required that doesn't at all help students progress.
-Class sizes that are too large to address all student needs.
-Immature staff that gossips and form cliques.
-High teacher turnover.
-Meaningless projects that consume lots of time and energy.

Overall, I would not recommend any teacher work for this company. You will burnout quickly!

-

Horrible place to work.  They hire their own unless you are need because of your certification.  Promotions are based on your affiliation with administrators, most of the time people that get promoted are not qualified for the positions.  Just look at their leadership and search up their certifications.  It's a joke!  There is no regard for family life or work life balance but they claim that "we are a family".  You get the short end of the stick if you are not "one of them" Long story short nobody knows they are doing, spare yourself the frustration, stress and aggravation.  It's not worth it.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Connecting with my colleagues, and building a rapport with scholar’s and their families; which makes our interactions evolutionary. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No complaints about the company; only suggestions upon specific inquiry.  Please contact me personally if you’d like input.  I think there are always areas of growth. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment , and culture at the company are diverse , and the code of conduct as well as responsive classroom are enforced. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day for me at the company is productive.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Teacher 12 salaries reported	$74,333 per year
Elementary school teacher 7 salaries reported	$77,464 per year
High school teacher 6 salaries reported	$78,458 per year
Social studies teacher 3 salaries reported	$76,250 per year
Music teacher 4 salaries reported	$69,375 per year

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