Pros
They teach computer coding, which is something that other schools should be doing to prepare students for the challenges in the 21st century world.
Cons
They paint a narrative when they hire you that you are doing something to help the disadvantaged (primarily African-American) children in Nashville. However, they use this to guilt trip you into working obscene hours, doing things that are not part of your actual job, and using you to the advantage of their leadership so they can create a good story. Truthfully, teachers are the most harmed by this. We would often work close to 80 hours a week and have little support from the network level management. Most of them did not understand day-to-day operations at the school and would make unilateral decisions that would negatively impact the schools. When I wanted to take a sick day or a doctors appt, I had to give three weeks notice. If it was even a day less than three weeks, I would be reprimanded. THERE WERE NO SUBSTITUTES. Many days I wouldn't have time to eat or would not have a planning period. Resources are slim, yet the school and network spent money like it was disposable. The kids were absolutely miserable and hated the school. They were not allowed a recess time (eating lunch in the cafeteria was recess). I was thoroughly disappointed working here. I came in thinking this was a network of change agents, but it was really a poorly managed operation that spun a narrative to the media and public but was an unmitigated disaster privately. Our students were constantly transferring out because they hated the school and parents were dissatisfied. None of my fellow co-workers were happy, and were stressed beyond belief at the outrageous demands placed upon them by school staff and disconnected network employees.