Before I begin, these were CONS to me; they may make sense to you. All these together are why I left. I have nothing but god things to say about the staff and leadership. I didn't know some these things before I accepted the job, and they didn't tell me, so I want to be very, very clear if you are considering a position.
-Long hours (715am-515pm, with students from 725-420). That is the time you need to be there, not including the work you take home (which is about 1-2 hrs a night)
-You are a lunch monitor, teacher, whatever they need you to be
-there are no substitutes, so you cover each other's classes. There were days where I taught from 725-300 without a break; and it is expected
-the kids take full (3-day) NYS Math and ELA mock assessments 4-5 times a year!
-every class period, minus gym/art are glorified test prep sessions from sept-may
-You will get paid slightly above the public schools in your area but remember, you are working longer hours, and Professional development starts the first week in AUGUST!
-The student culture is very militaristic, lines, standing straight, not talking, walking from class to class
-Everything is done through packets - use of technology is not encouraged
-Children are made to pay attention and focus in desks, sitting straight up, on silent for almost the entire day, often times lunch is silent.
-you are not part of the NYS retirement system
-you are not part of a union
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