Charter schools are accountable for academic results, just like public schools, and they are also responsible for upholding the promises made in their charters. A charter school must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, organizational stability, and financial management. Out of the 6,900 public charter schools in the nation (20016-2017), each charter school like American Preparatory Schools boasts a diverse student population, are parental choices, can specialize, enjoy reduced class size, and greater independence.
But is the grass greener at a charter school versus a public school? Do public school teachers feel more pressure, or are charter school teachers more pressured? What are the perks? Who makes more money?
Charter schools are public schools of choice. Like the American Preparatory Schools, they do not have many of the regulations traditional public schools must follow. However, American Preparatory Schools, like other charter schools, are accountable for upholding promises made in their charters.
Charter schools are regulated to a point. If a charter school is mismanaged or test scores are poor, they’ll be shut down. Closures may happen to a public school, but public schools are offered many chances to bring up their student scores, and management is done via a school district.
Teacher Requirements
Some charter schools offer slightly better pay than a public school, but there is a catch. Charter school teachers work an average of 210 days (195 school days and 15 days for PD), and public school teachers generally work around 180 days. Usually, public school teachers put in eight or nine-hour days, and charter school teachers often work 12 hour days.
There is no provision for charter school teachers to raise their compensation to match the amount of time they work. Charter schools are not unionized, and this makes collective bargaining for higher wages impossible. If you compare hours, some charter school teachers make less than their public school counterparts.
Class size is really not an issue in charter schools. The public perception is that public schools have huge classes, and charter schools have small class sizes. Class size could be an issue, but it depends on how big the schools are. There are no standard numbers for either public or charter schools.
The main difference between a charter school and public school is the accreditation standards. A private board accredits charter schools, and the state board of education accredits public schools. Charter schools abide by the same state academic standards as public schools, but they have flexibility when creating their curriculum. American Preparatory Academy schools can offer a unique curriculum or approach to teaching. Public schools have academic standards that they must follow.
Charter school teacher requirements vary between states. Some states require charter schools to hire teachers with the same state credentials as a public school teacher. Then, other state charter schools can set their education and training requirements.
Charter schools can offer perks you won’t find at traditional public schools. A primary strategy for charter schools is hiring teachers to include work environment, training, or flexible leave policies. Charter school teachers work in an empowering environment, and the teaching staff has more say in the school’s activities than a traditional public school teacher. Charter schools attempt to establish a family atmosphere among teachers and administrators which gives teacher leeway in regards to teaching styles.
The demand for qualified teachers runs high, and American Preparatory Schools look for teachers that live up to the great potential. Our school system expects teachers to participate in an active workplace. American Preparatory Schools are looking for teachers who are committed to the mission statement and philosophy of teaching children while at the same time, mentoring. The popularity of charter schools makes charter schools a safe bet for young teachers just entering the job market. Charter schools are becoming more and more popular, and this allows teachers to use their skills to teach their way.
To become a charter school teacher, you do not necessarily need to have a teaching certificate. But a teacher does need a bachelor’s degree in their field of choice, five years of work experience in the area of their degree. They also need a passing score on state tests for basic skills and subject matter knowledge. Also, to become a teacher at a charter school, you will need to graduate with an education degree and attended an accredited college or university for at least an undergraduate degree in education.
Charter rules vary widely from school to school, which makes it difficult to make generalizations about what it’s like to teach in a charter school. Research to determine the particular differences between teaching in a charter school and public school. One of the best charter schools to investigate is the American Preparatory Academy. This charter school is successful, treats its teachers remarkably well, and is here to stay for the long term.