They kept the pay scale private and some direct questions to HR garnered either no response or very vague explanations. Their entire idea of "teaching" is very militant and does not foster critical thinking or true discussion. Lesson planning was tedious scripting that most tossed aside if not being "observed". Instructional leaders and others on the admin team were often unqualified- they just are the ones who expressed interest in the positions from within when they became available. The few teachers that had any real experience in other schools or systems quit left and right and our suggestions or ideas were quickly shut down. Feedback was all based on school rules and not real teaching methods. Students were not able to speak for 90% of the day so social skills were lacking and there was no appropriate support to handle certain students. Administration was not democratic when it came to delivering consequences to students, nor requests from staff. They tell you the hours are long, but even if you left at 5:30 you were viewed as not being committed. Teachers who had no spouses/children and worked weekends were favored over others who were garnering better classroom results. I only taught one subject (even if it was in two grades), and the workload was more that I ever experienced in my 13 years of full time teaching and I felt sickened going to sleep every night knowing that it was just to look good on paper so the administration could show their bosses your attractive 40 page lesson plans if they came through. It wasn't for the kids. They were burnt out and their creativity and curious it's killed long before. I'm not allergic to hard work, but there is a difference from smart work and hard work, just for the sake of hard work. I could go on, but I hope you have an idea of the experience which echoes many others. If you are in need of a job and young and don't really think you will teach longterm, then this may be for you. Just prepare to forgo several outside interests and activities that made you the person you are. The well rounded and active candidate they first were looking for. Good luck.
