It is a job for the tough minded, one with a passion for inner city kids, and belief in the ability help others.
Pros
The students are great and will always appreciate (even if they don't show it) everything that you do. Collaboration amongst the staff occurs regularly and one doesn't feel alone in their classroom. The use of technology is growing and funds are slowly being provided to bring computers into every classroom. The time off from work is regular and teachers are encouraged to constantly seek more education.
Cons
The pay is terrible. You will work long, long hours planning, grading papers, coming up with new ways of teaching with no compensation or little praise from upper management. Most teachers who have been working over 5-8 yrs still have an extra job. The insurance plan is limited to only Kaiser and the co-pays have gone up through the last few years. Administration continually adds more activities, projects,and professional development with no extra pay or encouragement.
