Pros
- smart, passionate co-workers - very high standards for student achievement and classroom instruction - great resources; very easy to get all materials (books, classroom supplies, science materials, sports equipments etc.) needed for students - mission-oriented - teacher development at every level is highly prioritized - solutions-oriented and feedback-driven decision making - school-level leadership and network higher-ups are usually willing to listen to concerns and have historically taken steps to change course if a particular model/policy doesn't work as hoped
Cons
- top-heavy administration -- too much oversight can diminish any sense of agency a teacher might have - long, busy hours for students and teachers - high degree of stress and burnout amongst students and teachers, with little promise to alleviate triggers such as extensive standardized testing, strict attendance policies, high volume of accountability checkpoints, and very disruptive behaviors - at many schools (especially in Connecticut), behavioral issues are not effectively addressed and cause entire classrooms of students to lose unacceptable amounts of learning time and teacher/peer rapport - often hires young, inexperienced teachers that are ineffective in classroom management -limited emphasis on student character development due to high emphasis on academic achievement