Pros
Mission-driven work (initially): The organization was deeply committed to improving education and supporting teachers and students in meaningful ways. Exceptional colleagues: I worked alongside thoughtful, passionate, and highly skilled educators, designers, and curriculum developers. The people were truly the best part of the job. High-quality curriculum: Great Minds produces strong, research-informed materials. I continue to respect and recommend the curriculum itself. Educator-centered mindset: Early on, decisions were grounded in classroom realities, pedagogy, and long-term impact rather than quick wins. Opportunities for meaningful contribution: The work felt purposeful, intellectually engaging, and aligned with my background as a former teacher and curriculum developer. Strong collaboration: Cross-team collaboration and shared ownership of work were encouraged and valued.
Cons
Shift away from the original mission: After the transition to a Public Benefit Corporation, priorities noticeably changed, and the mission-driven culture that initially drew me in began to erode. Increased business-first decision making: Decisions increasingly felt driven by growth, scale, and revenue rather than educational impact or educator needs. Loss of transparency: Communication around organizational changes, ownership, and strategic direction became less clear over time. Cultural shift: The collaborative, educator-focused culture shifted toward a more corporate environment, which affected morale and trust. Disconnect between values and practice: While the stated mission remained, day-to-day decisions and processes no longer consistently reflected it. Burnout and instability: Rapid changes and shifting priorities created uncertainty and made it difficult to do deep, thoughtful work sustainably. Limited support during role transitions: Employees were often promoted or moved into new roles without adequate onboarding, feedback, or coaching. There was an expectation to “figure it out,” which at times felt more like being thrown to the wolves than being set up for success.