Phenomenal Experience - ELA Instructor SEO Employee Review

5.0
May 30, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Engaging curriculum, motivated kids, small class sizes, solid pay, attentive managers, motivated and collaborative team, excellent treatment and respect of teachers, strong network of support for students (program managers), incredible success rate (90% college graduation), consistently reflective curriculum team and staff, awareness of and respect for backgrounds of all students, welcoming atmosphere where students spend free time voluntarily and form community organically, teacher autonomy but also support and feedback for growth, rigorous yet attainable demands of students. I have absolutely loved working for SEO and have become progressively more involved, taking on more roles with time. I feel a great level of respect and appreciation from the staff and the students and I feel like a part of something impactful and positive. As a teacher, I have worked in a million different environments, but never one as healthy, balanced and productive as the one at SEO. I can't speak for the full time staff or the SF staff, but as an instructor in NYC, I absolutely love this organization and look forward to being involved with SEO and its students for years to come.

Cons

I wish the instructor role could be full time.

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SEO Response
7y
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are grateful for your commitment to SEO’s mission of creating a more equitable society by closing the academic and career opportunity gap for motivated young people from underserved and/or underrepresented communities. We appreciate your input and are happy to hear you are enjoying your experience at SEO.

Explore other reviews about SEO

5.0
Apr 7, 2026
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

meaningful work, thoughtful teams, clear systems

Cons

not a lot of long term scheduling predictability

3.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

SEO’s mission is meaningful, and the work can feel purpose-driven, especially if you care about education, access, and supporting students from historically excluded communities. There are people across the organization who genuinely care about the students and programs. I appreciated the opportunity to contribute creative ideas, marketing strategy, and communications work in support of a larger mission.

Cons

My experience was ultimately disappointing because the internal culture did not always reflect the care and intentionality of the external mission. Communication was often unclear, priorities shifted quickly, and decision-making sometimes felt inconsistent or disconnected from the day-to-day work being asked of staff. There was also frequent leadership turnover within the same year, which created instability and made it difficult to feel grounded in the direction of the organization. At times, onboarding, manager support, and internal processes felt underdeveloped for the pace and expectations of the work. I also experienced a moment at a work-related event where my manager asked about my sexuality, which felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. That experience contributed to my feeling that stronger management training and clearer professional boundaries are needed.

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