Pros
After an initial two years of teaching in Atlanta, Georgia, Achievement First provided me the opportunity to work for an organization of people that invested a lot of resources in developing it's teachers and leadership team. Professional development, coaching and a culture circumscribed around growth were huge positive factors during my time in the network, and more specifically at Endeavor middle school. The majority of staff are extremely passionate about both education and children and take their jobs and the work they do very seriously. Furthermore, there is a culture of people being committed to growing in every way possible to ensure the positive life trajectories for students.
Kontras
It is a high-pressure environment. Teachers and school leaders believe in getting results and performing for kids. With that being said, teacher turnover rate is particularly high as it was typical for 2-3 teachers to leave in the middle of the school year. Work-life balance is not typically a lived experience. Teachers typically work 10-12 hour days minimum.