How to Become a Charter School Teacher

If you value autonomy in the classroom, you'll love charter school teaching.

Charter schools, the result of legislation enacted by the Congress to establish a more robust type of public school, serve a diverse population, but that's where commonalities end. These schools operate more like businesses than traditional schools. Since every designated school must re-apply for charter renewal every three to five years, oversight on teacher performance standards is stringent. Know this before you update your résumé and apply to a charter school in your area.

Instructions

1. Complete a bachelor's degree to start your charter school journey. Follow up with a master's degree in administration or a specific discipline (social sciences, math, etc.) if your goal is a high school or junior high school teaching position. Meet your state's Board of Education requirements for certification. Apply for a teaching license after submitting your credentials and undergoing background checks.

2. Teach at one or more mainstream public schools in your area. Become familiar with the way the school system and board function. Refine your curricula writing skills. Gain confidence in your instructional methods and disciplinary techniques. Once you're ready, look for job openings on charter schools websites (see Resources). If you're seeking a charter job elsewhere, obtain that state's licensing requirements via that Department of Education website.

3. Sign a contract once you've found an open position at a charter school. Expect it to be shorter than the ones you've signed in the past. Ask for annual review guidelines when you complete your in-service orientation so you start your charter school career with a full understanding of the criteria you must be able to meet when your job performance is reviewed.

4. Commit yourself to challenges specific to charter schools. Design thought-provoking lessons in keeping with guidelines set by the charter school and board. Expect to make adjustments to working within the higher level of autonomy charter school instructors are given. Actively participate in extracurricular activities to establish your place within the charter school community.

5. Adapt to smaller class sizes, a benefit of charter schools. Devote a large measure of your time on campus to giving your pupils individual attention. Align yourself with your charter school's initiatives (referenda, funding matters, parent/teacher activities) so you're viewed as a team player who supports the idea of a charter school education.

6. Meet regularly with your department head, particularly during your first year, as you go about the business of learning the differences between public and charter school operations. You may receive a higher salary, but that doesn't always compensate a teacher who finds she's not as open to the innovative pace and autonomy that attracts some teachers to these schools. Time to decide if this type of teaching is your cup of tea.

7. Prepare for rigorous, performance-based job reviews. Welcome criticism and expect to be rewarded for strong performance in specific areas. Charter school teachers don't have the backing of unions to support tenure, contract negotiations and renewal and other protections; you'll be judged on the merits of your student's achievements, so if they do well, so will you.

References

• U.S. Charter Schools
• National Center For Policy Analysis: Teacher Accountability in Charter Schools
• New Leaders for New Schools: Charter School Job Search Site

Resources

• U.S. Charter Schools
• New Leaders for New Schools: Charter School Job Search Site