Pros
BASIS Independent Brooklyn serves some truly amazing children and it's hard not to love them. They make the long hours spent lesson planning worthwhile. They are in an extremely rigorous environment and succeed at every turn. Even those that struggle never lose their optimism or joy of learning. My fellow teachers are among some of the most friendly and capable educators I've met. We collaborate in all aspects - lesson planning, classroom management, etc. - as a true team should.
Cons
And then there's admin. Where to start? Few students know their names unless they're the 'cool one', i.e. no enforcement of rules or consequences for serious, disruptive behavior. Many are untrained in the classroom making decisions on classrooms without spending time in the classroom. There is no foresight. Decisions are made without thought to the future or the effect on the student and teaching body. They place ridiculous demands on teachers at the parents' behest and offer only criticism, never feedback. There is a 'need to know' culture here, and apparently teachers never need to know. Zero professional development.
