The company has a commendable mission—to make public schools the first choice for families—and a set of cultural tenets centered on trust and integrity. However, it seems that mission is being overshadowed by the urgency to promote products and drive revenue. While I understand the importance of financial sustainability, for a company founded on such a meaningful vision, it’s disheartening when employees who joined for that mission feel like profit has become the primary focus. Showing favoritism and elitism does not promote a culture of trust!
One of the company’s most valuable assets was its instructional coaching process. Unfortunately, that core strength appears to have been diluted. I think of organizations like Chick-fil-A that remain true to what makes them exceptional, even as they evolve. In contrast, engage2learn seems to have lost clarity, and its mission and cultural tenets now feel more like rhetoric than reality.
Following the recent layoffs, there was a noticeable lack of acknowledgment or appreciation. Leadership, including the CEO, never reached out to thank those affected, which felt dismissive and impersonal. The company moved forward as if nothing significant had occurred, and in internal meetings, the emotional and professional impact of the layoffs went unaddressed. It gave the impression that employees should simply be grateful to remain, despite the loss of many talented individuals.
Moreover, some layoffs appeared to target those who raised concerns or asked difficult questions, suggesting possible retaliation. There was no real severance—just a final paycheck—leaving many feeling undervalued after years of dedicated service.