Pros
Compensation package is better for high school, then middle school, then elementary, then pre k. The level of higher degrees and experience are the exact opposite. “Elementary teachers are a dime a dozen.” Take away what you will with that. Another favorite quote: “ if you don’t like it, leave.” I did! The campus and facilities are beautiful. There is no limit to classroom spending.
Cons
Many/most parents are abusive and demanding. Rich parents get away with anything. School leadership will pander to anyone who donates a large amount of money without question. Teachers are beaten down by demands of parents and are expected to be on call for parents around the clock. There is no admin support for teachers when a parent attacks and worse, admin won’t listen to a teachers account of what occurred. The board of trustees are known to leverage their status to force teachers to change grades and manipulate outcomes for their child. It’s corrupt and teachers carry the burden but it’s acceptable, because we are expendable. Teachers that remain are often callus, cliquey, and will steal others ideas and take credit for them openly and unapologetically. The school is not diverse. They will try to say they are 60% percent and use any metrics to get that number. Child isn’t Catholic— we are diverse! Finally, it is appalling to be asked, nay- demanded- to make financial contributions for the endowment. An employee earning less than a livable wage for the Bay Area should not be strong armed into making financial contributions—get your billionaire bullies to pay.