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STEM Preparatory Academy

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The Good, The Bad, and The Exhaustive - Anonymous employee STEM Preparatory Academy Employee Review

3.0
Mar 22, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Helpful professional development for new teachers and an incredible support system from teacher coaches. You will become a top-notch teacher for the Common Core. The mission is easy to invest in, and it is working - you are genuinely making a difference in these students' lives. The school-wide management system makes classroom misbehaviors minimal (as long as you are consistent) so that you can truly focus on instruction. Even though it is a "high-need" school, you will always feel safe and supported.

Cons

It is impossible - truly - to work less than 60 hours a week and only 5 days a week. First year, most teachers were working on average 80, especially since most are in teacher certification programs. Teachers are paid higher salaries than typical MNPS teachers, however it does not come near to the extra amount of hours you must put in. Just be honest if you cannot make a deadline and your coach will be willing to work with you, but beware there are many deadlines. Some days at the school are inevitably 11-12 hours at least: Arrive at 6:30am, meet as a team at 7am, teach until 3:20pm (school dismisses at 3 but it takes 20minutes for bus groups to leave your classroom), some days you do not get a lunch break because you have lunch duty (you always have a 45-55 minute plan period), then teacher professional development until 5:05pm. By the time you pack up, you've already clocked in 11 very long hours and haven't even begun grading or lesson planning for the next day. I have yet to meet a staff member's "significant other" who has spoken positively of the impact it has on his/her partner's work/life balance, I'll put it that way.

Explore other reviews about STEM Preparatory Academy

5.0
Apr 16, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This is a great place to work

Cons

There are long instructional hours compared to other schools.

3.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Students have natural potential that can be developed with strong leadership, high expectations, and execution. Also, the EL model is second to none. With great execution, this model will see great results. (English classes have two teachers: Core ELA teacher and a EL specialist)

Cons

Learning Stage Leadership Somewhat Incompatible Systems Compliance Oriented (Good/Bad) Inexperienced Teachers (Biggest issue) Poor Benefits Low Student/Parent Accountability

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