Achievement First Reviews

Cons

Sometimes there is unclear communication, but nothing too bad

Cons

Trauma from working in such an o sufferable environment.

Cons

Micromanage, leadership is a bit scrambled (different folks not on the same page), chaotic student behavior at times.

Cons

I am a former employee of this organization. This organization is horrible. The three months I spent here were the worst times of my life. I have never seen people more disrespectful and unsupportive than at Achievement First. When I applied to work here, I was promised that I would teach social studies, but they ended up putting me in another subject, which I lacked knowledge in, so I struggled to teach it. They blamed it on my inability to adapt, but it was them who put me in a subject that I lacked knowledge in. I would also like to add on that I was forced to work overtime everyday, as in staying in the building until 10 pm. On average, I would cone to work at 6:30 am and stay until 7pm, but on certain days, I would stay until 10pm. In the middle of my employment here, they were saying that I was uncommitted. What did they expect? I was put in a subject I had zero interest in, and they have the audacity to say that I'm "UnCoMiTTEd". Eventually, I was terminated. By the then, my physical and mental health took a huge toll, but I was also very happy the nightmare ended. Personally, I think being smoked and yelled at by RDCs (abbreviation for Recruit Division Commanders) for 10 weeks was far more enjoyable than working here. And to put a cherry on top, the health insurance is terrible.

Cons

There were 3 principals in 3 years. With constantly shifting leadership, it was difficult to establish and maintain a school culture

Cons

Dictatorial style of teaching, oppressive behavior management, joyless test prep disguised as rigor

Cons

- long hours - additional duties for teachers (lunch/recess, arrival/dismissal, hallway duties and "posts," etc.) - no substitute teachers, teachers provide coverage - lack of professionalism from admin and coworkers - unqualified admin and staff (uncertified, out-of-field teachers with unrelated degrees; very young admin with little qualifications or experience outside of AF) - toxic work environment (cliquey administration and staff; gossip-driven culture) - micromanaged and nitpicked teachers about school systems (no teacher autonomy; must conform to AF style of teaching) - little to no support for student behavior (teachers often blamed for poor classroom management despite classes having 30-36 students with solo teachers) - non-transparent and misleading hiring practices (as well as pay) - non-transparent and misleading family and staff communication - no ESL services provided; no certified ESL teachers on staff - highly illegal and non-compliant special education practices - Network (district) more focused on expanding the charter network rather than improving current school conditions

Cons

Too many to name including the org itself

Cons

A lot of work during early decision season

Cons

Often asked to do things outside of your role