If you’re a student currently pursuing a teaching degree, or if you’re an individual who’s thinking about teaching at a charter school, you’ll definitely want to have an idea of what to expect in your potential role and to learn more about the experience and rewards of teaching in this unique educational setting.
Salary is a big decision-maker when looking for a job, and it’s a topic we receive questions about! When it comes to teaching salaries at charter schools, there are many perks and other things to consider, so let’s take the time to dive deeper so you can get a better idea of the benefits of teaching at a charter school, and determine if it would be a good fit for you!
What Is a Charter School?
In the simplest of terms, a charter school is a tuition-free public school that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. Charter schools have the flexibility and autonomy to differentiate their curriculum, facilities and school focus. Some may focus on college prep, Montessori curriculum, fine arts and more.
Charter schools have more curricular freedom, smaller classroom sizes, parental involvement, and a plethora of other benefits when compared to traditional district schools. They are often established and supported by parents and community members who have a specific education experience in mind for their children.
Charter schools operate more independently than other academic institutions, but they still receive public funds. Unlike private schools, they are tuition-free. As a teacher, you’re likely to have more flexibility in your teaching methods and your lesson planning.
Charter School Funding
Another question that may be on your mind is: “what funding do charter schools receive?” The amount of funding received is typically based on the number of enrolled students, and usually comes from local, state, and federal sources. A charter school tends to raise money by seeking out philanthropic donations but might also get additional funds through partnerships with government or private grants.
Salary & Benefits Explained
Keep in mind, of course, that your salary at a charter school might vary depending on your location, level of education, certifications, prior experience, and additional skills and talents that you bring to the role. That being said, according to Salary.com as of February 25, 2022, the average entry level teaching salary at a charter school is $46,139, with a salary range that typically falls between $39,066 and $65,335.
Pros of Working at A Charter School
There are several upsides and benefits of choosing to teach at a charter school. Not only will you have more freedom in the classroom, but you may also find that your students achieve academic excellence quite effectively! You can also work with parents to form positive relationships and share input and opinions about designing the curriculum.
What it’s Like Working in A Charter School
You may be curious to know what it’s like working at a charter school and what your days may be like. For starters, you may be able to benefit from using more innovative teaching techniques and approaches such as the following:
- Inquiry, experiential and project-based learning
- Self-guided learning and independent study
- Community-based learning
Remind yourself that although you may have heard the rumor that you’ll get paid less than if you were to teach at a traditional district school, it’s not necessarily true. Teaching professionals that perform similar job duties will most likely earn similar salaries.
If you’re looking for more pay, then you may want to consider earning additional certifications and gaining as much experience as possible in the field. You’ll not only be more qualified for other roles, but now you can likely take on positions that also allow you to increase your earning potential.
Conclusion
You now have a better idea of what a charter school is, how it’s funded, and what type of salary or pay to expect. Here at Choice Schools, we help charter schools find qualified talent and help potential teachers like yourself find schools that are the best fit for them!
Want to learn more about how we can help you succeed in your career? Get in touch today to speak with one of our staff members.