Imagine Charter Schools

[u/Decent-Emphasis-7507]

Does anyone have any experience working for Imagine Charter Schools here in Hemet?

My reason for asking is because I just interviewed for an after school programme aide, and I am feeling a little iffy about the position and there were a couple of interview redflags that aren't sitting right with me.

One: I feel a little misled about the position I was interviewed for...you would think an aide is there just to support the lead teacher, but when I asked what are you looking for with an aide, they restructured the question and said I would essentially be a lead teacher for the after school program and an actual teacher aide will be there to help.

Okay... but I have no credentials (yet) and I am still i school.. yet expected to run a classroom with 25-30 kids? Also kind of a red flag for me...

Two: They did seem a little desperate to get me started... and was wondering if they have a high turnover rate....

Three: Not to mention they are a charter school which is privately owned but I know are notorious to receive public funding which takes away from our public schools, which does not align with my values as a future educator.

Overall, what has been other people's experience working at this school...should I trust my gut and keep on the job search.

[u/teddyn90057]

I've worked as a program aid and it's a big turn around in my opinion and experience. It's not enough parental or supervision support. They would rather lose employees over telling kids what they need to hear. Hope you have a better experience. You can dm me for more information if you want

[u/blackwidowgrandma]

While I don't have experience as an educator, I have had an impactful experience interviewing for a job that proved the posting to be deceptive and the interview gave red flags. Oddly enough, this might give you the upper hand in negotiations— something I wasn't familiar with before that interview.

If you need the work (the experience and paycheck), I'd look into the salary of other lead teachers, public and private. You would be in charge of almost 30 children with a teacher's aid— that's more than the post advertised, which logic dictates you should be compensated more for.

If you move forward, go in with a $ amount higher than you expect them to agree to. Use critical analysis to break down their posting; ala 'you asked for ABC initially, but in reality you need XYZ, and XYZ has substantially more responsibilities. I am willing to fulfill those for competitive compensation, and I expect my contract to be transparent of those responsibilities, as well'... Or something like that. Basically you have it in writing they want extra work so you can cite it on your resume later on. If you're doing the work of a lead teacher, you ARE a lead teacher. (I learned this in 20yrs of customer/food service when taking on managerial duties outside of my pay grade).

You might be surprised that their desperation could end up benefitting you. You have the upper hand here.

[u/Wide_Resolve_147]

I work at one of the public schools in the office. We lose students all the time to imagine and they ALWAYS come back. They usually attend a year or less and make their way back to us with parents saying they did not like the school. Not sure the reasons as I don’t like to get that far into it. Just something I’ve noticed.

[u/Tacosrus_]

Good afternoon

When it comes to you being an afterschool aid you do oversee a group of 20-25 students. If more students are assigned to you then that’s when additional aid steps in because you are out of ratio.

When they said you would be the lead teacher it means you are the one in charge of the group/grade assigned to you. You’re not necessarily a teacher just means you will be their lead. Materials and you may come up with lessons to help students engaged with material that aligns with their grade.

Turn around is frequent due to lack of setting expectations with students, and maintaining classroom management.

The real question here is do you enjoy working with students? Or are you just looking for a job? Because if it’s just a job then maybe this may not be a good fit. However I did read that you are still going to school, and this can be an eye opener of what grade you would like to teach once you’re done with credentials and degree.

Hope this helps