For teachers, is it better to teach in private schools, charter schools, or public schools?
481017
Having taught in all three types, the best answer I can give is...I don't know.  \n\nIn my experiences, as long as you're teaching the basic goals/objectives (which would essentially be the same anywhere), how you get it done generally isn't an issue unless you happen to have a principal that demands things a certain way (only run across one like that before).  I've been able to do all kinds of things in all three types of settings.\n\nAdministrative support seems totally dependent on the people in those positions, not what type of school it is.  I have had a horrible and an amazing principal in public school, and can say the same either from personal experience or in talking to others about the other two types.\n\nAs far as funding, I live in the St. Louis area now, and spent most of my life in Kansas City, MIssouri, so in speaking from those places, private schools made much less, while public and charter schools were close to the same, although districts and/or schools did have differences.  You will likely find that rural schools pay much less if you look in that direction.  \n\nI can't really say my time in charter schools was my favorite.  It seemed that many students came to them after they had been big discipline problems at their other schools and wanted to try a different school, although the problems usually carried over.  Public schools can be frustrating at times, because there are many hoops to jump through at times, especially when it comes to standardized testing, some thing private school s(at least around me) aren't required to do).  \n\nI'm not sure if this is much of an answer, but I hope I at least pointed out a few things from the view of where I am anyway.  Asking around can be a great thing, as teachers will generally tell you the straight truth about the place they work.  My best advice would be to find a school that you find yourself comfortable in, both in your teachers, and your principal.  You will always find enough teachers that you can get along with great at any school, but the principal can be more difficult.  If you click with that person, you should have it made as long as you do well at your teaching.  Best of luck on your career!
416056
I went to public school and was generally happy there. If you live within a district of a good school system, I'd say go with that. If you live in a more questionable area but can afford a private school, go ahead.\n\nHome schooling, I feel, puts children at a disadvantage because they lose much of the interaction with others that they receive at an actual school. It also puts a new burden on you and possibly limits the child's education to what you can teach him/her.
78892
I would have to say public school because you get to meet more people. Sure they aren't that great, but at least you have friends.
561417
i go to a private college preparatory school.  i'm not going to tell you which one though.  i like it because it has smaller classes and the teachers here are really good.  i've never been to public school, but don't get me wrong.  i have to work to pay off some of my tuition.  then again, there are some of those stupid rich white kids who always like to flaunt their wealth at school.  that's one thing that's really annoying.  the majority of the kids at my school are rich caucasians, and i'm a minority and not so rich.  maybe it's jealousy (it probably is), but i'm grateful that i have the opportunity to go to the school that i go to.
920441
Private schools know they are an expensive option for you to select so they have to work hard to earn your business,\n\npublic schools couldn't care less about impressing you or earning your business. \n\nAll you have to do is compare the percentage of students that actually graduate from public schools compared to private, \n\ncompare the SAT scores from public and private schools and finally compare the percentage of graduating seniors that go on to college from each. \n\nThe only excuse for sending your kids to public schools is because you can't afford it.  \n\nFinal thing to look at, find out where your Senators and congressmen send their kids, even though they are ultimately responsible for "public education" over 90% send their kids to private school, think they know something?
655189
I don't think the school it's self matters. I think the factor in this scenario is the neighborhood. What neighborhood is the school in depends on the quality of the education and resources available to the students.\nLower income private schools have less resources then higher income private schools. So they can only provide the students with the resources available. Public schools are the same, the better the neighborhood, the more resources available. \nThe students in the schools also depend on how they were raised not on the school.
1002475
if you can get a better education or be in a safer environment by going to the private school you should at least give it a try.  you might like it.  take advantage of every oppurtunity you have!
236480
A balance of both. Teachers are there for a reason, as well as peers.
632981
I have to disagree about the private schools.  Private schools are not required by law to provide special education assistance.  They do not receive government funding; therefore, they do not have to follow government mandates and laws concerning education.  That includes highly qualified teachers.  \n\nCharter schools run by municipalities or universities are solid.  They have the financial backing that keeps them out of trouble.  The charter I work for is wonderful when it comes to special needs students.  Each of the teachers is highly qualified plus dual certified in special education.  It is a requirement of our employment.  In addition, each teacher has an aide in the classroom to assist with instruction, discipline, etc.  We are trained in integrated instruction, differentiated instruction, and many other modification and accommodation methods.  \n\nMore to the point, though, the public school system is required by law to provide a free and appropriate education for all students.  This includes special needs children.  If your son has a diagnosed learning difference, the school district has to provide services that will facilitate his educational progress.  There is no way around that.  It is the law.  Make certain you attend ARD meetings and make certain you get your voice heard.
535286
This is an honorable thing you are setting out to do. It takes a lot to build a school. There are a lot of laws governing location to classroom safety. It is a daunting task that you set out to do. Become a teacher first, and find out if it's truly your calling. I so get out there and get advice from the pros.\n\nI am a teacher, and find that teaching in itself is very demanding, but I would choose it again. The job doesn't pay enough, but its rewards are in how we help others. Good luck to you!!
763562
There really is no "average".  It depends on the location (suburban areas almost always pay more than urban or rural areas), the size of the school (larger schools generally pay more than smaller ones), the level (secondary schools sometimes pay more than elementary), and the tuition the school charges (higher tuition goes with higher salaries).  Just like public schools,  most private schools have some sort of salary schedule that rewards a combination of education and experience.  (The longer you've been teaching and the more education you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.)  Also, in addition to a base salary, a music teacher is likely to be paid a bonus for working outside of the school day with band or choir activities.\n\nAll that said, most private schools pay half to two-thirds of the salary of comparable public schools (those of similar size in the same area).
953980
Another alternative to avoid the bureaucracy is to teach in a setting other than a public high school.  Private schools, community colleges, for profit schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc. do not require teaching credentials and respect real world experience.
595702
I think they both have their merits. Independant schools generally have kids who are easier to work with because the school will kick them out if they misbehave.  The environment at an independant school is far nicer and the teachers seem happier.  But at state schools you will get far more experience with a broader range of kids and you won't get so  many 'spoilt brats'!
992726
private or public plays no role at as such.\nFactors to think about are:\n-students\n-parents\n-teachers\n-interactions between these groups\n-opportunities for learning\nArguably private money can buy better learning conditions. Parents might still be a positive or negative factor depending on the school, and kids are always unpredictable.
1154958
Yes, your kids would be better off in public schools. Don't indoctrinate them before they have a chance to learn to think for themselves.\n\nChildren taught  in public schools have  better test scores anyway.
137004
For some individuals, Yes.  Two of my high-school age children are currently attending charter schools, and with great results. They get more individualized attention and better grades.
593742
well, little classes are better but i guess big classes could;\nallow for more diversity in the class with answers and questions.\ncost the school less payroll expense because one teacher can handle more students.\nallows the teacher to reach more students at one time.\n\nthose are some ideas, hope they help.