December 2018 DC Charter School News

I chose to work in a DC public charter school and specifically, Perry Street Preparatory PCS, because I was drawn to the small family feeling. I love the flexibility and systems in place to support students, teachers, and families. At Perry Street Preparatory PCS, families have an extended day option that allows me more time with my students. The student to teacher ratio also gives me the chance to build relationships with each of my students' families while also getting to know my students academically and socially. When I get to work, I feel like I’m at my second home because we believe in our children inside and out of the classroom and work daily to give them the education they deserve. -- Ms. Melanie Pyne, 2nd Grade Teacher

Photo credit: Cesar Chavez for Public Policy - Parkside Middle PCS

Tiffany Solomon, an 8th grade history teacher, believes that teaching at public charter schools in the District of Columbia introduces educators to more opportunities to meet and grow with students and families from neighborhoods all across the city. At Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy - Chavez Prep Middle (Chavez Prep Middle), Tiffany enjoys the opportunities to grow as a teacher by learning from other professionals. She has learned how to teach and manage students affected by trauma, strategies for building literacy across content areas, and effective classroom management and organization strategies.

Chavez Prep Middle partners content area teachers with expert coaches, who provide weekly feedback, best practices, and pedagogical knowledge. This support goes hand in hand with Tiffany’s relationship with her students. She notes, "[Students] know that they can trust me with their learning, so they are more engaged."

Photo credit: Community College Preparatory Academy PCS

Photo Credit: Roots PCS

The founder of Roots PCS, Bernida Thompson, has an avid career in education. She taught at traditional public schools for 10 years before opening a private school in 1977. In 1999, she opened Roots PCS and has since enjoyed the flexibility public charter schools are given. Bernida enjoys being able to handpick the educators she wants to see in her classrooms. She notes, "School leaders and principals are the driving force for education and they should receive autonomy to how they structure their staff."