The explosion of charter schools in the U.S. has opened up a world of educational leadership opportunities for intrepid teachers and administrators who want to advance their careers beyond mainstream education.<\/p>\n
Since the first charter school law went into effect in 1991, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools<\/a> estimates that there are more than 6,400* in the U.S. Each is unique in educational philosophy, management style, and curriculum, yet all provide a fertile landscape for educational innovation and entrepreneurial leadership.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charter schools are public schools that do not charge tuition, are open to all students, and foster collaboration between parents and teachers. Charter schools are guided by a “charter”\u2014a contract that outlines the school’s mission, structure, and performance requirements as established by the authorizing organization (usually a local or state-run government oversight entity) for the school<\/p>\n A few differences between traditional public schools and charter schools<\/a> include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As each charter school is unique and governed by its own charter, the requirements for teaching or obtaining an administrative leadership role vary from school to school. Charter schools do comply with applicable state and federal laws, although degree requirements for teachers vary by state. Typically, charter schools are managed at the school level with hiring decisions made by the individual school (rather than a school district, as can be the case with traditional public schools).<\/p>\n One of the benefits of an EdS degree<\/a> for charter school teachers is the authority it provides as school administrators are making hiring decisions. It highlights your desire for continued learning and allows you to stand out when it comes to securing a leadership position in such schools. Additionally, charter schools are more likely to have differential pay levels when compared to traditional public schools. A recent survey<\/a> noted that charter schools were willing to pay more for teachers with degrees from select colleges, select subject areas, and even to those willing to work extra hours.<\/p>\n Another opportunity as it relates to charter school leadership is to start your own charter school. Many charter schools, such as the Keiller Leadership Academy in San Diego, are founded by a partnership of teachers and school administrators<\/a>. The Center for Public Education cites the Keiller Leadership Academy as one of the most well-regarded charter schools in the country.<\/p>\n Finally, there are many organizations committed to the development of charter school leaders. The National Charter School Resource Center<\/a>, for example, has information on teacher talent development, how to start a charter school, and available funding opportunities. KIPP<\/a> charter schools offer ongoing professional development programs for its educators and administrators to nurture ongoing learning and leadership development.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Basics<\/h4>\n
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Breaking in to Charter School Leadership<\/h4>\n
Innovation and Your Education Career<\/h4>\n