Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
I’m a charter school teacher. My kids learn and succeed.
When I was in the fourth grade, my social studies teacher devoted a great deal of extra time to me. The help I received transformed me into a better student, and my teacher’s efforts left such an impression I knew I wanted to be one, too. But growing up, I realized not everyone could be as fortunate as me and get that same individualized attention. I knew I wanted to be part of a school that created and encouraged that same environment for teachers to spend extra time with students.
I found it at Western Academy Charter School in Royal Palm Beach, where I’ve taught for the last 14 years. Our mission here is straight forward — a public school equipping all children with the necessary skills academically and in life.
In our classrooms, it starts with accountability.
It’s a crucial mindset for teachers, parents and students. We all must believe in this system to provide our students the opportunity to continue on into higher education, and accountability is an essential ingredient to make it happen.
I now teach K-2 with two other teachers assigned to each grade. I teach language arts, science and writing while the other teachers focus on math and reading among additional subjects. It’s a well-rounded approach exposing our students to three different styles and fosters a strong, unique learning environment.
As a public school, we accept all kids from our community, not just the top achieving ones. At Western Academy, we promote quality throughout believing that a strong charter school strengthens the entire public education system.
With more than 313,000 students enrolled in 658 charter schools across Florida, including more than 500 at Western Academy, the benefits are clear; charter schools have helped narrow the achievement gap by providing children access to a high-quality public education. As an educator, I can say that the flexibility and autonomy of a charter school allows teachers to be more responsive to every child, providing individual engagement and meeting them at their growth level.
Every family should have access to a quality education. Too many kids get stranded in bad schools without other options. In America, and in Florida, families need a choice. It doesn’t cost parents to enroll their kid in a charter school; we are a tuition-free, high-quality option.
Charter schools were set up to innovate in the classroom and strengthen a public education system in need of vast improvement. The evidence of their success in that mission is overwhelming, and here’s one small example to prove it.
One of my favorite students came to us from a district school. At the time, I taught fourth grade and during one of our first days together, I asked my class to practice writing paragraphs. This student looked slightly confused and embarrassed because she didn’t know the definition of a paragraph. Somehow she had made it to the fourth grade without that basic knowledge. She struggled initially at our school, but just like my social studies teacher helped me in fourth grade, we rallied to support her. We knew she just needed the right environment to thrive and succeed. After steadfast support and individualized attention, we now see the fruits of her efforts.
Two years ago, she graduated high school and her parents, still abundantly grateful to Western Academy, invited all the teachers to attend. It was one of my proudest moments as an educator.
Her goals and accomplishments speak volumes to our school and community. It’s never easy to push for excellence. But what might seem impossible in our students’ minds, we help make possible.
My charter school story is just one of thousands across the country. These schools are providing children with opportunities that aren’t available to them in their zoned, often low-performing schools. After my experience in the education system, I am sure of one thing: We need more charter schools.