Unique working environment.The good thingsSalary and compensation was higher than average. Amount of spares provided to teachers was wonderful (prep and correction periods). Timetabling was considerate of teacher planning. Lovely campus, well-resourced. Facilities (i.e. The Library) and technology were cutting-edge. Students were well-behaved and often worked at an above-average level. Wide selection of classes and subjects for teachers that can teach in areas where employment is difficult to find. As it is a large school with multiple classes for one subject, there is opportunity for beginner teachers to get senior experience in their subjects/electives and learn from more-experienced teachers. Professional development for teachers is excellent, and career development is very possible in this environment. Values curriculum and pedagogy. Many of the College events, and initiatives foster a sense of community with the students and their families. Extremely thorough staff orientation and documentation of College expectations. Online portals and websites for staff were comprehensive and easily accessible.
The challengesIt appears there is a high level of staff-turnover - staff frequently leave, which makes forming lasting professional connections challenging. Staff can occasionally be unfriendly and competitive with each other, however management does deal with these instances. Large amount of extra-curricular commitments. Expectations that staff sacrifice many weekends and personal time for the College. Many staff were overworked. Middle-management and admin change directions on a whim. No stability or career certainty at this school, sometimes even for long-term employees. Positions and titles change from year to year. Teachers do not get to influence decisions, and when directives are given, they do not always seem thought-through or receptive to feedback. Large expectation of online learning, and using technology that not all staff are proficient in.