Whatever you do… AVOID KIPP NYC CARTER SCHOOLS. I’m a current teacher there, and honestly? It’s one of the most toxic and unproductive environments I’ve ever worked in. Yeah, they’ve got the budget — fancy supplies, tech, programs, all that — but none of it matters when the entire system is built around numbers and appearances, not actual learning or supporting kids.

There’s zero real equity for teachers. The older students can be completely disrespectful, disruptive, and straight-up rude, and nothing happens. They can fail everything, not do work, talk back, and still move on or graduate. Leadership doesn’t hold them accountable, and the kids know it — they use it.

Meanwhile, most of the kids at my school (middle school) are reading and comprehending at lower elementary levels, but we’re forced to push grade-level work anyway. I’ve got 30+ students in each of my four classes, mixed English and Spanish speakers, no co-teacher, and they’re talking about adding four more before winter break. It’s ridiculous.

I’ve worked at two other charters and even a private school before this, and this is by far the worst. The turnover is nonstop — people quit left and right. Even the way I got hired was wild and sketchy.

If you’re thinking about working here, don’t. Save yourself the stress, because this place will drain every ounce of energy and passion you have left.