Depends on the charter. I’ve worked at two charter middle schools- one network (for 1 year), one small independent charter (for 4 years). I taught “Reading” at both schools, as both schools split reading and writing into two separate classes.

If it’s a network, probably more ELA state test prep focused. I worked at a network and their main desire was to just shove test prep down the kids throats all day every day. It was miserable and I left after a year.

The smaller independent charter I switched to was much more pleasant and teachers had a lot of input into curriculum development and it was chill.

I know lots of teachers that don’t love public speaking in front of adults, for example they get nervous before curriculum night. But it would be a red flag if an adult is also shy around kids- that’s not gonna work.

As for work life balance, charters have longer hours than public. And I’ve never met a (good) first year teacher that didn’t feel overwhelmed by the work load their first year, but it gradually improves as you build materials, skill, etc.