Charter schools help prepare students for long-term success
In the fourth grade, I somehow survived a bad teacher, a really awful one. During the year sitting in her classroom, I came to realize two things that would affect the rest of my life. First, I dreaded school — mainly because my teacher sucked all the joy out. Second, I decided I wanted to become a teacher and vowed to be the change in the classroom my 9-year old heart so clearly desired. Each day would be meaningful and challenging, and I would be the reason my students looked forward to school.
This is my seventh year teaching but I felt I had never quite fulfilled my vow until this past July when I helped my community open a new public school, Spring Creek Charter Academy in Bainbridge, Georgia.
At Spring Creek Charter Academy, I teach first grade and couldn’t be happier with my decision to be at a charter school. Teachers choose to work here because we partner with parents and the community to prepare students for life-long success. It’s more than just books and worksheets. We see the talented, bright, caring citizen of tomorrow within each of our scholars, and strive to be the bridge that helps them get there.
Every morning I start my class with a 30-minute lesson called Crew. I focus on the children’s social and emotional skills; how to greet each other, care for one another, look into each other’s eyes and develop manners. I teach them perseverance and how to stick with a goal, and if they fail to get right back up. I also emphasize the importance of teamwork and inclusion, not just based on your race, religion or gender, but academically. If one student struggles we all help out. Why do I call it Crew? Because no one student can do it alone and we need to work together as a team just like a Crew.
As a public school, we accept all kids from our community through a lottery, not just the top achieving ones. At Spring Creek Charter Academy, we promote quality throughout believing that a strong charter school strengthens the entire public education system — a system in need of vast improvement. The evidence of Spring Creek Charter Academy’s success in that mission is overwhelming.
With more than 77,000 students enrolled in 115 charter schools across Georgia, including 302 at Spring Creek, the benefits are clear; charter schools have helped narrow the achievement gap by providing all 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 Georgia, 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. My two children also attend Spring Creek, one in first and the other in second grade. They love school as much as I do and now enjoy the enriching experience I had always hoped for them.
At Spring Creek Charter Academy, the rigor is harder, the accountability higher, but our students, my kids included, thrive and grow here beyond academics. For instance, they recently went to a nursing home to give back to the community. The kids brought blankets, clothes and smiles. They talked, played and hugged the residents who couldn’t have been more grateful. Afterward the kids left with bigger smiles and life lessons about compassion and generosity.
My charter school story is just one of thousands across the country. These schools are providing scholars 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.
Adrian Parker is a teacher at Spring Creek Charter Academy in Bainbridge, GA.