Top 5 Factors Teachers Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

Be the school where top candidates want to teach

Great teachers are the driving force of exceptional charter schools. But with so many organizations (and businesses!) competing for top talent, how can you make your school the obvious choice for educators? We've compiled a list of the top five factors that teachers consider before accepting a job offer.

1. Compensation & Benefits

As much as educators lean into the mission and impact of the work, if we’re honest, compensation still tops the list! Teachers want to feel valued and compensated fairly for their work. They also want to raise families comfortably without finding a different job in a few years or supplementing income. On top of salary, benefits can also play a significant role in a teacher's decision to accept a job offer. Generous health insurance, matched retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement can be big selling points for potential candidates. As a charter school, you have a unique advantage over traditional public schools to compensate your teachers fairly. Lean into it!

2. School Culture

School culture is another critical factor that teachers consider when deciding where to work. First off, teachers want to work in a supportive and collaborative environment where the administration honors their expertise. Second, teachers want to work in classrooms that are calm, respectful, and productive. No one wants to teach in chaos! They want to be teachers, not firefighters.

3. Professional Development Opportunities

Excellent candidates are always looking to improve their work. Professional development then becomes essential for hiring top talent. Teachers want to work at a school that values their professional growth and offers meaningful opportunities for development. This can include workshops, conferences, mentoring programs, and other opportunities for ongoing learning. Being able to visualize (show, don’t tell) teacher growth trajectories will set you apart from other organizations with a more ad-hoc approach.

4. Mission Alignment

The mission of a school can also be a major factor for teachers when deciding where to work. Teachers want to work at a school that aligns with their passions, prior experiences, and reason for teaching. They want to feel like they can make a difference and positively impact their students' lives on a daily basis. As a charter school leader, it's important to be clear about who you are serving and how you are creating a strong learning environment. This will ensure you attract and retain candidates who are aligned with your school's mission and values.

5. Work-Life Balance

Finally, work-life balance is another critical factor for teachers when deciding where to work. Teachers want to have a healthy work-life balance and feel supported in their personal lives. This can include things like flexible schedules, reasonable workloads, and supportive colleagues. As you hire more experienced teachers who have families, work-life balance becomes even more important to sustaining careers.

Attracting the Best

In conclusion, hiring great teachers is critical to the success of your charter school. School leaders can’t assume that having the most compelling mission translates to landing top talent. Teachers deserve competitive compensation packages, a supportive and respectful place to work, opportunities to advance their skills, a student population that aligns with their personal mission, and a balance of work and life. Thankfully, most charter school leaders have the authority and flexibility to make meaningful chances to attract the best!