The teachers do serve many families in the Austin area, and on paper, the organization looks great. However, I wouldn't recommend working here. The directors offer little support or praise for their teachers, using staff meetings to shout only the praises of each other or occasionally other office workers. One director often uses staff meetings as a platform for long personal stories (although not acceptable from other staff members) and jokes about 1% payraises and distracting auditors with free food (Why would they need a distraction ...?). Teachers are generally only contacted when there is a problem, but won't offer any suggestions on how to resolve the issue, and do not visit classrooms unless accompanying an auditor. Teachers who suggest changes or point out aspects unfair to themselves or their students are usually dismissed without much thought. In front of funders and auditors, the directors will put on a supportive front. They will ask teachers for a list of necessary supplies, but the requests (even small ones) are hardly ever fulfilled, leaving teachers (especially those for early childhood) to spend their own money. The two directors are very disorganized. Sent reports that have been specifically requested by the directors are often requested again. Questions via e-mail go unanswered, calling for contact produces better results, if they can find the time to talk to you. They often give the excuse that they are too busy. On the other hand, employees are expected to turn in reports, answer random requests , and provide supplemental information promptly despite their work load. Paychecks need to be checked very carefully, as there are often mistakes. I often wonder how much the directors are making, teacher salaries are hardly sufficient, especially for Austin.
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