Pros
They have significant benefits, and 1-hour lunch break is fantastic.
Cons
It is a toxic work environment. Teacher assistants sabotage new lead teachers by refusing to do the job duties assigned and creating a hostile atmosphere where you feel unwelcome. The classroom has been without a Lead Teacher for almost two years. The teacher assistants were not happy to have a Lead Teacher run the classroom, so challenges were a constant issue. Management did not inform parents of the changes to a new lead teacher taking over; some parents were not thrilled, and two parents became verbally and physically aggressive with the lead teacher. Management igonered the issue and diverted the blame to new hire. Downey site faced major plumbing issues; that is, toilet water would not drain after being flushed, causing wastewater to back up and overflow. Water leaked through the roof during heavy rain. AC and heater would not work in the classrooms. In addition, due to the lack of DEI, teacher assistants would isolate the only African-American student, making her feel left out and making negative student comments regarding the student.