Educators perform a wonderful service by utilizing their talents and skills to impart knowledge to the next generation, regardless of where they teach. However, there are some key differences in the experiences that those educators may have when teaching in a charter school vs. a public school. From those who are looking into how to become a teacher to those who already have many years of teaching experience behind them, it is important to understand the differences between a charter school and a public school teaching environment. 

Key Differences Between a Charter School and a Public School 

There are several factors that one could point to as the key difference between a charter school and a public school experience. Let’s take a look at some of the things that differentiate the two: 

Funding of Operations

How public schools and charter schools receive their funding is one of the fundamental differences between the two. Here is the breakdown of how this works for each: 

Public Schools

• Funded by local, state, and federal tax dollars

• Controlled by a local school district and an elected school board

• Has a significant number of regulations layered onto it

Charter Schools 

• Receives public funds but is independently run 

• Operated by non-profit groups such as locally organized parent groups 

• Has fewer regulations as long as it meets certain established goals

These differences should be noted because they are critical to the way in which public schools and charter schools operate. Whether you are looking to build your resume to perhaps apply to become a teacher’s aide or if you want to pursue a career as a special education teacher, you need to know what type of environment you are about to step into. 

Union Representation and Job Stability 

One of the biggest concerns for those who are seeking to enter the teaching profession is how much they can expect to earn. Obviously, a teacher’s salary will vary greatly based on where in the country they teach, how many years of experience they have, how many certifications they have, and a variety of other factors. That said, another major factor that plays a role is the type of school that a teacher works in and if that school system has union representation or not. 

Public school teachers often have the ability to join on to a teacher’s union that can offer them protection from unfair working conditions. It can also be useful as unions are also known to help teachers with collective bargaining. In other words, the union will represent an entire group of teachers within the public school district as it negotiates for higher pay and better benefits for those teachers. 

When it comes to charter schools, far fewer have unions that represent them. On the one hand, this does mean that teachers in charter schools have more flexibility in their work. However, it also means that they do not enjoy the union protections that public school teachers often do. 

Work Expectations 

When interviewing for a teaching position, it is essential to understand what the work expectations are likely to be and how to ask the right questions in the interview. One of the things that everyone wants to know is what their work expectations are likely to be. This means that they want to know what kind of hours they will be expected to put in and which roles they will play. Here is a breakdown of what is likely expected in public schools vs. charter schools. 

Public Schools

• Standard working hours that are known ahead of time and typically do not change

• Likely to have to deal with a large bureaucracy to get anything done, not much flexibility 

• Clear-cut ladders of authority 

Charter Schools

• Typically work longer hours than do public school teachers

• More flexibility in how they teach

• Work in a fast-paced environment where change is possible at any time

The type of person that might thrive as a public school teacher might not do as well serving in a charter school and vice-versa. It often comes down to the individual’s personality and teaching style. 

Salary and Benefits

Let’s be honest, the amount of money that one can expect to earn at a job is a major motivating factor for most people. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to asking to be paid what you are working so hard to earn. This teacher salary guide is a helpful place to start to get an idea about what type of salary expectations are realistic. However, you should also know about some of the differences between what public school teachers earn and what charter school teachers earn. 

The pay for public school teachers is generally higher than what is paid to charter school teachers. They also enjoy more stable benefits and a retirement plan. Charter school teachers tend to earn more money based on performance metrics rather than their longevity in the job. 

One of the key differences here is what is valued by each system. Public school districts tend to value keeping teachers around for the long run while charter schools are often interested in offering incentives to their top performers. 

Which Type of School Environment is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the big question is which type of teaching environment is right for you? The answer comes down to who you are as a person and as a professional. It all depends on what you value. Here is a breakdown of the values that correspond best with each system: 

Public School 

• Consistent, Reliable Work - The work of teaching in a public school is very stable and much needed. The demand for public school teachers is nearly always high, and you can expect a reliable work environment. 

• Union Representation - It is very likely that your public school system will offer union representation to help negotiate for higher wages and better benefits.

• Order and Stability - Those who prefer a predictable workplace where things are orderly and there is a clear line of command will prefer a public school setting. 

Charter School

• Flexibility - The ability to tackle problems in unique ways is prized at charter schools. There is greater flexibility to figure out what works well in particular scenarios. 

• Fast-Paced Environment - With charter schools there is often not as much bureaucracy to have to cut through when trying to get something done. It is a faster-paced environment, and many people prefer that. 

These are the types of things to keep in mind when deciding which type of school environment you would prefer to teach in. Keep this in mind and find a job that suits your personal needs.