Charter schools often grapple with attracting and retaining teachers due to lower salaries compared to traditional public schools. However, successful charter schools in Florida have developed strategies to overcome this challenge, focusing on hiring teachers who align with their culture and values rather than solely relying on experience or higher pay.
Hiring Young, Less Experienced Teachers
A former charter school operations director, who was in their early thirties, observed that charter schools often hire younger, less experienced teachers. Typically, these teachers are drawn to charter schools’ more intentional approaches to academics and student behavior, rather than the lure of higher salaries. Despite their lack of experience, these young teachers brought fresh ideas and enthusiasm, contributing significantly to the school’s dynamic atmosphere.
Florida’s Charter Schools Excel Despite Lower Salaries
In Florida, charter school teachers earn around $51,000, which is about $6,000 less than their district counterparts earning approximately $57,000. Despite this salary gap, the majority of charter schools in Florida receive high ratings on their state report cards. In the 2024-25 school year, 77% of charters were A or B rated, compared to 70% of district schools. This academic success is achieved while serving similar rates of low-income and minority students as district schools.
Building Culture Through Hiring
Leaders of high-performing Florida charter schools, such as Johna Giordano of Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science and Sergio Bonilla of Hive Preparatory, share a cohesive strategy for hiring teachers that prioritizes cultural fit over experience. Giordano looks for teachers who love kids, are flexible, and humble, while Bonilla values professionals willing to learn and work hard to improve.
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Giordano, who has been at Hollywood Academy for a decade, believes that hiring good people is essential before considering experience. She treats three qualities as most important for teachers: loving kids, flexibility, and humility. She estimates that her school sees between 700 and 1,000 teacher observations a year, highlighting the school’s commitment to ongoing professional growth and development. These regular observations help teachers improve their skills and ensure that all students receive high-quality instruction, regardless of the classroom they are in.
Bonilla, principal of Hive Preparatory, looks for candidates who understand and value the school’s mission. He believes in hiring people willing to learn, not cut corners, and achieve results. He trusts his instincts and understands what the person values during the hiring process.
Giordano and Bonilla’s approaches reflect a broader trend among successful Florida charter schools. These schools focus on building a strong culture and attracting teachers who align with their values, despite budgetary limitations. By prioritizing cultural fit and providing extensive support through regular observations and coaching, these schools demonstrate that a commitment to culture can drive academic success, even when faced with financial challenges.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success
As charter schools continue to face budgetary limitations, their ability to cultivate a strong school culture and prioritize teacher support will be key in attracting and retaining quality educators. By focusing on hiring candidates who share their values and are willing to grow, these schools demonstrate that a commitment to culture can help overcome financial challenges and drive academic success. As charter schools across the country grapple with similar budgetary constraints, the Florida model offers valuable insights into how schools can prioritize culture and teacher support to achieve and maintain high academic standards.
