I don't think they hide that fact at all. The titles are all listed on the website and the school explains its leadership/training structure at all functions.

All classrooms have two adults at all times. You don't get that in many public schools. In early childhood, yes, but most publics only have one teacher for 20-25 kids starting at grade 1. The fact that there are two adults - one of whom is either a Lead or a Master teacher - and one of whom is either an assistant (our assistants have masters degrees!, IME) or a Resident/Teacher in Training is pretty remarkable. The caliber of their hires, other than the unfortunately chosen 4th grade teacher this year, is impressive.

So how is this a demonstration school if teachers Do not come from the Inspired Center as they claim on their web page? Also shouldn't they change their info that they give out to reflect that. Shouldn't they be telling people that only some classes have master teachers with residents and the rest are lead teachers with assistants? Regardless of how wonderful you think a teacher is. Isn't it miss leading to claim one thing when in reality it's not what your doing.

Personally, I don't care if they went through the center. Someone like Mr G is an outstanding teacher with lots of experience. Mr B , Ms R, Ms S all went through the program, became residents and are now lead teachers with 3 years experience.

To the poster naming all the teachers, you've identified 3 Master Teachers out of 12 teachers in preK 3 to 4th grade. There are other promising young teachers, no doubt, but most have not gone through the training at the Center For Inspired Teaching and I don't see how they are learning from the best of the best. That's a real stretch. As far as I can see there isnt any real mentoring happening. I don't really know how they get their training or what happens to support them during PD days. That intel is not shared. I wish it was more transparent but no such luck.

Anonymous wrote:Waldorf teaches reading in 1st grade, but you have to be 7 years old by May 30th to go into 1st grade. All seven year olds are ready to read. Not true of all 5 and 6 year olds, so they keep 5 an 6 year olds in a curriculum rich in narrative, free play, art and music. This curriculum lays the groundwork for a love or learning and of reading. There is no benefit to early reading, so why not wait till all are ready instead of make some kids dread and resist reading because they aren't good at. The kids that are ready will benefit tremendously from an early childhood curriculum focused on the arts and on social skills.

BRAINS!!!!

"There is no benefit to early reading."

Yeah, okay buddy.

Waldorf teaches reading in 1st grade, but you have to be 7 years old by May 30th to go into 1st grade. All seven year olds are ready to read. Not true of all 5 and 6 year olds, so they keep 5 an 6 year olds in a curriculum rich in narrative, free play, art and music. This curriculum lays the groundwork for a love or learning and of reading. There is no benefit to early reading, so why not wait till all are ready instead of make some kids dread and resist reading because they aren't good at. The kids that are ready will benefit tremendously from an early childhood curriculum focused on the arts and on social skills.

So they have master teachers in PS, PK, K, 1st, and 3rd. They have lead teachers in two other classes (that have > 5 years of experience). Those teachers weren't given residents to mentor as they are new to Inspired Teaching and the admin felt it would be too much to handle in first year. They have a former Master Teacher that was teaching 5th but now part time teaching middle school courses and middle school principal. I admit that it is disappointing that they did not have a successful year with some hiring this past school year (primarily 4th grade), but am impressed that they have been able to retain the Excellent (with a capital E) master teachers. Without a doubt, I would put Ms I, Ms K, Mr F, Mr G (not a master as its his first year) and Ms C as top teacher in the city. The other ones Ms S, Ms B, Mr B, Ms M, Ms S are learning from the best of the best. We are a founding family and wouldn't go anywhere else - good, bad, or ugly.

Regardless of what they claim to be "inspired by" I feel like I must reiterate what other parents have said. This is a school with great potential bit, they are still just working out the kinks and trying to find their way. Some have great experices here but I would say the lack of leadership and the lack of true master teachers and residents in the class rooms and is what draws many to the school is concerning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is far from Waldorf.

+1
- Founding Family

Waldorf focuses on providing practical, hands-on activities and environments that encourage creative play. Sounds pretty much like the PR stuff that ITS puts out there.

Waldorf also builds imaginary fairy worlds, shuns technology, was founded by a racist, and doesn't teach reading until 2nd grade.
Not anything like IT. IT's approach is research-based, like Reggio, Creative Curriculum (GOLD), and a literacy workshop based model.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is far from Waldorf.

+1
- Founding Family

Waldorf focuses on providing practical, hands-on activities and environments that encourage creative play. Sounds pretty much like the PR stuff that ITS puts out there.

Anonymous wrote:It is far from Waldorf.

+1
- Founding Family

It is far from Waldorf.

Anonymous wrote:They claim to be inspired by many different styles and pedagogy. Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf. There claim to have the "whole child approach".

Ack! Waldorf?? I hope not. Those cultish people freak me out.

Two of our friends have kids there, one in 2nd grade and another in PS-3 and they love it. The 2nd grader in particular has really blossomed there, she is kind of shy but loves her new school and the teachers.