The Association of American Educators (AAE) recently profiled a number of charter school teachers for National Charter Schools Week, including Northwest Professional Educators member Christina Aus, Special Education Teacher/Gifted and Talented Teacher/Speech Therapy Paraprofessional at Moscow Charter School, in Moscow, ID.  Christina is an NWPE Member Leader, an ambassador who shares the benefits of teacher choice and NWPE membership with her fellow educators in north Idaho.  Christina gives her insights on charter schools and what motivates her as an educator below.

Q. What do you like about teaching in a charter school? 

 A.  This is my fifth year at Moscow Charter School as a Learning Specialist (Special Education/ Gifted and Talented) and my twelfth year in Special Education. The key components that I like about teaching at Moscow Charter School are smaller class sizes, different opportunities to utilize a variety of curriculum to meet the Common Core State Standards and student needs, a supportive staff, and high parental involvement. Our students and families at Moscow Charter School are the best!!

Q. What sets your school apart? 

A. Moscow Charter School focuses on our core vision of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Our classroom sizes are rather small with twenty-two students per teacher ratio. We also have an annual theme, which our theme for this year is, "Moscow Charter School Goes Classic." We provide quality education to students from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Our student enrollment has significantly increased in the past two years with adding our middle school. Students and teachers apply technology across the curriculum by Smart Boards, Chromebooks, and other technological devices.

Q. What motivates you as an educator?

A. The sense of accomplishment and celebrating victories with students are the most important aspects that motivates me as a Learning Specialist.

Q. What are the misconceptions you face as a charter school educator?

A. I think that all educators face a myriad of misconceptions whether they are in a district or a charter school. Charter schools currently do not receive allocated funding from local bond and levies that are generally supported to local school districts. Therefore, many charter schools utilize funding through fundraisers, donations, and other financial means to allocate appropriated funds.

Q. How is your school different from other schools you've taught in?

A. Our teachers have the freedom to individualize the curriculum and apply a variety of teaching methods for our students. We have a variety of clubs that we provide after school, such as Marimba, Merry Missives Dance Club, Plant Club, and Robotics Club to name a few. The staff at Moscow Charter School are very dedicated to providing a quality education to our students.

Q. What would you like to tell teachers in other environments about teaching in a charter school?

A. Each charter school is unique in regards to their visions, their educational beliefs, and programs. It is prudent for educators to follow their heart and goals. At the end of the day, it is about making a difference in the lives of our students. 

AAE and NWPE support the public charter school movement and the heroic educators who make these innovative schools possible.

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