What is a Teacher-Run School?
There are many formats for teacher-led school conversions under existing laws. Autonomous teacher-run schools are generally professional partnerships organized under a non-profit 501c3 that is formed to provide educational services. Teachers are in charge, though they may arrange for outside management of some of the schools services – janitorial, payroll, cafeteria and other non-education functions. The school district is not managing the school, nor is a district-appointed single leader in charge (e.g., a principal). Once in the position to control public money and to make decisions affecting learning outcomes, the teachers are willing to formally accept responsibility and accountability for creating and maintaining high-performing learning communities. Contracts, waivers, and other arrangements allow teachers to control their own work inside the schools they serve, which can include determining curriculum, setting the budget, choosing the level of technology available to students, s
