Educator voices: Why teaching at Primer is different

Great schools are built by great educators. At Primer, we believe that when educators are trusted, supported, and empowered to lead, students benefit in meaningful ways every day. Our educators aren't simply delivering lessons. They are building relationships, creating joyful learning experiences, and helping every student grow with confidence. What makes Primer different isn't just our approach to personalized learning—it's the belief that educators deserve the same trust, autonomy, and support that we strive to give our students.

For many educators, joining Primer meant finding a place where long-held ideas about what school could be finally became reality. "When I first learned about Primer, it felt like someone had finally heard all the frustrations I'd voiced about the traditional school system and was crazy enough to actually do something about it," shares Julieta Rakover. "We're not just building schools. We're creating communities where kids feel safe, feel seen, and truly flourish."

That same sense of purpose resonated with Apryl Shackelford as she helped launch Primer Liberty City. "Launching Primer Liberty City has been one of the most purposeful and transformative experiences of my career," she says. "Opening a micro-school from the ground up has allowed me to shape a joyful, relationship-centered learning environment where kids are truly seen, heard, and celebrated."

Trust is another theme educators consistently describe. Rather than relying on rigid hierarchies, Primer empowers the people who work closest to students to make thoughtful decisions for their classrooms and campuses. "When I called my boss about a situation, instead of being told what to do, I was asked what I wanted to do," one Campus Leader explains. "At Primer, leaders are trusted to troubleshoot and make well-informed decisions on their own while still receiving guidance and support. That level of trust is something I hadn't experienced before."

That philosophy extends into the classroom. Primer's personalized learning model allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery rather than moving at a one-size-fits-all pace. "Many schools say they offer differentiated learning, but Primer actually practices it," Samantha Sanchez says. "Students receive instruction based on their academic level without feeling different or singled out. Because our schools are intentionally small, every educator truly knows every child, and that creates some of the strongest relationships I've ever experienced."

Those relationships are strengthened by Primer's multi-year classroom model, allowing educators to build lasting connections with students and families over time. As Samantha explains, "The first day of school isn't filled with fear because students walk into a classroom where they already know and trust their teacher. I already know them, and I love them."

Just as students are encouraged to grow, educators describe a culture where their ideas are valued and their professional growth is supported. "Primer is the first school I've worked for that actually takes their employees seriously," Samantha says. "They recognize how challenging this work can be and continuously look for ways to make our daily experience better so we can focus on what matters most—the children."

Apryl shares that same perspective. "I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that every day I'm helping students grow into confident, curious leaders of their own learning. Primer is a place where our voices are valued, our growth is nurtured, and our leadership is truly honored." Together, these stories reflect what makes Primer different. It is a place where educators are trusted to lead, supported to grow, and empowered to create learning environments where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.