Challenges Faced By Charter Schools in the US

Former high school teacher Nichole Thiel has served in several educational institutions throughout her career, including the University of Idaho. Nicole Thiel also was vice-principal at a top-ranked charter school in Idaho. Charter schools have been facing problems for many years, but despite criticism, they continue to offer the best educational outcomes for some populations of students.

One of the big struggles that charter schools have to deal with is infrastructure. Only about 27 percent of charter schools occupy buildings specifically constructed for them. The majority rent or lease space, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to traditional public schools.

Charter schools also have limited access to state funding compared to public schools. On average, charter schools receive around three-quarters of the finding traditional public schools receive per pupil.

One area where both traditional and charter schools continue to struggle is in providing equitable access to education across student cross-sections. All these problems have received some attention in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go if more charter schools are to open.

Project Leadership Helps Administrators Hone Essential Skills

An experienced educator and administrator, Nichole Thiel earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Idaho. To supplement her leadership training, Nichole Thiel attended a three-year program called Project Leadership.

Sponsored by the Idaho Association of School Administrators (IASA), Project Leadership provides intensive training for persons serving in administrative roles. The academy provides participants with valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning. 

Project Leadership examines several topics throughout the course, including leadership styles, team development, communication skills, conflict management, legal issues, and technology. The program has been offered for more than 25 years and has trained more than 500 graduates.

The training is an essential component of IASA, an organization that provides leaders with the skills and support they need to run their schools effectively. In addition to professional development opportunities, IASA provides a legislative voice for educators in Idaho and recognizes administrators who have served their districts with excellence.