By: Legacy College Prep
In the bustling heart of the Bronx, a school isn’t simply educating children; it’s nurturing the potential of future leaders. Summer Schneider, a passionate educator with a vision that extends beyond textbooks and tests, is at the helm of this transformative space. Driven by a personal commitment to igniting a love of learning, Schneider has built an educational charter haven called Legacy College Prep, a testament to the power of empowered educators and student-centered learning.
Schneider’s journey to educational leadership wasn’t a straight path. With 15 years of experience in education, first as a math teacher and Dean of Instruction, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by both students and educators. This ignited a fire within her, a yearning to create a space where teachers were valued and equipped to be catalysts for change.
The challenges were daunting. Like many schools facing similar demographics, Legacy College Prep needed to bridge the achievement gap and foster a love of learning that could propel students toward a brighter future. However, Schneider recognized that the key to unlocking this potential wasn’t solely in curriculum or resources, but in the hearts and minds of the educators themselves.
Reflecting on this, Schneider explains, “We need to think about how to create a balance for teachers that makes them want to stay in the profession. For years, research has pointed to teacher quality as one of the biggest factors that lead to a child’s success in the classroom. We believe that by retaining quality teachers and training them well, we can see greater results for scholars.”
The Heart of Legacy College Prep: Investing in Teachers
Herein lies the essence of Legacy College Prep – a commitment to cultivating excellence in students and their teachers. This dedication manifests in a robust professional development program beyond obligatory workshops and seminars. Schneider understands the profound impact that ongoing learning has on educators. “We offer ongoing professional development opportunities,” she says. “These programs are designed to help teachers stay current with educational ideal practices and innovative teaching strategies. By fostering a collaborative community where teachers can share resources, support one another, and work together to solve common challenges, Legacy College Prep alleviates some of the isolation teachers may feel and provides a support network.”
This investment in teacher development has shown significant benefits. Research highlights that many teachers who engage in quality professional development report a positive influence on their teaching practices, which can contribute to noticeable improvements in student achievement. The message is clear: supporting educators enhances their ability to foster student success, leading to more effective instruction and a more prosperous learning environment.
Schools that prioritize sustained, high-quality professional development for teachers often notice positive trends in student performance. Reports also suggest that fostering a collaborative culture among teachers can create an environment where educators share insights, strategies, and resources—enhancing the overall school community.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration at Legacy College Prep
Legacy College Prep embraces this philosophy wholeheartedly. Their program transcends traditional models, fostering a collaborative environment where teachers learn from each other. Schneider emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships and promoting social-emotional learning alongside academic skills. Empowering teachers in these areas leads to a reduction in disruptive behaviors, improved social competence, and increased student engagement. These skills are critical not just for academic success but for creating a well-rounded, supportive environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued.
Beyond professional development, Legacy College Prep takes a holistic approach to teacher well-being. Schneider understands that a stressed teacher cannot fully support students, so she has implemented creative, flexible scheduling options to give educators the breathing room they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“We offer flexibility with what we can do with our schedule to support them. Our middle school has ‘Flex Fridays,’ a hybrid setup wherein the teachers are only in the building four days a week,” Schneider explains. “They teach Mondays through Thursdays, and then on Fridays, we have them teach every other Friday while the other they can work from home.” This approach allows teachers to dedicate time to grading, lesson planning, or simply recharging.
Schneider’s vision also extends to high school teachers, where she emphasizes the importance of manageable workloads. “At our high school level, we have always been very passionate about scheduling,” she says. “We have eight periods a day where high school teachers teach half, and the other half are preparation periods. Teachers have four preps and four classes. That allows enough time for you to adequately grade, plan, make copies, and not feel like you’re taking all of that home to do.” This thoughtful balance between teaching and preparation time helps prevent burnout and helps teachers give their utmost to their students.
The Ripple Effect: How Teacher Development Impacts Students
The benefits of this teacher-centric approach extend far beyond teacher satisfaction. It directly impacts the classroom, improving student outcomes. Legacy College Prep is a place where students are not only taught but inspired. By prioritizing the well-being and development of teachers, the school help its educators are equipped to foster an environment of excellence in learning. The teachers frequently share insights and strategies, learning from one another’s experiences to continuously improve their practices. This collaborative culture, coupled with ongoing training and support, helps every teacher be equipped to meet their students’ diverse needs.
As Schneider points out, “Research has consistently shown that teachers who receive this kind of specialized training are better equipped to manage classrooms, reduce disruptive behaviors, and foster student engagement.”
Legacy College Prep: A Model for Transformative Education
Legacy College Prep stands out for its strong performance and dedication to preparing students for life beyond graduation. However, its impact goes beyond academics. The school cultivates a passion for learning, a sense of community, and confidence in students’ abilities, reflecting the positive influence of dedicated educators.
“Teachers are the most important asset to student success,” Schneider reflects. “If we can create a sustainable and supportive environment for them, they will, in turn, create the ideal possible learning environment for our scholars.”
Creating a Future of Empowerment and Excellence
Summer Schneider’s story is one of transformation, proving that investing in educators is an investment in the future. At Legacy College Prep, the ripple effect of this philosophy is evident—dedicated teachers shape not just students’ academic outcomes but their confidence, aspirations, and potential to lead.
This charter school is where empathy meets excellence, fostering growth in every child and educator. To learn more about Legacy College Prep’s innovative programs or to explore enrollment opportunities, visit legacycollegeprep.org. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s leaders today.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article, Empowering Educators for Success: Summer Schneider’s Focus on Teacher Development, is based on insights and statements provided by Legacy College Prep and its representatives. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article reflects the perspectives and initiatives of Legacy College Prep and is not intended to serve as an endorsement or universal standard. For further details or specific inquiries, please visit legacycollegeprep.org.
Published by Anne C.
