Erika Harrell
Parent of 3rd grader, Rocketship Public Schools—Rise Academy Washington, D.C.
I like to be included in my child's learning process. I like to know what's going on with them so that I can be supportive at home, and to me, the charter model just has been the most beneficial. Aside from cutting down on the bureaucracy, I feel like teachers have more freedom to connect with parents without so much red tape. Having choice really feels like I have the stronger freedom to determine and act on the kind of parent I want to be. I think of myself as a teacher first when it comes to my kids. Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom, and I believe that teachers and parents and schools should have a strong partnership. For me, it's about finding the best partner for my kids so that they can be the best that they can be.
