Learn how Primer empowers educators to innovate, build meaningful relationships, and help every student thrive.

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. Across our campuses, leaders consistently describe a culture where innovation is encouraged, collaboration is expected, and every educator has the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

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.

Building Something Meaningful

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 opportunity to build something intentionally has been equally meaningful for Apryl Shackelford, who 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."

Trusted to Lead

One theme echoed by educators across Primer is the trust they receive to make thoughtful decisions for their students and their campuses.

Apryl describes leading in an environment "where creativity, joy, and purpose come together every single day." She values having the autonomy to confidently lead her studio while knowing her team is there to support her.

For Samantha Ingunza, that trust became clear during a challenging moment on campus.

"When I called my boss about a situation, instead of being told what to do, I was asked what I wanted to do," she 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."

Rather than relying on rigid hierarchies, Primer empowers educators who work closest to students to make decisions that best serve their communities.

Putting Students at the Center

Primer's educational model is built around meeting students where they are, allowing them to progress as they demonstrate mastery instead of moving at a one-size-fits-all pace.

For Samantha, this is one of the most meaningful differences.

"Many schools say they offer differentiated learning, but Primer actually practices it," she 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, where educators remain with many of the same students over several years.

"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."

A Culture That Listens

Primer's culture extends beyond students. Educators describe an organization that values their ideas and actively seeks opportunities to improve.

"What I love about the culture of Primer is that feedback is actually listened to," Samantha says. "I shared an idea with someone from headquarters about scheduling posts for families, and less than 24 hours later the feature had already been implemented."

That spirit of collaboration helps educators do their best work.

"Our team's culture of collaboration and genuine care pushes me to show up as my strongest, most inspired self," says Apryl.

Rather than simply encouraging innovation, Primer gives educators the freedom to experiment, adapt, and design learning experiences that reflect the unique needs of their students.

"Primer feels different because we're trusted to innovate, take risks, and design learning that truly reflects our kids' needs," Apryl explains.

Growing Alongside Students

For many educators, the most rewarding part of working at Primer is watching students develop into confident, curious learners while continuing to grow professionally themselves.

"I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that every day I'm helping students grow into confident, curious leaders of their own learning," Apryl says.

She believes Primer is a place where educators thrive because "our voices are valued, our growth is nurtured, and our leadership is truly honored."

Samantha shares a similar perspective.

"Primer is the first school I've worked for that actually takes their employees seriously," she 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."

Together, these stories reflect the culture that defines Primer. 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.