In this episode, Jenna interviews Brian Myrup, Managing Director, at York Preparatory Academy in Rockhill, SC. With over 20 years of experience, Brian shares his journey and what makes York Preparatory Academy unique. He also shares some tips and tricks on things charter school administrators could benefit from.
Over 20 years ago in Colorado, Brian started as a 4th/5th grade teacher. While going to school for his masters degree and writing a paper on school choice, he fell into the world of charter schools. Starting at Raegan Academy in Springville, UT for 10 years before transitioning to a director position at York Preparatory Academy 10 years ago.
York Preparatory Academy is a K-12 charter school. One thing that makes them unique is the fact that students stay there for all 13 years of school. This creates strong relationships with students and their families. The teachers at York Preparatory Academy uniquely target individual student needs. One focus of York Preparatory is to make sure the students graduate with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed.
Not only is student success important, but so is teacher success. There is a teacher wellness program in place that helps to remove some stressors off the teachers. Focusing on physical, emotional, mental and financial wellness. Thriving in place is a goal for the staff at York Preparatory Academy.
From understanding local charter school laws to building strong relationships. There are so many pieces of good advice in this episode, it is one you do not want to miss!
Time Stamps:
00:23 How did you get started in the charter school world?
1:23 How did you end up in South Carolina?
2:28 What makes York Preparatory Academy Unique?
3:45 Challenges and how you overcame them?
5:07 How do you hire the right teachers?
6:36 How do you make sure your vision is followed?
9:27 Have you seen increased teacher retention from your wellness program?
9:50 Any advice for people looking to start a teacher wellness program?
10:48 What big changes have you seen while you have been there?
12:30 How do you encourage the parent relationship?
13:50 Tips for Charter School Administrators?
15:30 What changes in laws have you seen?
16:39 If you could change anything in the last 20 years of your journey, what would you change?
17:59 What changes do you hope to see in the next 10 years at York Preparatory?
19:30 How do you implement life skills with students?
21:06 Any book recommendations?
22:20 Final thoughts/advice?
Show Notes:
York Preparatory Academy https://www.yorkprepsc.org/
“Teach Like A Champion” by Doug Lemov https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Champion-Techniques-Students/dp/0470550473
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins https://a.co/d/iNjvRlF
“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall
