There are many cons, but I'll just keep it to 3.
-It was explicitly stated that you are "judged by what time you leave work." Work-life balance is discouraged. However, for many employees, Rocketship blends into their social life, so they view hanging out at work as "fun" and judge those who want to go home and have some space.
-Admin places absolutely unrealistic expectations placed upon teachers, far beyond any other charter I've worked at. As an admin, I felt uncomfortable enforcing protocols and assigning work that I wouldn't want to do as a teacher. It felt hypocritical. Teachers are expected to be on campus 10+ hours a day on average and do additional work planning and grading at home. Admin are expected to help teachers pilot unattainable curricula while charter leaders, disconnected from teachers' day to day reality, provide little guidance or support.
-The coaching culture is highly performative and distracts students from learning. Five or more admin or leaders hang out in a classroom at a time, coaching each other with exaggerated hand gestures and facial expressions, trying to impress their superiors, while teachers are struggling to maintain focus and deliver their lesson. It was a circus that felt misaligned with my values.