What Woodward Academy employees say

(left to right, all cq) Kelsey Darren & food service director Carol Cottrell listen to Kimberly Spear describe the lunch choices at Woodward Academy in Atlanta on January 30th, 2017. Woodward is the large employer AJC Top Workplace winner. (Photo by Phil Skinner)

Credit: Phil Skinner

Credit: Phil Skinner

(left to right, all cq) Kelsey Darren & food service director Carol Cottrell listen to Kimberly Spear describe the lunch choices at Woodward Academy in Atlanta on January 30th, 2017. Woodward is the large employer AJC Top Workplace winner. (Photo by Phil Skinner)

More than 2,500 companies were nominated or asked to participate in the 2017 Top Workplaces contest by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its partner, Workplace Dynamics. Employees across the metro area responded to print and online solicitations that began appearing in September. 

Using survey results, a list of 150 workplaces was compiled, consisting of 25 large companies50 midsize companies and 75 small companiesWoodward Academy was the top large workplace

I look forward to coming in to work each day to teach students that are excited to learn, and I also know I have the support of the administration to modify the curriculum as needed to meet the needs of the students. I also know the administration will always be supportive of the teachers, which is a welcome feeling.

The pay is great, the benefits are good, I have enough sick and vacation time to be able to take the time I need without worrying about losing pay, and the people are super nice.

Every day I get to come to work and teach my students in a way that allows me to display my style of teaching.

I know that Woodward Academy and its faculty and staff are committed to our students and to one another. Our goal is to provide our students with the best learning environment as well as providing one another with the support and leadership needed to attain our goals.

I love the fact the senior administration gives those responsible and knowledgeable about their respective areas of expertise, the freedom to work and perform to their fullest potential.

There is such a family atmosphere here. Everyone genuinely cares for one another and makes it a happy place to work.

I feel a sense of community here. I feel like I am home. I love my co-workers, and of course, the kids.

I am able to perform at my full potential and Woodward Academy has always given me the necessary tools needed to work effectively.

I feel extremely valued and appreciated as a teacher here, which is drastically different than other systems I have worked in as a teacher. Unlike other places I've worked, I feel like an actual person and not just a cog. I'm also very respected by the students and parents. The atmosphere here is very nurturing to loyalty, hard work and commitment.

I am given the freedom to teach to my highest ability and to teach with the skills I am strongest using.

I have support and the resources I need to be successful. Everyone is happy to be at work and happy to do their job. Our administration lets us know they appreciate us and help when and where they can.

The staff is (made up of) professionals who genuinely care about the students and want to help them reach their highest potential. The administration fully supports the teachers in doing their jobs and requiring that the students are respectful and disciplined in the process of education.

I get to think creatively and strategically with good support from my superiors. I get to work with a diverse range of other employees who enjoy new opportunities and are not scared of sudden change or getting outside of their comfort zone. This dynamic always makes for good variety and satisfaction in seeing both personal growth and growth in other employees, where I have influence to help facilitate it.

I love the people I work with. I also love the fact the senior administration gives those responsible and knowledgeable about their respective areas of expertise, the freedom to work and perform to their fullest potential.

The work is meaningful, the possibilities are limitless and leadership is determined to provide me every opportunity to grow.

Woodward Academy is a place of respect. I feel valued and appreciated at Woodward Academy, and I am treated as a professional.