Art of Problem SolvingReviews of aops.com

• Extremely time-consuming hiring process for a part-time position. • Application process included: – Initial application – 30-minute phone interview – Multi-part writing assignment that realistically took about three hours, not the suggested “60 minutes.” • Writing assignment required: – Exploring the course catalog and selecting a course – Explaining why the course appealed to you – Connecting your background and interests to the course – Writing detailed pedagogy and instructional strategy responses – Evaluating and providing written feedback on a student essay • Teaching demo instructions were confusing and poorly organized. • Slides were sent separately instead of as a complete deck and appeared out of order. • Demo materials lacked sufficient context and clarity. • Extremely rigid structure: – Not allowed to add or remove slides – Little room for teacher autonomy or adaptation • Asking clarifying questions by phone appeared to be viewed negatively. • Communication felt impersonal and dismissive after significant unpaid preparation time. • Environment did not feel collaborative or supportive of experienced educators. • Hiring process emphasized strict adherence to scripted materials rather than authentic teaching ability. • Felt more like performing a lengthy “pony show” than being evaluated as a professional educator. • Compensation does not justify the amount of unpaid labor expected during the interview process. • There are many tutoring opportunities in the Houston area with similar pay and far less burdensome hiring requirements. • Raises concerns about the student experience as well: – Parents pay premium rates, yet the instructional model felt rigid and heavily scripted – Limited flexibility for individualized instruction or teacher creativity – Resembled a replication of highly standardized Texas school instructional structures rather than a dynamic enrichment environment • Advanced learners often benefit more from adaptable, supportive educators rather than inflexible slide-driven instruction. • Overall impression: bureaucratic, rigid, and not especially respectful of candidates’ time or professional expertise.

The leadership team of the Saratoga campus at aops is completely disorganized, hardly visible. The supervisor always expects everyone to figure things out without any formal training, is not very approachable and does not have manners and social ethics in talking to staff. There has been no positive praise for work performance. There is no room for growth into a full time role. Future parents/ employees do not apply to this Saratoga academy, where the environment is very toxic, where your work will not be appreciated.

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