Propel Schools | Diversity Employer

About Us

Propel Schools, a network of 13 public charter school located in Allegheny County, PA, was founded in 2003. Propel transforms the lives of children in underserved communities through innovative, student-centered learning.

Propel's schools are dynamic places where teachers, families, students and community partners work together to fulfill the comprehensive academic and fundamental needs of each student. The academic achievement of our children is the central focus. We encourage excellence through an intense focus on reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Propel sets a standard for creating productive citizens, not just great students, by also prioritizing fundamental life skills. Propel seeks committed, passionate, and driven staff members who, first and foremost, want to make an impact on society

Fifteen years ago, Propel started as a dream. The dream was to build an organization with the capacity to transform public education in Southwestern Pennsylvania so that all children have access to high performing public schools. Today, that dream is a reality. The first school opened in 2003 with 180 children, occupying a small hospital basement. In the 2017-18 school year, approximately 4,000 K-12 students attend our 13 schools in Homestead, Hazelwood, McKeesport, Montour, Munhall, Turtle Creek, and Braddock Hills, Northside and Pitcairn.

Propel's Mission

Propel Schools, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a not-for-profit federation of charter schools, dedicated to the mission of catalyzing the transformation of public education so that all children have access to high performing public schools.

This mission is pursued by opening and operating high-performance schools of choice in educationally underserved communities. Propel has become one of the largest, fastest-expanding set of charter schools in the state, with the highest levels of student achievement among Pennsylvania public school districts serving high poverty, resource-poor areas throughout the Pittsburgh region. Across all its schools, 80% of students qualify for the federal free/reduced-cost lunch program, 80% are a minority and 17% have special needs. Propel is serving 4,000 students at 13 Allegheny County locations.

Propel has become both a regional asset and a national model, providing measurable evidence of how innovative public schools can expand opportunities for children and families and can revitalize communities.

Propel Schools does not accept the premise that poverty or family structure
determines education performance or life outcome.

Promising Principles

Propel’s six Promising Principles and supporting Powerful Practices provide the structure and common language that are used to speak of the reasons that we have been able to achieve such high levels of success. When Propel first opened its doors in 2003, our “Pioneers” did not have such a framework upon which to base their work. Instead, Propel’s founders opened a school in the basement of an old hospital with a vision of operating high-performing public schools and providing choices to families who otherwise would not have them.

1. Agile Instruction
Each learner has distinct and changing needs. Teachers and teacher teams continually and flexibly adjust instruction to meet learner needs.

2. Embedded Support
Everyone in the organization is guided, nurtured, and encouraged. Everyone is a coach. Everyone is coached.

3. Culture of Dignity
Relationships, built upon a fundamental appreciation for the unique experiences of each individual both in school and beyond, anchor the Propel community.

4. Fully Valued Arts Program
Artistic expression and creativity are essential components of a complete education.

5. Vibrant Teaching Communities
Propel Schools are extraordinary places for educators to work. Continuous professional learning and growth are both expected and supported.

6. Quest for Excellence
Good is never enough. Administrators, faculty, and staff are constantly striving to reach an ever-rising standard of excellence.

Careers

At Propel Schools, it is our mission to transform the lives of the children that we serve. Through a rigorous hiring process, we employ professionals who are committed to giving their very best, every single day.

Propel owes its success to the hard work and dedication of its people, both in and out of the classroom. In order to continue our growth and success, we maintain a rigorous recruitment and hiring process. We intentionally seek a diverse pool of candidates both in ethnicity and professional experience. Our Propel professionals have a passion for social justice, vision, and energy to inspire others. In both certified and non-certified positions, we strive to nurture collaboration and shape a vibrant culture of dignity.