Learning Catalyst
At Network Connect, we are committed to empowering our communities by coordinating grassroots efforts with local partners to provide essential services and programs to our youth and families. We believe that by investing in our communities, we can improve our society’s overall health and well-being. With a focus on social services, education programs, workforce skills, and mental health support, we are dedicated to building capacity in our communities and creating opportunities for growth and success. As a fast-growing non-profit organization, we are always seeking innovative ways to positively impact and create a better future for all.
Network Connect is seeking a culturally responsive, relationship-centered Learning Catalyst to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within an innovative network of microschools.
In partnership with STRIVE, MicroSchool Generation, Freire Charter School, and Odyssey Charter School, Network Connect is launching seven emotionally responsive microschools designed for students whose behavioral, emotional, academic, or engagement needs are often difficult to meet in traditional educational settings.
Built around small learning communities of seven students and a 1:7 adult-to-student ratio, our model provides the personalized attention, meaningful relationships, and responsive support that help young people build confidence, reconnect with learning, and realize their potential.
Our students may be navigating academic gaps, behavioral challenges, chronic disengagement, or social-emotional needs that require a more personalized and supportive learning environment. Through individualized academic support, restorative practices, social-emotional development, project-based learning, and experiential education, we create environments where students feel connected, capable, and inspired to learn.
At the heart of our model is a simple belief: every child deserves to be deeply known, supported, inspired, and empowered.
Network Connect Values
Community -We are our local communities we embrace a grassroots approach to service, prioritizing support of local organizations, services, and leaders. Our leaders and staff are involved, engaged, and deeply connected to the communities we serve. We use our community knowledge to foster relationships and strengthen individual, neighborhood, and community ties through positive, meaningful connections.
Integrity - Network Connect implements innovative and responsible programming. We draw on community wisdom, research, evidence‑based practices, lived experiences, and continuous feedback to design and refine our programs and strategies. We collaborate with values‑driven leaders, mentors, and organizations, seeking creative ways to integrate effective community interventions that best support children, youth, adults, and families. We listen intently, remain flexible, adjust when needed, and practice patience in all aspects of our work.
Partnership- We believe in working with others to leverage collective strengths. Through partnership, we expand the capacity of our communities, services, and resources. We actively participate in coalitions and collaborations, working alongside others to pursue comprehensive solutions to complex systemic challenges.
Respect- Network Connect fosters an environment that balances purpose and belonging. We are people‑centered; together, we strive to strengthen individual, neighborhood, and community connections to build an ecosystem grounded in trust. We value our staff, contractors, and volunteers, ensuring livable wages for all employees — full‑time, part‑time, and contract and honoring the dignity and contributions of every person involved in our mission.
The Learning Catalyst serves as the primary relationship builder, student advocate, and personalized learning guide for a cohort of approximately seven students.
This is not a traditional paraprofessional role. Learning Catalysts are mentors, facilitators, culture builders, and trusted adults who help create engaging learning environments where students feel connected, supported, and successful. They provide individualized academic and social-emotional support, facilitate small-group learning experiences, and help students navigate challenges through restorative and relationship-centered approaches.
While the Lead Teacher serves as the instructional leader for a cluster of students, Learning Catalysts maintain primary responsibility for the day-to-day engagement, relationship-building, support, and success of their cohort. Our small learning communities allow Learning Catalysts to know students deeply and respond effectively to their individual strengths and needs.
Working closely with Lead Teachers, social-emotional learning specialists, Program Directors, families, and community partners, Learning Catalysts are part of a highly collaborative support team designed to help both students and educators thrive.
The ideal candidate understands that behavior is communication and believes that strong relationships, emotional safety, responsiveness, and student agency are foundational to learning. They are adaptable, reflective, collaborative, and committed to helping young people overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support & Relationship Building
- Build authentic, trust-based relationships with students and families.
- Serve as the primary advocate and support person for a cohort of approximately seven students.
- Cultivate emotionally safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.
- Support students in developing emotional regulation, communication, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.
- Utilize restorative and relationship-centered approaches to address behavioral and interpersonal challenges.
- Provide mentorship, encouragement, accountability, and individualized support throughout the school day.
- Promote belonging, confidence, agency, and positive student identity.
Learning Facilitation & Student Engagement
- Facilitate small-group, student-centered learning experiences and projects.
- Support student academic engagement, goal-setting, and task completion.
- Assist students in accessing and engaging with personalized learning experiences designed by Lead Teachers.
- Collaborate with educators to implement academic interventions and enrichment opportunities.
- Support project-based, experiential, and real-world learning opportunities.
- Help create calm, responsive, and flexible learning environments that encourage participation and growth.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate closely with Lead Teachers, Network Connect leadership, families, community partners, and support specialists.
- Participate in regular planning, reflection, coaching, and debriefing sessions.
- Contribute to problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement effort
- Support implementation and refinement of evolving microschool systems, structures, and practices.
Documentation & Student Progress
- Maintain accurate documentation related to student participation, engagement, and progress.
- Contribute observations regarding student growth, behavior, and social-emotional development.
- Utilize student data and observations to identify emerging needs and support intervention strategies.
- Communicate effectively with staff and families regarding student progress and support plans.
Qualifications
Required
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
- Demonstrated emotional intelligence, empathy, patience, and adaptability.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
- Commitment to culturally responsive, student-centered practice.
- Belief in the power of relationships, belonging, and personalized learning.
Preferred
- Experience working with adolescents or young people.
- Experience in youth development, mentoring, education, coaching, behavioral support, counseling, restorative practices, outdoor education, arts facilitation, or community-based programming.
- Experience supporting students navigating behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges.
- Familiarity with project-based learning, experiential education, personalized learning, or microschool models.
A traditional teaching background is not required. We welcome applicants from a wide range of youth-serving, community-based, and human-centered professions.
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Salary: $45,000–$50,000, based on experience
Reports To: Program Manager/ Behavioral Interventionist
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
