We are seeking an Elementary Teacher for grades 3–5 who is passionate about delivering rigorous instruction within a structured, high-expectations school environment. The ideal candidate is committed to educational equity, values collaboration and coaching, and believes all scholars can achieve at high levels through engaging instruction, consistency, and strong relationship-building. This educator should be able to create an engaging classroom culture that fosters academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and scholar growth.
About Catalyst Academy
Catalyst Academy Charter School (est. 2020) is a mission-driven public charter school located in Pittsburgh’s East End, serving scholars and families from historically underserved communities.
Our mission is to build a world-class K–8 school where scholars are prepared for college, career, and life through rigorous instruction, consistent systems, and high expectations.
We are a growing school, currently serving grades K–6 and expanding each year as we build toward a full K–8 model. As we continue to grow, we are seeking educators who are excited to grow with us, bring their talents, and contribute to building a strong, high-performing school environment.
Our culture is grounded in three core values, Belong, Grow, Achieve. We create spaces where scholars and staff feel seen, heard, and valued, we prioritize continuous growth through coaching and development, and we hold ourselves accountable for achieving strong academic results.
Why Teachers Choose Catalyst
Mission-Driven Work That Matters
At Catalyst, educators do more than teach. They make a lasting impact. Our team is deeply committed to serving scholars from historically underserved communities and closing opportunity gaps through high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
A Culture of Belonging, Growth, and Achievement
Our core values, Belong, Grow, Achieve, shape our daily work. Staff are supported, valued, and challenged to continuously improve while contributing to a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
High-Impact Coaching & Development
Each teacher is supported through ongoing instructional coaching, classroom observations, feedback meetings, and collaborative planning focused on strengthening instructional practice and scholar outcomes.
Professional Development & Collaboration
Teachers participate in structured summer training and ongoing weekly professional development focused on instruction, collaboration, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction to scholars in grades 3–5
- Internalize and deliver structured curriculum lessons to ensure consistent and effective instructional delivery
- Create engaging and academically rigorous classroom experiences that promote scholar growth and achievement
- Build strong relationships with scholars, families, and colleagues to foster a positive and supportive classroom culture
- Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations aligned with Catalyst’s school-wide systems
- Use formative and summative assessments to monitor scholar progress and adjust instruction accordingly
- Differentiate instruction to support diverse learning needs and ensure access to rigorous content for all scholars
- Participate in instructional coaching cycles, including classroom observations and feedback meetings
- Collaborate with grade-level teams and instructional leadership to strengthen scholar outcomes and instructional practices
- Maintain accurate records of scholar performance and communicate progress with families and school leadership
- Implement classroom management strategies aligned with Catalyst’s high-expectations environment
Skills & Qualifications
- Ability to deliver rigorous and engaging elementary instruction aligned to academic standards
- Strong classroom management skills and the ability to establish consistent routines and expectations
- Ability to analyze scholar assessment data to inform instructional decisions and adjust instruction as needed
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with scholars, families, and colleagues
- Experience working in urban school environments or with students from historically underserved communities preferred
- Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and closing opportunity gaps for students from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based instructional environment
- Openness to coaching, feedback, and continuous professional growth
- Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced school environment
- Commitment to maintaining consistently high academic and behavioral expectations for all scholars
Core Competencies
- Instructional Execution
- Classroom Management
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Relationship Building
- Cultural Competence
- Growth Mindset & Coachability
- Collaboration
- Organization & Execution
- High Expectations & Accountability
Education
Bachelor’s degree required
Pennsylvania teaching certification required or in progress
Acceptable certifications may include:
- Elementary K–6
- Grades 4–8
- Elementary Education PreK–4 with relevant upper elementary experience preferred
Master’s degree preferred
All required Pennsylvania clearances must be obtained and maintained in accordance with state law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Catalyst Academy Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, scholars, families, and members of our community.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Tell us about a time you had to hold high expectations for students while also building strong relationships and trust. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt your communication, instruction, or relationship-building approach to better support a student or family. What did you learn from that experience?
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
