Making A Difference

Our team members come from various backgrounds and experiences, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise that helps us redefine school. Each month, we spotlight a member of our talented team.

Name: Stephanie Kline

Title: 5th Grade ELA and Social Studies Educator, Propel McKeesport

Tell us which Propel Habit resonates with you the most and why: I think it's so important to Walk Through The Do Your Part: Our strong dedication to teamwork makes us stand out as a school, and supporting one another to do what is best for our scholars is how we help them find success.

Why is Propel a great place to practice the art of teaching? My role as a classroom monitor/media teacher has The scholars and the relationships they build with us serve as a constant reminder of why I come to work every day, and I learn as much from them every year as they learn from us. My co-workers inspire me every day. They go above and beyond for the scholars and one another and continue to grow and develop as professionals. Being part of the curriculum committee and working closely with others to ground in the work has helped me to grow as a professional both inside and outside of my role as an ELA teacher.

Name: Angela Ramos

Title: Instructional Specialist at Propel McKeesport

Tell us which Propel Habit resonates with you the most and why: I think it's so important to Walk Through The Door. When we show up every day with a positive attitude, amazing things happen. We can't even begin to practice the other habits unless we show up ready to do our best.

What are some of your biggest inspirations with Propel Schools? My role as a classroom monitor/media teacher has impacted all scholars. I believe that the scholar's expectations have increased because just being able to create trust, listening to the students, and having an understanding of their generation and also the troubles they struggle with outside of the school allows them to realize the importance of their education and make higher expectations for themselves and their future.

Do you have any hidden or hobbies talents? I love to read. I also enjoy pour painting. I'm not sure I would consider myself talented, but creating something beautiful with my family is a lot of fun!

Check out the song that Mrs. Ramos and her husband, Christopher, wrote and arranged about the Read Across Propel initiative.

Name: Josh Adams

Title: Classroom Monitor/Media Teacher/Propel Braddock Hills High School

Tell us a bit about your work with Propel: My work with Propel Schools is teaching multimedia, including graphic design. Last school year, my classes created company logos and album covers and created businesses. I don't only try to teach media but also teach why mental health is important for every scholar in the school from 9th grade to 12th. Education is very important, and with the proper balance in their minds, our scholars can focus on their education.

How does your role support Propel's mission? My role as a classroom monitor/media teacher has impacted all scholars. I believe that the scholar's expectations have increased because just being able to create trust, listening to the students, and having an understanding of their generation and also the troubles they struggle with outside of the school allows them to realize the importance of their education and make higher expectations for themselves and their future.

Do you have any hidden talents? I can play the drums. I can sing and rap (all clean music) on all music streaming platforms. I am a YouTuber. I can draw, do graphic design, photography, and videography. It is a talent to make people laugh, so I am definitely a comedian and try to make people's day better.  

Name: Shane Harder

Title: Speech-Language Pathologist, Propel Pitcairn

Tell us a bit about your work with Propel: Evaluate and treat scholars with various speech and language disorders.

 

How does your role support Propel's mission? The scholars are growing every day! It's amazing to see the skill sets improve and watch them use these skills to flourish in the classroom!

 

Do you have any hidden talents? I've perfected the loud whistle over the course of 9 years.

We are #PropelProud of our amazing educators and staff members. 

Name: Lauryn Antimary

Title: Kindergarten Educator, Propel McKeesport

Tell us a bit about your work with Propel: I have been at McKeesport for four years, beginning as a Literacy Instructional Specialist and transitioning into an educator role shortly after. I am also a member of the K-2 TLC team, helping to develop and support professional learning for my colleagues.

How does your role support Propel's mission? As the first educator the families of my scholars meet in their educational journey at Propel, I help introduce them to our building and community of learners. I help my scholars grow academically and become responsible and respectful tiny humans. I believe all of my scholars can learn, grow and be successful, despite the barriers and obstacles that often are placed in their way. I give my scholars opportunities to embrace learning, build relationships, and take risks in an environment where they feel supported and love.

Do you have any hidden talents? I have a lot of Disney knowledge and love to share that with others.  

Name: Brandon Bower

Title: Assistant Principal, Propel Braddock Hills High School

Tell us a bit about your work with Propel Schools:  I started as a day-to-day substitute and, over the past ten years, moved to a paraprofessional role, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. As an assistant principal, I share the responsibility with our leadership team for setting the tone of the building each day. 

How does your role support Propel's mission?  As a building leader, I expect growth from scholars and staff over time, and what this growth looks like is different for every individual in our building. In acknowledging this, we can only continue to expect our scholars and staff to grow as people and professionals if we begin to think differently. To truly "redefine school" and "defy expectations," we cannot assume that what works for one will work for all. We have to take the time to problem solve, get out of our comfort zones, and learn from past mistakes.

What is something about you that people might not know? I have three passions in my personal life: my family, Penn State football, and reading. All three of these things allow me to unplug and recharge. On any given Saturday in the fall, you can find me on my couch in front of my TV with my kids next to me, a book in my hand (only for getting through commercial breaks), and the Nittany Lions on TV.