Why PHCSE?

Sandra Jones,

School Receptionist 

"I love the inviting atmosphere that the school has. From the moment you walk in the door the warmth and friendliness of the staff is on full display! Each staff member puts forth their best effort to ensure that the students have a positive day from the time the children enter up until they leave. The entire school campus demonstrates that a positive learning environment serves to foster a strong foundation which our students can build on. Job well done, PHCSE!"

Sarah Wisniewski

3rd & 4th Grade Special Education Teacher

“The work environment and PHCE's workplace culture is motivating, happy, nurturing, innovative, fun, collaborative, engaging, respectful, and rewarding.  Building confidence in students and building relationships always puts a smile on my face. I have been teaching at PHCSE since 2013. I love working at PHCSE, and I continue to teach here because the environment is welcoming, the staff is great, and because of the awesome students and families.”

Donna Wallace

Certified School Nurse

“I have always been encouraged by administrators and fellow colleagues to be creative and innovative. The support that I've received has helped me to expand our health care program to provide the best services for our students, their families, and our staff members. I am allowed autonomy and the opportunity to have ownership over the work that I do. It's a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The students and staff are by far the most interesting part of working at PHCSE. I am privileged to be working with some of the Nation's most dedicated educators. They really care about the students and will greatly impact future generations.PHCSE encourages its staff to be part of the process that helps the school to grow. The staff is integral to creating the entrepreneurial spirit that defines this school.”

Jasmine Thompson

1st Grade Teacher

"I like working at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship because this school gives scholars endless opportunities to grow, exposing students to new things everyday and challenging them to be better! I love that there is a community among the staff, and we are shown in many ways that we are appreciated. This school is truly one of a kind!"

Darlene Shook

Director of Food Services

“I have been with PHCSE for ten years, since day one. I stay because I’m committed to see this school thrive. I love my job and the kids. This is my livelihood. Dr. Jones is my mentor; he knows how to motivate employees and appreciates the hard work we all do. I love the challenges my job brings to me. Staff are a family, committed to each other and to making an impact on students’ lives.”

Lauren Fitzpatrick

5th & 6th Grade Special Education Teacher

“I had never heard of MicroSociety before working here at PHCSE. It’s great to expose students to entrepreneurship skills at such a young age. K-5  students are working on resumes, job applications, learning how to run their own business. It is such a neat thing to see the creative and different ideas the students come up with. Overall, it is a very positive work environment. It feels like a family here at PHCSE. I think that PHCSE is heading in a great direction. Leadership team and the other staff members are awesome and always willing to help!”

Debra Titus

Entrepreneurial Education Coach

"When searching for a new educational home I craved a place where I felt like student voice and choice were valued. From the moment I walked into my interview and had a child interview me along with the leadership team (the first time in my then-12 years as an educator having a child sit at the table)--from that moment I knew I found the perfect fit. Since then student voice and choice has been at the pinnacle of the functionality of the school. I am also grateful for the opportunities for professional growth and learning. I feel like I am valued here and that my contributions have an impact."

Kylie Gilmore

3rd Grade Teacher

“I have worked at PHCSE since 2018.  The most interesting thing about working at PHCSE is watching students develop real world skills at a young age. The amount of responsibility and ownership they take impresses me every day. I believe that PHCSE's vision and direction of getting scholars prepared for the future is what these students need in order to be successful in the real world. At a young age, they are learning the basis for communication and organizational skills. As an educator, I love the connections I make with the kids and how those connections grow trust,  which leads to stronger academics. If you are looking for a fun, innovative place to work, then PHCSE is the right place for you. Administration cares about us as individuals and does what they can to support us. The team is friendly and always willing to help if you have questions. The rigour is high at PHCSE, but so are our scholars’ achievements!”

Trevor Miller

1st Grade Teacher

“The workplace at PHCSE is extremely welcoming and kind. Staff and students are extremely helpful and challenge you to be the best person you can be. PHCSE provides a wonderful opportunity to scholars, parents and staff alike. They offer a strong and engaging environment where students' creativity and knowledge is emphasized every day, allowing them to reach their maximum potential!The strong ties to the community, family environment with both students and staff, and commitment to making one another better is what makes me stay. The vision to expand and offer such a great environment to even more students in the community is exceptional, and I am beyond excited to play a pivotal part in those organizational goals. The benefits of a smaller, tight-knit work environment are often overlooked; the passion and dedication that PHCSE shows towards their staff on a daily basis is second-to-none.”

Reuben Coleman

Student Engagement Specialist, Athletic Director

" At PHCSE, it’s about impact. I have the privilege of serving a group of amazing young people, and I’m part of a team, led by Dr. Jones, who is committed to a shared vision. Our school is a place where students can grow and reach their highest potential; it’s also an environment in which I feel a great sense of value. As a professional and team member, I'm empowered to contribute, learn, and make a lasting difference. PHSCE is a place where my passion meets purpose, and I'm proud to be a part of this community."

Brianne Collins

Math Coach

“PHCSE has become a part of my family! All three of my children have attended PHCSE. I feel valued as a teacher and supported by administration. My voice is heard and that is very important to me! Since I started here at PHCSE, I have seen major changes in the overall direction of the school. Our vision and mission statements have been revised to provide a direct goal for our school. Administration has worked diligently to improve the organizational structure of the school as well as the transparency of communication. The teachers and staff are open-minded and willing to make the necessary adjustments and changes to meet the needs of our students. Team members offer support, share ideas and resources, and help when it is needed. Members of administration are available, supportive, and allow staff members to have a voice.    PHCSE offers a unique experience that you will not find at many other educational facilities.”

Emily Drop

2nd GRADE TEACHER

“I have been with PHCSE since November of 2018. Our staff really has become a family and not only support each other professionally within our jobs, but personally as well. I learn something new every day from our students, our leadership team and the amazing staff members I am surrounded by. The environment of PHCSE is extremely supportive and team-oriented. I love being a part of such a future- oriented team.The employees of PHCSE are passionate about the work they do and love every student that they teach. We go above and beyond to teach to each individual student and believe in pushing our staff and students to be the best they can be.”

Ashley Turner

School Secretary

"I enjoy getting to build relationships with other people, and I learn something new each day from these interactions. I also love the peaceful environment I walk into every day, and seeing our students' smiling faces each morning."

Heather Ruppert

Special Education Coordinator & School Psychologist

“Our work environment is, in my opinion, founded upon the characteristics of compassion, dedication, having a growth mindset, and being team-oriented. I believe that first and foremost staff and faculty care about our students, families,and each other. We are dedicated to helping students learn and grow to be the best citizens and students they can be through a culture that values each member. PHCSE is a great school and work environment. In order to be successful at PHCSE, an employee should be dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching and about helping all students to reach their full potential. Future employees should have a growth mindset and have a desire to develop their leadership skills. Future employees should also value and understand the need for flexibility, as well as have a desire to work collaboratively with their colleagues.”

Valerie Nance

Human Resources Director

“I'm inspired by my colleagues every day--from cafeteria and custodial staff, to office staff, to educators and the leadership team.  When employees come to the table with ideas, we are encouraged to problem-solve and rewarded for solution-seeking.  Your voice will be heard.  This is an organization that is courageous enough to constantly evaluate itself--how can we do better?  How can I, as an individual and a professional, be better?  How can we support one-another, our school, and our community to constantly improve?  One is never an island at PHCSE--there is always a team willing to help you, to answer questions, and encourage and help you expand your network within and outside the  organization for the betterment of not only your own career, but the improvement of the organization. PHCSE employees at all levels are welcome to take risks, try new things, ask questions, and that creates a climate of trust and innovation.”

Kayli Walters

4th Grade Teacher

"I like working for Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship because of the tight-knit community feel it has. Each staff member is helpful, encouraging, and truly ready to support one another in any way possible. PHCSE has a great student body who demonstrate leadership qualities, are innovative, kind, and eager to learn. "

Nicholas DiCarolis

Instructional Lead, 7th/8th Grade Social Studies Teacher/strong>

"When searching for a new educational home I craved a place where I felt like student voice and choice were valued. From the moment I walked into my interview and had a child interview me along with the leadership team (the first time in my then-12 years as an educator having a child sit at the table)--from that moment I knew I found the perfect fit. Since then student voice and choice has been at the pinnacle of the functionality of the school. I am also grateful for the opportunities for professional growth and learning. I feel like I am valued here and that my contributions have an impact."