Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy


Join Catalyst Connection and The Consortium for Public Education for a professional learning experience called Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy! During this unique experience you will learn how the manufacturing industry is using emerging Industry 4.0 technologies to revolutionize the way they manufacture, improve and distribute their products. After attending this experience you will know how you can take the knowledge you gained back into your classroom to expose today’s learners of these high-demand and high-paying career pathways. 

What to expect during the experience:

  • Learn about a variety of emerging technologies and create a plan of action for taking the knowledge into your classroom and district.
  • Join a peer network community of fellow educators for collaboration opportunities both short-term and long-term.
  • Network with resource providers, partner organizations, and manufacturing industry representatives.

Attend the academy with another teacher from your district to cross collaborate (this is not a requirement, but we highly recommend!). 

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities:

Summer 2025 3-Day Experience

Day 1 – July 30th 8:00am-3:00pm
@ Mill 19 – 4501 Lytle St. Building A, Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Day 2 – August 6th 8:00am-3:00pm
@ CCAC Allegheny Campus – 808 Ridge Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Day 3 – August 13th 8:00am-3:00pm
@ Digital Foundry – 855 Fifth Ave. New Kensington, PA 15068

Register Now

**Please note: you must attend all 3 days to receive the $250 stipend and Act 48 hours

Additional notes:

  • Up to 4 registrants per district, additional will be put on a waiting list
  • If you have attended a 3-day experience in the past you will be put on a waiting list to allow slots for others who have not

Teacher Testimonials

“The Teacher Academy took my knowledge level from novice to moderate. Though I still want to learn more, this series gave me an incredible amount of background knowledge and connections with businesses to help my students. It should be expanded to allow more teachers and guidance counselors to gain this knowledge!”

“I can’t thank you enough for providing this opportunity to each of us. It has truly opened my eyes to new career opportunities to present to students and a great starting point to enhance my lessons.”

“I will admit I was so nervous coming into this, not knowing how much I would be able to incorporate into elementary school, but I was able to learn so much that I can apply and I am so thankful for that as a new STEAM teacher.”

“As an elementary teacher, I really wasn’t certain what to expect. I was impressed by each of the locations and presenters. I am eager to share new career opportunities not only with my students in colleagues but with my friends outside of work. You’ve opened my eyes to industry 4.0.”

Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy Reflections with Penn Trafford High School Teacher

Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy Reflections with City Charter High Teacher


Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy Reflections with Baldwin Middle School

What is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 is short for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 began at the turn of this century and is driven by the convergence of advanced manufacturing technologies:

  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Augmented Reality
  • Autonomous Robots
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Horizontal and Vertical System Integration
  • Industrial Internet of Things
  • The Cloud
  • Simulation

Presented by:

Catalyst Connection Logo

In Partnership With:

Sponsored By:

RKM Family Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What subject area teachers should attend these trainings?
    • While technology education teachers may seem to have the best alignment, this training is beneficial for teachers from a wide array of subject areas! Including, but not limited to English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Business, etc. as Industry 4.0 is multifaceted.
  • Can more than 1 teacher from my district attend?
    • Absolutely! We actually encourage that more than 1 individual from a school district attends our Industry 4.0 Academy. This allows for collaboration at the district.
  • I am a school administrator (ie: principal, curriculum coordinator, guidance counselor, etc.) am I able to attend?
    • Yes, of course! We would just encourage you to bring a teacher with you from your district.
  • What will I learn?
    • You will learn:
      • What types of manufacturing happens in Southwestern Pennsylvania
      • What is Industry 4.0 and the different types of technologies
      • How to implement technologies into your district
      • How to educate your students on these career pathways
    • You will:
      • Interact with local manufacturing professionals who are using Industry 4.0 technologies
      • Experience hands-on activities provided by our various partners that can be brought into your districts at no-cost
      • Tour awesome locations! 
  • Do I need prior knowledge of Industry 4.0 to attend?
    • Absolutely not! All levels of knowledge are welcome.
  • How will I know if I am selected for a training?
    • The trainings and workshops are all first come first serve. We only have a certain number of spots available for each. Our summer academy’s are 30 max. We will notify confirmation once registration has been received.
  • Is lunch provided?
    • Yes, lunch will be provided at each training/workshop day.
  • Do I have to attend all 3 days to receive the stipend? (SUMMER ONLY)
    • Yes, you must attend all 3 FULL days of the summer academy experience to receive the $300 stipend.
  • Will I be reimbursed for mileage?
    • No, mileage will not be reimbursed. The teacher stipend during the summer days can be utilized for this expense.
  • Is parking free at each location?
    • There are free parking options at most locations. More details will be sent out regarding each location after registration.
  • I am not able to attend the current available dates, but will this be offered again?
    • It is our intent to offer it again in a variety of ways. This is dependent on funding and teacher feedback.
    • If you would like to be on a waiting list for a future offering please contact Hannah. hkusenko@catalystconnection.org