RJ West is a 2026-2027 Teach Plus Pennsylvania Belonging, Empowerment, and Mentorship Network Facilitator and 6th grade social studies and science teacher at South Fayette Middle School in McDonald, Pennsylvania. He is a co-sponsor and leader of Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatments and an advisor for Future Business Leaders of America. RJ began his teaching career at Ambridge Area High School, where he taught 9th grade civics and 12th grade honors economics. Previously, he has worked in an emotional support classroom and has taught middle school foods and nutrition and 4th grade. RJ has been honored twice through Guru Vandana, a Hindu-inspired celebration organized by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. He is also a mentor in the Young Lions Mentorship Program and serves as a junior varsity boys’ basketball coach at Quaker Valley High School. RJ has a bachelor’s in secondary education (social studies) from Slippery Rock University.
