We are dedicated to increasing the number and quality of student-centered schools in the city. For us, that means more schools that elevate student voice and choice, care for students through strong advisory structures that anchor solid student-teacher relationships, have school cultures shaped by restorative justice practices, utilize project-based or mastery-based learning models, and value real-world learning.

For this to happen, students, parents, and the public must know about this educational approach; teachers need to be trained and supported in these practices; and the ecosystem—which includes the School District of Philadelphia, university teacher preparation programs, the philanthropic community, employers, and more—must be healthier. To that end, PLC works in three priority areas:

·      Educator and Partner Development

·      Real-World Connections, and

·      Movement Building

The talented teachers in our membership power our initiatives. Professional development is teacher-led and school-based. Partnership Coordinators are the architects of the real-world learning system we are building, the Workport@PLC. Some of our most impactful work took place in a Community of Practice where a curriculum that taught teachers how to take students on a journey of self-discovery was implemented across seven schools.

We aspire to transform the sector by implementing best practices; building what students, teachers, and schools need that does not already exist; and sharing what we learn. Journey with us.