🗣️ Investing in teachers doesn't just impact one classroom; it transforms entire school environments! Alliance Board Member Sally Barian Yates reflects on 30 years of impact through programs like the Seattle Teacher Residency or Right Now Needs Fund. These programs empower teachers, students, and families with necessary resources, culture and curriculum, academic rigor, and innovation for tomorrow's future! Growth has happened in Seattle Public Schools across the city over the past 3 decades, and it's not coincidental. It's strategic. It's measured. and it's positively impacting students. Tap in to listen more 👉🏼

✨ From Framework to Action: Transformative Family–School Partnerships ✨ I had the opportunity to attend an inspiring session led by Dr. Karen Mapp (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Dr. Shaleda Harris, focused on equipping educators to build authentic, transformative family partnerships. The session centered on The Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family–School Partnerships, highlighting the essential conditions that strengthen relationships between families and educators: relational trust, asset-based approaches, cultural responsiveness, and shared leadership. A key distinction that resonated deeply with me was the difference between involvement and engagement: ➡️ Involvement often focuses on one-way communication, individual responsibility, and transactional relationships. ➡️ Engagement emphasizes two-way listening, collective responsibility, valuing family voice, and co-leadership — resulting in transformational partnerships. When families, educators, schools, and communities work together intentionally, everyone wins: ✅ Students show higher achievement and engagement ✅ Educators shift to asset-based mindsets and deepen cultural understanding ✅ Families feel valued, informed, and empowered ✅ Schools see improved climate and teacher retention ✅ Communities experience increased involvement and better overall well-being This session was a powerful reminder that family engagement isn’t an add-on — it’s essential to student success. Moving from frameworks to action requires us to listen, build trust, and lead in partnership. #FamilyEngagement #EducationalLeadership #Equity #TransformativePartnerships #KarenMapp #SchoolLeadership #CommunityEngagement #Education #DualCapacityFramework

“Future-driven means anticipating what students will need to succeed tomorrow and leading boldly to meet those needs today.” — Tracy Vitale, Superintendent, Seneca Valley School District From the ground-breaking Ehrman Crest Elementary School to new after-school STEM opportunities and inventive library spaces, @senecavalleyschooldistrict is reimagining what learning can look like. Students now have access to nearly 40 college-in-high-school courses, and the district continues to design spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. As one of Western PA's Future-Driven Schools, the district is part of a group of school districts working together to prepare every learner for tomorrow. 💡 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDE-s_cz #FutureDrivenSchools #RemakeLearning #InnovativeLearning #EducationLeadership #WesternPA #SchoolDesign

Across the country, innovative schools and systems are reimagining teaching to reflect what the new generation of leaders needs from the profession. From providing coaching and growth opportunities to trying new models like team teaching to increasing collaborative planning to foster community, there’s a growing commitment to re-examining the practices meant for yesterday’s world and yesterday’s schools. When teachers feel empowered, respected, and supported, students thrive. This thoughtful piece from Teach For America Los Angeles’s Dr. Lida Jennings, MBA, Ed.D. and Green Dot Public Schools California’s Samantha Matamoros (she/her/ella) shares more about how we can all work to make teaching a purposeful, supported path. https://lnkd.in/gxgyphtx

Only 27% of New Jersey fifth graders are proficient in science — a stat that caught the attention of Dr. Tanner Huffman, Chair of Integrative STEM Education at The College of New Jersey. With support from a $5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Dr. Huffman and TCNJ are joining a powerful regional alliance to launch STEM Pioneers: Elevating Elementary Teachers as the Frontier of STEM Education. The initiative will identify and support 27 outstanding teachers from #NewJersey, #Pennsylvania, and #WestVirginia, providing professional development, leadership training, and a peer network to help them share what works in the classroom. Empowering the next generation of STEM thinkers begins with supporting the educators who inspire them. Learn more about how New Jersey continues to lead in building the future of STEM education: https://lnkd.in/eAqzM563 #CareerConnectedLearning #NJSTEM #STEMEducation #NSFGrant #ElementarySTEM #STEMPioneers #TeacherLeadership #STEMCareers

Root 2 Rise empowers high school students to serve in neighborhood elementary schools — and the results are transformative. Tutor-Mentors gain: • Graduation credit • A monetary stipend • Valuable employment skills • The chance to mentor and inspire younger students Many even discover a passion for education and other rewarding careers. Investing in programs like Root 2 Rise builds confident leaders, engaged learners, and thriving communities. Learn more about how this initiative shapes the next generation of changemakers at root2rise.org. #Root2Rise #YouthLeadership #FutureLeaders #MentorshipMatters

Did you know independent schools are often the "first movers" in new growth areas? In places like southwest and northwest Sydney, they start small, more economically, and grow right alongside the community. While the public school system typically waits for a population to become more evident before building a new school, independent schools can get started much sooner. This gives them a significant advantage in new communities. Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/g5n_-69d #SchoolManagement #Education #GrowthAreas #Sydney #SchoolLeaders #ThoughtLeadership

✨ We’re back with another Read, Play, Grow: Early Literacy Starts Today video featuring University of Miami’s very own Christina Givner ("Tina")! 🎥🍎 This week, Tina shares practical tips for teachers on using assistive technology in the classroom and creating more inclusive learning spaces for students with special needs. 💡💻❤️ . . . #ReadPlayGrow #EarlyLiteracy #StartsToday #EarlyLearningExcellence #SchoolReadiness #CommunityHeroes #SR #MiamiDade #Monroe #parents #training #toddler #VPK #smallbusinesses #EHS #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyEngagement #EarlyLearningMatters #Leadership #CommunityImpact #EarlyLiteracyStartsTodayLaunch #ReadEarly #BuildingBrightFutures #HispanicHeritageMonth Michelle Meilan

In early childhood education, true excellence isn’t measured solely by curriculum or credentials — it’s reflected in the care, consistency, and culture that define a school community. The most successful programs are those built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for children and families. As leaders, our role is to nurture not only young minds, but also the teachers and caregivers who guide them each day. When we model ethical practice, value collaboration, and foster professional growth, we create an environment where every educator feels empowered to shine — and where every child benefits from their light. Raising the standard starts with raising each other. A strong, ethical foundation inspires a school culture that thrives — one that celebrates curiosity, accountability, and heart in equal measure.

Next month, Partners in School Innovation will take part in the 2025 East Coast Improvement in Education Summit in Nashville, where educators, researchers, and system leaders will gather around the theme “Where Partnerships Drive Progress: Using Improvement Science Together.” Our team members Kim Webster, Paula Espinoza-Wells, MEd, CSM, CSPO, and Chris Thorn will lead a pre-conference workshop titled “Generating Testable Change Ideas in Complex Contexts: Human-Centered Community Engagement Practices.” The session will explore how district and community partners can lead improvement work that keeps trust and engagement at the center by focusing on: 🎯 Building authentic partnerships amid budget constraints, school closures, and other high-stakes challenges 🎯 Applying lessons from lived district partnerships navigating difficult change processes 🎯 Using participatory sensemaking, narrative engagement, and human-centered design to move conversations from tension to collaboration We look forward to joining this community of practitioners and researchers committed to learning, partnership, and equitable progress. #EducationImprovement #HumanCenteredDesign #CommunityEngagement #EquityInEducation #ImprovementScience