Dean hosts new Philadelphia Superintendent

October 11, 2012 - Recently, Penn GSE’s Dean Andy Porter hosted a dinner at his home for the new superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, William R.  Hite. At the suggestion of Hite, senior staff were invited from both the School District of Philadelphia and Penn GSE in order to connect and find opportunities for collaboration. School Reform Commission members Feather Houston, and Wendall Pritchett were also in attendance, as well as Councilwoman Janie Blackwell. Additional Penn attendees included Penn GSE Overseer Wendy Greenfield, a number of GSE faculty members, and Ira Harkavy from the Netter Center.

“It is clear to me that this was the kick-off to a collaborative and fruitful partnership. Dr. Hite’s leadership has already made a tremendous difference,” said Dean Porter. “The School District's senior staff were open and receptive to the ideas our faculty and staff shared. We are excited to begin making plans immediately – from building on strengths like the Penn Alexander partnership and our Teacher Education and Teach For America programs, to creating new ways to leverage Penn GSE's resources for the children of Philadelphia.”


Media Contact: Kat Stein, Executive Director of Commmunications, katstein@gse.upenn.edu, (215) 898-9642