We know that great teaching changes lives. At Penn GSE, we’re deeply committed to preparing the next generation of outstanding teachers by turning our faculty’s cutting-edge research on how students learn into meaningful, practical training.
We aim to support educators across their professional journeys—from their first steps into the classroom to leadership roles and career transitions—helping them grow, thrive, and stay inspired. Here, learning is a lifelong pursuit and every educator is empowered to make a lasting impact.
Impacting Our City
For decades, Penn GSE has partnered with The School District of Philadelphia to improve the academic achievement and life outcomes of Philadelphia children and youth. Today that commitment includes 400 activities that Penn GSE faculty, students, and conduct in more than 250 schools in the district.
Partnerships in West Philadelphia
We lead two intensive University-wide partnerships with individual K–8 schools in West Philadelphia—the Sadie Tanner Mosell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School (Penn Alexander) and the Henry C. Lea School—providing extensive financial and staffing resources to the schools.
Continuing Teacher Education
As K–12 classrooms are increasingly understaffed or led by under-qualified teachers, we provide meaningful training opportunities through the Penn Learning Network, Philadelphia Writing Project, and other professional development opportunities. What teachers learn in the training that day they can implement tomorrow.
Improve Teacher Wellbeing
Our $6 million Project HERO study targets the teacher shortage that is crippling urban schools. Funded by the Education Innovation and Research Program and led by Michael Golden, the project implements and evaluates a scalable, research-informed approach to workforce strategy in schools to improve teacher wellbeing, resilience, and retention.
Research-based Initiatives for Change
Our academic certificate in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies builds on Penn GSE’s expertise and work of the longstanding Penn Early Childhood and Family Research Center, which offers an innovative model for university-based research built on partnership with policymakers, practitioners, and the communities they serve.
Our Work
We don’t just learn to know—we learn to do, because real progress happens when knowledge meets action.
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Center for School Study Councils
The Center for School Study Councils (CSSC) serves as a catalyst for public school superintendents to be proactive leaders and facilitates their professional learning and application of that learning.
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Penn Learning Network
Penn GSE’s professional development and continuing education opportunities help participants deepen their knowledge, build their networks, and grow their careers.
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Project HERO (Helping Educator Resilience & Optimism)
A partnership between Penn GSE and PeopleBench to introduce a scalable, research-informed approach to workforce strategy aimed to improve teacher wellbeing, resilience, and retention.
Our Local Impact
Penn GSE is building lasting partnerships to drive educational impact and community change.