Experience Transformation with the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership
Today’s education leaders face complex, fast-moving challenges—from navigating politics to improving student outcomes and building strong, sustainable organizations. The need for clear strategy and evidence-based solutions has never been greater.
At Penn GSE, the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership, led by Executive Director John S. Wilson, brings together a global network of experts across higher education, corporate learning, and PreK–12 to develop practical tools, insights, and strategies that drive real results.
Through its programs, research, and partnerships—and three complementary initiatives: the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, the Center for School Study Councils, and the Coalition for Educational Excellence—the Center amplifies its impact by recognizing excellence, strengthening leadership in practice, and fostering collaboration across schools, systems, and organizations.
Advancing the Public Good in Education
“Education is at an inflection point. Institutions are strained and skittish. Public trust is uneven. And the need for executives to move beyond grainy management toward high-definition leadership has never been clearer. At McGraw, we believe our educational system can step up and make a meaningful and measurable difference. Animated by the equality imperative, or the north star principle of our founding documents, it is time for all educators to be more intentional about advancing the public good. The stakes are sky high.”
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr.
Executive Director of the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership at Penn GSE
October 06, 2026 12:00–1:00 PM EDT
Optimizing Learning for a Volatile World
Don't miss this Zoom panel featuring the 2025 McGraw Prize in Education winners—Dr. Frederic Bertley, Dr. Cathy Davidson, Joe Wolf, and Rapelang Rabana—in a fast‑paced conversation moderated by 2014 honoree Chris Lehmann. Together, they’ll dive into “Optimizing Learning for a Volatile World,” sharing bold ideas and fresh strategies shaping the future of education.
Our Partners
The McGraw Center for Educational Leadership is made possible by a generous gift from the The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, Inc. Already partners in celebrating and amplifying the profound impact of educators through the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, Penn GSE and the McGraw Family Foundation recognized that the world needs more leaders who embody the spirit of the McGraw Prize.
Penn GSE's Leadership Programs
The McGraw Center for Educational Leadership partners with the outstanding faculty, students, and alumni of Penn GSE’s prestigious doctoral and master’s degree programs in educational leadership.
“Our father was ahead of his time in that he was recognizing innovative leaders. Whether teacher, principal, or corporate educator, he saw the value in those who were doing things differently. He knew that powerful learning and change was rooted in the talents and abilities of education’s top leaders.”
Stay Connected
To keep up to date on events, initiatives, and news, join our leadership network on LinkedIn and sign up to our email list.
McGraw Center for Educational Leadership
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
