What We Do

Partners in School Innovation helps people become equity-focused change agents and transform the education system.

It is difficult for public schools and educators to make good on the promise of a quality education for all students.

Education needs change agents who champion educational equity, continuous improvement, and sustainable systems.

Investing in developing people at all levels of the K-12 public education system – from the superintendent’s office to the classroom – makes it possible for schools to become places where students thrive.

Through leadership development, adult learning, and change management services, we help schools and districts identify and systematize the most promising practices needed to support each and every child.

"Partners’ work is clearly a powerful national model for school transformation, but what might be the most lasting benefit for us is how the Partners approach works to build the capacity of our leaders at the district level."

Superintendent, Alum Rock Union Elementary School District, CA

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K-12 Leadership Development

Adult Learning Facilitation

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Change Management Strategy

We Turn Schools into Lively, Loving Learning Communities

  • Photo of a smiling teacher discussing a homework assignment with a Black middle school student wearing glasses and his backpack.

    Lively Communities

    Lively communities are where kids have agency. They're up; they're engaging with the material; they're discussing what they’re learning; and they're challenging worldviews.

    In lively communities, students help shape what and how they learn, using multiple senses to make meaning of content. Teachers and leaders at these schools collaborate with students enthusiastically and take calculated risks in order to create stimulating learning experiences.

  • Photo of two elementary school students, with the one on the left being more in camera focus and wearing a bright green polo while smiling. The one in the background is wearing a blue t-shirt and writing on a notepad.

    Loving Communities

    Loving communities are where kids are respected for who they are, appreciated for what they bring, and embraced for their unique strengths. Kids want to be there. They recognize that they're missed when they're not there.

    In loving communities, students and educators show up as their true selves and know each other, trust each other, and connect with each other across classrooms and grade levels. Members of the school community practice compassion and kindness and hold each other to high standards.

  • Photo of an elementary school student concentrating on writing on a piece of paper with a pencil.

    Learning Communities

    Learning communities are where both kids and adults learn, grow, and are respected for these motivations. Those who show up every day for kids should be supported and continually inspired to produce these environments.

    In learning communities, students and adults of all backgrounds understand that their abilities can expand through hard work and therefore provide helpful feedback to each other, reflect on their learning, and use data in robust ways that support improvement. All students have access to rigorous grade-level content and a rich variety of extracurricular activities, and learn how they can better their communities and the larger society.

Ways we’ve helped educators become equity-focused change agents

  • ► 1:1 and team coaching and training programs

  • ► Learning networks and collaboratives

  • ► Instructional leadership team (ILT) assistance

  • ► Professional learning community (PLC) facilitation

  • ► Curriculum and classroom instruction support

  • ► Embedded on-site observation and aid

  • ► On-demand and custom learning courses

  • ► Virtual Community and resource hub

"The one thing I can tell you about Partners is that it will transform your school and the results that you will see for your teachers primarily in their work, and also, of course, for your students, will be dramatic."

Director of Educational Innovation and Development, Oak Grove School District, CA