ELEVATE IN ACTION | May 2026: How School Leaders Are Preparing for the Year Ahead
In This Issue
Planning for a More Effective School Year Ahead
30 school leaders. One room. Real plans for next year.
K–12 Philly School Fair Returns This September
Philadelphia’s largest school fair connects families with schools to explore options and take next steps in the application process.
Supporting Emergency-Permitted Teachers on the Path to Certification
A panel at the latest Citywide Talent Coalition Steering Committee meeting highlights strategies that support teachers in becoming certified while strengthening the workforce.
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Advancing School Leadership Through Collaboration
Elevate 215 recently convened nearly 30 school leaders from district, charter, and faith-based schools for its second Leadership Lab in West Philadelphia. Designed to give school leaders dedicated time to plan for the year ahead, the Lab created space to reflect, identify challenges, and develop solutions alongside peers serving similar student populations.
Through workshops and facilitated sessions, participants worked through real school-based challenges, shared best practices, and developed actionable plans to improve teaching and learning. Leaders left with greater clarity, stronger peer connections, and concrete next steps to drive progress in the year ahead. The Leadership Lab reflects Elevate 215’s continued investment in school leadership and quality across Philadelphia.
“We learned that so many of our peers share the very same issues and were willing to candidly contribute their thoughts and solutions. This opportunity reminds us of the power of collaboration and what we can accomplish together.”– Dr. Jury Segers, Principal of Imhotep Charter High School.
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Save the Date: 2026 K–12 Philly School Fair
The K–12 Philly School Fair will return on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, bringing together thousands of families and schools for the city’s largest education event.
Open to all families, the Fair offers a unique opportunity to explore school options, connect directly with school staff, learn about programs and supports, and even apply onsite. For schools and community-based organizations, it’s a powerful way to share information, build relationships, and reach families from across the city—all in one place, in one day.
Free tickets will be available to families starting June 1.
Last year, 6,000 families walked through the doors. Make sure your school is one they meet.
→ Register your school or organization
→ Become a Fair volunteer or sponsor
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Advancing Certification Pathways for Emergency-Permitted Teachers
At the latest Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition Steering Committee meeting, a Practitioner Panel brought together seven district and charter leaders, higher education partners, and classroom teachers to examine how schools are supporting emergency-permitted teachers in becoming certified. The discussion highlighted both the urgency of filling classrooms with quality educators and the need to build a stronger, more diverse, and sustainable workforce.
Throughout the conversation, panelists shared examples of what works: financial support, coaching, clear pathways and expectations, and systems that help teachers navigate certification while teaching full time. Two educators on the panel spoke to the impact of these supports—turning what once felt like a difficult, uncertain process into an achievable goal. Together, these efforts are making certification more achievable for teachers and more sustainable for schools.
“I tried to get certified before, but there were always roadblocks. When this program was presented to me, I said, ‘Okay, this is my opportunity to get certified.’” – Selvin A. Bonilla Rivera, Health and Physical Education teacher at Pan American Charter School
→ Watch the full panel discussion
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ATTENTION PHILADELPHIA PRINCIPALS: Your Voice Shapes What Comes Next
The Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition wants to hear directly from you — and the window is closing soon.
If you’re a district or charter school principal who hasn’t yet completed the Principal Survey, now is the time. Your responses directly inform how the Coalition prioritizes its work on teacher recruitment, retention, and support across the city.
Complete the survey by May 22nd for a chance to win one of ten $200 Panera Bread gift cards.
→ Reach out to info@elevate215.org to participate
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Supporting the Teacher Workforce
In support of the PA Needs Teachers Campaign, Scott Gaiber, Deputy Chief of Talent Initiatives, traveled to Harrisburg on May 6 to discuss policies that support teacher recruitment and retention. He met with numerous legislators and their staff, including State Representative Ben Waxman (pictured to the right along with Tomea Sippio-Smith, Director of the Coalition for Educational Excellence at Penn GSE).
→ Check out Representative Waxman’s Instagram post