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Leadership Lab Brings School Leaders Together to Drive Student Growth

Elevate 215 launches initiative with 20+ schools to foster shared learning, leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration

Philadelphia, PA — [November 17. 2025] — Education leaders from across Philadelphia gathered today for the first of three Leadership Labs—a new initiative by Elevate 215 designed to provide school and system leaders with a collaborative space to exchange strategies, strengthen leadership, and ultimately improve academic outcomes for students. This convening marks the launch of a series that bridges leaders from district, charter, and faith-based schools, all serving historically underserved students across the city.

“School leaders have told us they need opportunities to come together to learn, problem-solve, and build capacity across sectors. Through the Leadership Labs, we’re creating that space—one that’s intentional, practical, and grounded in our shared commitment to student achievement and educator support.”
Dr. Letisha Laws, Deputy Chief of School Based Initiatives at Elevate 215

Building Shared Learning and Leadership Capacity

The inaugural Leadership Lab featured sessions designed to help leaders and their teams collaborate on key challenges: teacher retention, data-driven decision-making, and navigating the complexities of today’s educational and political climate. Each session offered participants tangible tools and research-based practices to take back to their schools, as well as opportunities to build cross-sector networks of support and thought partnership.

“Having a space like this to reflect and plan alongside other leaders helps me think more strategically about how to strengthen our instructional approach and support both my staff and my students. It’s refreshing to be in a room where solutions and ideas cross school types—we all share the same goal of improving outcomes for students.”
KaTiedra Argro, Principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls

Organized around an arc of learning, the Leadership Lab series continues into the winter—with a focus on teacher recruitment and assessment—and then into the spring, where leaders will prepare for a successful summer launch and the 2026–27 school year. Attendees from each session will be invited to participate in future convenings, ensuring continuity and community throughout the year.

“Elevate 215’s Leadership Lab equips us with actionable tools and strategies that deliver immediate results for our teachers in the classrooms. The focus on data and retention directly aligns with our daily work—it’s a gamechanger for how we develop and sustain great teachers.”
Kazmir Davis, Principal at YouthBuild Philly Charter School

Elevating Impact Across Schools and Students

This series represents a sustained investment by Elevate 215 to strengthen leadership and school quality across the city. The Leadership Lab continues that legacy—bringing together leaders from more than 20 schools, including several in which Elevate 215 has invested over $10 million over the past five years, as well as schools beyond our portfolio.

“For our schools within the IMS network, this opportunity strengthens community connections that directly benefit our students and families. It reminds us that collaboration across the education community is not just possible—it’s essential.”
Gianna R. D’Angelo, President & CEO at Independence Mission Schools

A Closer Look: Leadership Lab Sessions and Participating Schools

  • First Session
    Presenter: Mr. Raymond Fields, Deputy Chief of Leadership Initiatives at Mastery Schools
    Title: Elevating Identity: Building Pathways to Recruit and Retain Teachers of Color in Philadelphia
    Content: Practical strategies to recruit, support, and retain teachers of color in Philadelphia schools.
  • Second Session
    Presenter: Mr. Jeff Pestrak, Leadership Consultant
    Title: Elevating Outcomes: The Proficiency Playbook for Leaders
    Content: Ten high-leverage moves school leaders can use to accelerate proficiency gains and student success.
  • Third Session
    Presenter: Dr. Nadia Bennett, Founder & CEO, When Brown Girls Leave
    Title: Addressing Fear & Sustaining Hope in Challenging Political Times
    Content: A supportive space for leaders to process political shifts, build resilience, and sustain equity-centered leadership.

Schools and Organizations in Attendance (in alphabetical order):

  1. Alliance for Progress Charter School

  2. Blueprint Education Partners

  3. Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia

  4. DePaul Catholic School / Independence Mission Schools

  5. Elevate 215

  6. Esperanza Academy Charter School

  7. Green Woods Charter School

  8. Henry H. Houston Elementary School

  9. Imhotep Charter High School

  10. Independence Mission Schools

  11. Juniata Park Academy

  12. Mastery Charter Prep Elementary

  13. Mastery Charter Shoemaker

  14. Mastery Cramer Hill

  15. Mastery Frederick Douglass

  16. Mastery Grover Cleveland

  17. Mastery Simon Gratz High School

  18. Middle Years Alternative (MYA)

  19. Morton McMichael

  20. Pan American Academy Charter School

  21. Potter-Thomas School

  22. Sankofa Freedom Academy

  23. Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School

  24. St. Barnabas / Independence Mission Schools

  25. St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School / Independence Mission Schools

  26. St. Martin of Tours / Independence Mission Schools

  27. St. Rose of Lima / Independence Mission Schools

  28. St. Malachy School / Independence Mission Schools

  29. WD Educational Consulting, LLC

  30. Young Scholars Charter School

  31. YouthBuild Philly Charter School

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