Newsletter: The First Leadership Lab Brings 50+ School Leaders Together to Elevate Student Learning

Spotlight on the Day’s Featured Speakers

This inaugural Lab featured three dynamic sessions led by experts whose insights grounded leaders in research, identity, and instructional strategy.

1st Session – Elevating Identity: Building Pathways to Recruit and Retain Teachers of Color in Philadelphia

Raymond Fields, Deputy Chief of Leadership Initiatives at Mastery Schools, kicked off the day with a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the urgent need to grow and retain teachers of color across Philadelphia. He shared the latest trends in teacher diversity, strategies for creating affirming school cultures, and pathways to build strong, sustainable talent pipelines. (See the first image below.)

2nd Session – Elevating Outcomes: The Proficiency Playbook for Leaders

Leadership Consultant Jeff Pestrak’s session offered a highly practical roadmap for improving academic performance. Grounded in national research and local experience, his Proficiency Playbook introduced leaders to high-impact instructional levers, data practices, and systems that drive substantial gains in reading and math. (See the second image below.)

3rd Session – Addressing Fear & Sustaining Hope in Challenging Political Times

Dr. Nadia Bennett, Founder & CEO of When Brown Girls Lead, closed the day with a powerful session on how today’s political climate is shaping education and what it means for school leaders. She opened with a reflective activity where leaders read recent federal policy actions alongside historical texts to surface the emotions, concerns, and questions these shifts raise for schools. From there, she led a grounded discussion on navigating fear, sustaining hope, and communicating with clarity in uncertain times. Her message centered leaders in both truth and possibility—affirming the resilience required to protect school communities and keep students at the center. (See image below.)

The Impact of the Lab

Leadership, collaboration, and shared learning were felt throughout the room.

How the Leadership Lab Strengthens Our School Investment Strategy

The Leadership Lab is a direct extension of Elevate 215’s strategy to increase the number of quality schools across Philadelphia. Through our School Investment Portfolio, we partner with schools that demonstrate the potential for meaningful growth in student learning, culture, and long-term stability.

This is only the beginning. There will be a Lab this winter focused on teacher recruitment and assessments, and one in the spring to support leaders as they prepare to maximize summer learning. Together, these Labs form an arc of learning that reinforces shared effort, shared purpose, and shared progress. Because when leaders improve, teachers stay—strengthening instruction and helping students thrive.