bridging research and practice for stronger schools

Leadership Coaching

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Change Management

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School Improvement

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Improvement Science

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Cultural Responsiveness

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Communities of Practice

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Leadership Coaching ✳︎ Change Management ✳︎ School Improvement ✳︎ Improvement Science ✳︎ Cultural Responsiveness ✳︎ Communities of Practice ✳︎

America's schools don't have a knowledge problem.

They have an access problem.

Thousands of experienced educator-scholars have already studied—and often solved—many of the challenges schools face today. Yet there is no simple way for principals, district leaders, and superintendents to find the people behind that work.

We believe education research shouldn't end up in a digital library. It should improve schools.

Every year, educators earn doctoral degrees, conduct meaningful research, and develop practical solutions to challenges facing schools. Too often, that knowledge remains buried in dissertations, conference presentations, or academic journals instead of reaching the principals, district leaders, and teachers who could put it into practice.

As schools navigate increasing accountability with fewer external supports, the Practice Partners Collective connects education leaders with experienced educator-scholars who provide trusted guidance, practical expertise, and proven ideas address our greatest challenges in education.

Connecting school leaders with the expertise they need

  • Experienced educator-scholars who understand today's schools

  • Practical, research-informed solutions grounded in real-world experience

  • Coaching, consulting, and professional learning tailored to local needs

  • Measurable improvement aligned with district priorities and accountability goals

In this ##-minute conversation, Lead Education Partner, Kris DeFillipis, and Director of Strategy and Member Success, Gretchen Martens, share why we created the Collective, who it's for, and what members can expect. Below the video, you'll find everything you need to explore whether the Collective is the right fit for you.

Founding Member enrollment closes August 15, 2026.

Your Journey Begins Here

As a Founding Member, you're joining at the beginning—not after everything has been decided.

We've created this website preview to help you envision what the Practice Partners Collective will become. After the founding cohort is established, members will have the opportunity to help shape important elements of the Collective—its name, logo and visual identity, positioning, and aspects of its long-term vision, mission, and values.

The resources below will help you decide whether this community is the right fit for you.

Learn more  

Become a Founding Member

Ready to join us? Complete the Founding Member Commitment Form by August 15, 2026.

To ensure meaningful collaboration and the opportunity for every member to help shape the Collective, the Founding Cohort is limited to 25 educator-scholars. A minimum of 10 founding members is needed to launch.

Have questions?

Schedule a 30-minute conversation with Gretchen to explore the Collective and determine whether becoming a Founding Member is the right fit for you.