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At the heart of every powerful learning experience is a connection between the educator and the student. However, when that connection lacks representation, inclusion, high expectations, or support, its impact is diminished. At the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC), we know this gap is more than just a challenge—it’s an urgent call to action.
We are co-creating a future where every student and every educator—across all identities—is seen, valued, and supported. What follows defines our “why”—the driving force behind everything we do: our purpose, our mission, our vision, our values, and our beliefs.
In a world where every student deserves to feel seen and valued, we come together—individuals, organizations, agencies, and institutions—united by a shared purpose. Through a structured, collaborative approach, we co-create an anti-racist, racially diverse, and culturally relevant and sustaining education system where every learner in Pennsylvania can thrive—both academically and personally. We are committed to an equitable and ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse workforce that centers the recruitment, mentorship, retention, and well-being of educators. Together we are stronger!
PEDC is a national leader in diversifying the educator workforce by influencing policy, practice, and resource development. As such, having a clear, strong vision provides a unified sense of purpose. It aligns our people around shared goals and values, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same outcomes. At PEDC, we envision a future where each learner in Pennsylvania experiences racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse and culturally relevant educators leading their classrooms and educational institutions.
At PEDC, we seek to eliminate the demographic disparity between educators and learners of color while ensuring that learners of every background and identity experience the benefits of a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educator workforce. We convene and collaborate with invested partners to advance educator diversity and the development of culturally relevant and sustaining educators and systems in early childhood, K-12, postsecondary, and higher education by increasing knowledge and skills, creating resources, and advocating for equitable education policies.
PEDC is a dynamic organization that values equity, empathy, and respect. We are committed to culturally relevant and sustaining education, educators, and education systems and the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our educator workforce.
We create pathways to an inclusive and equitable educator workforce, guided by integrity, trust, transparency, and a collective approach leading to an education system where each human being flourishes.
At PEDC, we believe that:
Purposeful and intentional collaboration drives progress. Passionate and purpose-driven individuals and organizations utilize collaboration to drive progress.
Diversifying the educator workforce needs immediate solutions. The racial and ethnic imbalance between educators and learners in Pennsylvania is an injustice requiring urgent systemic solutions.
Our nation's strength is rooted in the success of its education system. Though structural racism has long shaped its foundations, intentional policy and practice can rebuild it centering inclusion, excellence, and justice.
Change is possible. Each learner is seen, heard, recognized, and can realize their full potential.
We must continue to move forward. PEDC and its members have the capacity and responsibility to lead in developing and implementing urgent systemic solutions.
Cultivating and nurturing a sense of joy within our educational communities is essential. This goes beyond the joy of learning and extends to the joy of teaching. Supporting our educators can ignite passion and fulfillment, allowing them to appreciate and make the most of every teaching moment. A joyful atmosphere where teaching efficacy and learning experiences are valued can yield profound outcomes for educators and students.
PEDC is more than an organization—it is a movement dedicated to transforming the educator workforce and reshaping the future of education. Through strategic collaboration with our community, our efforts lead to lasting impact, not just temporary fixes.
By building a strong network of committed individuals and organizations, we amplify our reach, accelerate progress, and create an education system that is equitable, inclusive, and representative of the diverse students it serves.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about our initiatives, need assistance, or just want to connect—let's talk. Your questions and feedback are important to us, and we’re eager to hear from you!
Every student deserves to be seen. Every educator deserves to be supported. Every community deserves to thrive. At PEDC, we believe in the power of people and partnerships to transform education. When equity leads the way, and when policies reflect the wisdom of communities, lasting change becomes not just possible—but unstoppable.
Together, we’re not just confronting barriers—we’re building a better system: one where inclusion is the norm, justice is non-negotiable, and opportunity reaches everyone. The moment is here. The movement is now. Let’s create schools where every voice matters, every teacher feels valued, dreams are nurtured and has a chance to grow, and the future belongs to us all.
Great learning happens when both students and teachers feel supported, valued, and excited to gain knowledge. When educators feel appreciated and inspired, they bring that energy into their teaching—making school more engaging and meaningful for everyone. A teacher’s well-being has a direct impact on how students learn and grow.
At PEDC, we know that supporting educators means investing in the future of education. That’s why we work to build strong, supportive communities, push for fair policies, and promote wellness for teachers. When we do that, we create classrooms full of joy, passion, and learning—for all.
FOOTNOTE
Kania, J., & Kramer, M. (2014, July 10). The promise and peril of collective impact. The Philanthropist. https://thephilanthropist.ca/2014/07/the-promise-and-peril-of-collective-impact/
