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At PEDC, we address complex challenges through collective action. Rooted in research and driven by collaboration, we advocate for and support the growth of a diverse educator workforce. Real change cannot happen in silos, which is why we intentionally formed a network of educators, agency, institutional and organizational leaders, students, families, and community members to co-create solutions.
We design tools that ignite learning that lasts, and bring people and organizations together to spark bold change. Our vision is clear: an education system where every student is seen, every story matters, and every learner has the power to succeed.
Increasing and retaining a diverse, mission-driven educator workforce that reflects our communities.
Advancing culturally relevant and sustaining educators, practices, and systems that honor every learner’s identity, voice, and potential.
Strengthening systems that support both students and educators—ensuring everyone has what they need to learn, lead, and thrive.
We collaborate with allies by offering training, tools, and spaces to learn from each other through working groups and learning communities. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, PEDC is transforming education for all. Together, we are stronger.
PEDC offers many ways for people to connect across Pennsylvania. This includes meetings, events, and conversations that focus on learning, sharing, and taking action. To meet communities where they are, we’ve created six regional hubs—each focused on listening deeply, acting locally, and supporting the unique strengths and needs of their area. Together with local partners, these hubs are advancing educator diversity and culturally sustaining practices that reflect the brilliance of every student.
Regional Coordinators focus on their local communities to nurture a diverse educator workforce and cultivate culturally relevant sustaining systems where every student feels seen.
Our current regional hubs are the Southwest Regional Hub (launched in 2022) and the Southeast Regional Hub (launched in 2024). Additional regional hubs in Central, South Central, Northeast, and Northwest Pennsylvania are planned for the future.
PEDC creates a variety of toolkits and guides to support educators and communities in building a more inclusive and equitable education system. These include:
Important terms, examples, and reflection questions that help teachers support every student.
Covers the key parts of mentoring, including real stories from programs that help future and current teachers of color.
Respect and integrate the real-world experiences, identities, and perspectives of learners, educators, families, and communities, while challenging assumptions and creating learning spaces that foster critical thinking, advocacy, and collaboration.
Make fair and equitable instructional and assessment decisions to ensure all learners, especially historically marginalized groups, have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed academically and socially.
Value diversity as an asset, show respect for all learners and families, and create an environment where students reflect on their own experiences with bias while developing responsibility for addressing discrimination and injustice.
Believe every family wants the best for their children, value them as essential partners, and recognize the unique factors shaping how they interact with schools, while prioritizing inclusive engagement and addressing systems that marginalize diverse families.
Honor the role of culture in communication, using diverse methods to connect with families in their preferred language and supporting all learners' right to express themselves in their home language and dialects.
From Act 48-credit workshops to our flagship CRSE Leadership Institute, PEDC prepares educators to lead with confidence, cultural awareness, and purpose. Our programs inspire teachers to deepen their practice and develop equity in their schools and communities.
Join us for both in-person and virtual events, including our energizing three-day Annual Summit, where educators from across the state come together to learn, lead, and launch bold ideas into action.
We believe that real change happens when we speak up together. Our Policy & Advocacy Working Group brings together experts to create recommendations that support a more diverse teaching workforce.
Each spring, we hold an Advocacy Day event in Harrisburg and meet with lawmakers to push for better policies. We also work with students, educators, college faculty, nonprofit leaders, and others to make our voices stronger.
This work is important—and we can’t do it alone. Learn more about our programs and join us as we work toward a more just and inclusive future for education.
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!
