What We Do

Partners in School Innovation helps people become equity-focused change agents and transform the education system.

A long history of institutionalized racism and unequal resources, combined with rising standards, have made it difficult for public schools to make good on the promise of a quality education for all students.

Education needs change agents who champion educational equity, continuous improvement, and sustainable, equitable systems.

Investing in developing people at all levels of the K-12 public education system – from the superintendent’s office to the classroom – makes it possible for schools to become places where students thrive.

Through leadership development, adult learning, and change management services, we help schools and districts disrupt patterns of inequity that have negatively impacted students of color and multilingual learners.

"Partners’ work is clearly a powerful national model for school transformation, but what might be the most lasting benefit for us is how the Partners approach works to build the capacity of our leaders at the district level."

Superintendent, Alum Rock Union Elementary School District, CA

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K-12 Leadership Development

We help school and district leaders manage competing demands by providing coaching support for building systems and distributing responsibilities. With practical strategies and proven frameworks, we empower leaders to lead effectively, aid their teams, and create inclusive schools.
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We partner with districts to identify and develop confident, capable leaders who inspire their teams and improve teaching and learning. We coach current leaders on how to create systems that build pathways to make leadership opportunities more visible and accessible across the district.
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Adult Learning Facilitation

We provide equity-focused and data-informed professional development that is consistent, aligned with district priorities, and tailored to educators’ unique challenges. Our approach helps teachers and leaders feel supported, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to meet the evolving needs of students.
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We support K-12 educators in co-creating collaborative and sustainable systems that address their schools’ specific needs, build resilience, and strengthen teaching practices. Our approach boosts morale, encourages shared leadership, and ensures that educators can close learning gaps to better serve their students.
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Change Management Strategy

We help leaders navigate the complexities of change by building trust, addressing concerns, and fostering collaboration across teams. Through clear goal-setting and aligned efforts, we coach leaders on how to create systems that empower and engage whole communities to drive meaningful, lasting progress.
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We work hand in hand with K-12 leaders to uncover barriers and co-create improvement plans that reflect shared values, center equity, and lead to meaningful, measurable progress. Together, we support transforming aspirations into lasting impact for schools and students rooted in continuous improvement practices.
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We Turn Schools into Lively, Loving Learning Communities

Lively Communities

Lively communities are where kids have agency. They're up; they're engaging with the material; they're discussing what they’re learning; and they're challenging worldviews.
In lively communities, students help shape what and how they learn, using multiple senses to make meaning of content. Teachers and leaders at these schools collaborate with students enthusiastically and take calculated risks in order to create stimulating learning experiences.
Loving Communities

Loving communities are where kids are respected for who they are, appreciated for what they bring, and embraced for their unique strengths. Kids want to be there. They recognize that they're missed when they're not there.
In loving communities, students and educators show up as their true selves and know each other, trust each other, and connect with each other across classrooms and grade levels. Members of the school community practice compassion and kindness and hold each other to high standards.
Learning Communities

Learning communities are where both kids and adults learn, grow, and are respected for these motivations. Those who show up every day for kids should be supported and continually inspired to produce these environments.
In learning communities, students and adults of all backgrounds understand that their abilities can expand through hard work and therefore provide helpful feedback to each other, reflect on their learning, and use data in robust ways that support improvement. All students have access to rigorous grade-level content and a rich variety of extracurricular activities, and learn how they can better their communities and the larger society.