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At the heart of every powerful learning experience is the connection between the educator and the student. When that connection lacks representation, inclusion, high expectations, or support, its impact is diminished. At PEDC, we believe that every classroom should reflect the brilliance and diversity of its students—and every educator should feel valued and equipped to thrive.
Our work is grounded in joy, justice, and the belief that lasting change starts with people.
PEDC’s impact is fueled by collective leadership. Our coalition model brings together educators, institutions, and community leaders across Pennsylvania to co-create solutions. Shared responsibility and reciprocal communication ensure that innovation and accountability are distributed, not concentrated.
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.
We believe that collective leadership, local knowledge, and shared action can reshape the future of education.
PEDC’s impact is fueled by collective leadership. Our coalition model brings together educators, institutions, and community leaders across Pennsylvania to co-create solutions. Shared responsibility and reciprocal communication ensure that innovation and accountability are distributed, not concentrated.
We center human dignity and respect, collaboration, reciprocal communication, and an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.
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!
Great learning happens when students and teachers feel supported and inspired.
When educators are cared for, they bring joy and energy into their classrooms—making school meaningful for everyone.
That’s why PEDC builds strong communities, works for equitable policies, and centers educator wellness. Because when educators thrive, learners rise.
The moment is here. The movement is now.
Together, we’re not just confronting barriers—we’re building a better system: where inclusion is the norm, educators are supported, and every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
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/
