We Connect
WE CONNECT
How can we amplify the power of human connection?
We connect individuals across the research–policy–practice ecosystem so everyone can move with more alignment, more humility, and more momentum.
OUR APPROACH TO BUILDING CONNECTION
Human connection is essential for change—especially in complex education systems where no single role, organization, or initiative can move the work forward alone.
- Shared goals and definitions of success are built together—creating a common direction across roles, organizations, and communities.
- Cross-sector relationships become trusted working partnerships, not one-off conversations—so collaboration can deepen over time.
- Many forms of knowledge are integrated—research, lived experience, practical wisdom, and local context are equally valued.
- Promising ideas and tools can travel across settings—adapted thoughtfully rather than copied, so they remain usable.
- Learning is made visible through routines for reflection, feedback, and sensemaking—helping teams build greater awareness and confidence.
- Participation is designed intentionally to center the experiences of students, educators, and communities—so that those often excluded from the decisions that shape their schools and lives help shape priorities.
EXAMPLES OF OUR CONNECTION WORK
This initiative brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to reimagine the R&D infrastructure supporting P-20 education. Supported by the Spencer Foundation (March 2026 - May 2027), we aim to build community across boundaries, co-design a shared vision for a more connected, responsive, and practice-centered ecosystem, and lay a groundwork for action into 2028. We've designed this initiative as a "moveable feast" -- a series of connected gatherings, workshops, and meetings co-hosted by existing networks and conferences.
As part of our work with the Wallace Foundation's Equity-Centered Principal Pipeline Initiative we design and facilitate the Research-Practice Design Network (RPDN) - a collaborative learning network for district leaders from 8 large, urban districts. Through virtual and in-person events and 1:1 thought-partnership, RPDN is designed to bring together local district knowledge and lived realities with research-based tools and insights—supporting the thoughtful and effective design district systems transformation.
In an effort to support sensemaking around what it takes for individuals and organizations to meaningfully engage in collaborative education research, we convened the Collaborative Education Research Collective, funded by the Hewlett Foundation. 150 people from a range of institutional homes participated in a series of field-wide conversations during the summer and fall of 2022. These discussions aimed to conceptualize and articulate the necessary learning for partners from across organizational spheres and roles to participate in collaborative education research. We viewed conceptualizing the learning demands as an essential first step in building a system of learning supports and tools.