Elevate 215

Robert Morris Elementary is proving what’s possible when research-based instruction meets creativity and consistency.

Superintendent Watlington recently honored schools across the district, with Robert Morris receiving the following “Accelerate Philly” awards:

🏆 Most-Improved Reading Scores
🏆 Most-Improved 3rd Grade Math & Reading Scores

Morris was able to receive this recognition, as the school saw third grade reading proficiency jump from 7% to 48% and math from 14% to 59% in just one year.

How?
👩🏽‍🏫 Veteran teachers in key grades
🌎 Real-world, engaging instruction
🏁Goal-setting, collaboration, and strong student-teacher relationships

One veteran teacher brought math to life by dressing as a chef and baking cookies with his students, making the lesson hands-on, memorable, and meaningful. Teachers make learning real, and students are empowered to see why it matters.

At Robert Morris, students are seen, supported, and empowered. And now, they’re being celebrated.

👏 Congratulations to the entire Robert Morris team and their students on their academic achievements and this well-earned honor.

Everyone has that one teacher they’ll never forget. You can be that teacher!

In Philly, you can get paid to learn how to teach while earning your certification through a Teacher Residency program, which provides a full-time salary, benefits, and reduced tuition.

Just ask Sherlana Charles, who found her calling in the classroom at Strawberry Mansion High School, the same place she completed her residency. Her journey started with a love for tutoring—and now, she’s helping students grow, thrive, and find their own voices every single day.

Sherlana believes teaching is all about planting seeds to inspire students to discover their passions. “Sometimes as teachers, we don’t always get to see the seeds fully grown—but we can see the sprouts. And that’s always the most worthwhile.”

Ready to inspire the next generation? Learn more about Philly’s Teacher Residency programs at TeachPHL.org

It is essential for Philadelphia students to receive quality education so they are set up for success when graduating high school. Unfortunately, out of the 51% of Philadelphia’s public school students who pursue higher education, only 38% attend a four-year college or university, and only 58% of those students are retained for their second year.

Temple University is taking action to support low income, first-generation college students in Philadelphia’s middle schools and serve as a pipeline to higher education. Through the Temple Future Scholars Program, students are set up to thrive in college after graduation by promoting the importance of a quality education.

The partnership connects , the , and , and will launch at seven district middle schools: Mary McLeod Bethune School, Morton McMichael School, Paul L. Dunbar School, Russell H. Conwell School, Tanner G. Duckrey School, John F. Hartranft School, and Juniata Park Academy. After initially serving 120 students, the program will grow to serve 1,200 students in future years.

Learn more here: https://www.inquirer.com/education/temple-school-district-heights-college-readiness-program-20250221.html

Teachers shape futures. We all remember an educator who inspired us, challenged us, and believed in our potential.

Philly’s nearly 200,000 public school students rely on over 12,000 teachers—but each year, schools struggle to fill 2,000 vacancies.

The Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition is taking action—uniting schools, higher ed, and community partners to build a sustainable, diverse teacher workforce. (Elevate 215 is the coordinating entity.)

Last week, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Administration and the Coalition were joined by PA Senator Vincent Hughes and Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. to announce bold goals:

> Recruiting 900 more teachers of color by the 2028-29 school year.

> Retaining 231 more new teachers annually—impacting 24,000+ students over the next five years.

[Learn more on our website: https://elevate215.org/news/citywide-talent-coalition-takes-action-to-tackle-the-citys-teacher-shortage/]

But we must act with urgency—as ‘One Philly.’ Every vacancy left unfilled affects our students, schools, and communities.

Join us in building a world-class teacher workforce for Philadelphia’s students. Together, we can ensure every classroom has the educators our children deserve. 📚✨

What a wonderful experience! It was inspiring to see the incredible work being done at the School District’s Juniata Park Academy under the leadership of Principal Marisol Rivera Rodriguez and her team. Their dedication to advancing student learning and making a positive impact in North Philadelphia is truly heartwarming. A perfect reminder of the joy and progress happening in our schools everyday!

To celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, we want to recognize the dedicated high school principals that received our BTO planning grants. In August, Elevate 215 awarded planning grants to four outstanding Philadelphia high schools: Building 21 Philadelphia, Imhotep Institute Charter High School, Mastery Charter Shoemaker, and Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School. These schools have demonstrated remarkable resilience, as their students are “beating the odds” (BTO) by meeting specific performance criteria and thriving after graduation.

We are excited to collaborate with each school’s planning team to analyze performance data, reflect on effective practices, and develop actionable plans to amplify their impact.

A heartfelt thank you to Ben Koch, Dr. Jury Segers, Derrick Cartwright, and Tameka Bowman for your unwavering commitment to support your students. Your leadership has provided the essential tools for your schools and students to succeed.