Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) WHO WE ARE A vital part of the HGSE community, we aspire to provide transformative adult learning experiences by bringing together diverse professionals, connecting them with each other and with HGSE’s leading faculty and research, and engaging them in important problems of practice. Our team of professionals and educators is grounded in our core values and driven by HGSE’s mission: to prepare leaders in education and to improve student opportunity, achievement, and success.
WHAT WE BELIEVE We believe that through exceptional professional education that is responsive and relevant to the challenges practitioners face, we can equip and empower educators and institutions around the world to improve their practice in service of their students, schools, and communities. Through transformative adult learning, we elevate student learning.
serves more than 9,000 educators around the world each year through more than 70 programs for early childhood, K-12, and higher education professionals. WHAT WE DO
At HGSE, we are committed to three strategic priorities: 1) Cultivating Innovators and Leaders, 2) Collaborating on Questions that Matter, and 3) Communicating with the Field. Chaired by HGSE faculty and grounded in the latest research, our Professional Education programs are designed to make a direct impact on the practice of education professionals, the work of schools and institutions, and the lives and learning of students. We offer on-campus, online, and custom programs for: HIGHER EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS: The Harvard Institutes for Higher Education offers a vibrant portfolio of leadership development programs designed for higher education administrators-from directors, department heads, and deans, to vice presidents, provosts, and presidents. K-12 EDUCATORS: HGSE’s K-12 Professional Education programs are crafted for a broad cross section of stakeholders and include portfolios for district and systems-level leaders, current and aspiring school leaders, and teachers and instructional leaders. EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERS: The Zaentz Professional Learning Academy is designed to support the learning and development of early education leaders at all levels and in all settings in the mixed-delivery system—those influencing practice and policy from the schoolhouse to the state house.
OUR VALUES TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING We believe in the power of adult learning as a driver for student learning. In our work with each other and our constituents, we demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and lifelong learning as conditions for personal and professional growth.
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE We believe that the kind of learning that results in meaningful change and sustained impact happens collaboratively, among teams of individuals who share a sense of purpose and goals, and who engage in a common experience for their growth and development, both challenging and supporting one another. We are committed to and intentional in building strong communities of practice, both with each other and in our programs.
MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS We develop and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to build trust and to cultivate deep relationships with faculty and sustained engagement by the educators and institutions we have the privilege to learn from and work with. We celebrate and respect the diversity of skills, experiences, and perspectives we each bring to this work.
TRANSFORMATIONAL OUTCOMES We believe in teaching and learning as a major force for positive change, and are inspired by the educators and administrators who commit to improving themselves and their practice in service of their students and institutions. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of service and excellence and provide exceptional adult learning experiences to those whose professions have such a profound impact on the lives and learning of young people.
JOIN US Success in today’s education landscape demands proven strategies, new ways of thinking, and the support of others who share a deep commitment and connection to the profession. We invite you to learn more about our professional education opportunities and look forward to welcoming you to a future program.
For more information, please visit our website at gse.harvard.edu/ppe or contact us at ppe@gse.harvard.edu or 1-800-545-1849.