Penn GSE Launches Citywide Fellowship to Transform Algebra 1 Teaching in Philadelphia Schools

Major Investment in Algebra Instruction Aims to Transform Math Education Across the City

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States – A transformative new initiative is underway to strengthen math education across Philadelphia’s public schools. The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) has launched the Algebra 1 Fellowship, a city-wide program designed to elevate the teaching of Algebra 1 and improve academic outcomes for students, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

Backed by a multi-million dollar grant from the Neubauer Family Foundation, the initiative responds directly to a call from the School District of Philadelphia to enhance math instruction in alignment with the district’s Illustrative Math curriculum.

A Fellowship Designed for Impact and Innovation

Targeting 8th- and 9th-grade Algebra 1 teachers, the fellowship provides a comprehensive support system for educators through stipends, professional development, and a collaborative learning network. Each selected participant will receive:

A $3,000 stipend

Professional learning credits

A certificate of participation from Penn GSE

The program begins with a four-day Summer Institute this August, followed by:

Monthly peer collaboration meetings

Personalized coaching

Three professional development days throughout the academic year

In total, the three-year initiative aims to serve up to 100 teachers annually, reaching 300 educators across the city, effectively covering all current Algebra 1 instructors within the district. The project value—excluding additional in-kind support from Penn GSE—approaches $5 million.

Collaborative Vision to Improve Math Outcomes

"This fellowship is about more than professional development—it’s about empowering teachers to elevate their impact in the classroom,” said Dr. Katharine O. Strunk, Dean of Penn GSE. “We are thrilled to join forces with the Neubauer Family Foundation to provide educators with the tools and strategies they need to succeed.”

Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, echoed the significance of the program:

"Algebra 1 is a gateway subject. The success of our students in this course can shape their entire academic future. This fellowship gives our teachers the kind of support that leads to real, long-term success."

Strengthening Instruction Through Research and Community

The Algebra 1 Fellowship combines cutting-edge academic research with practical, in-classroom applications. The initiative is managed by Lara Paparo of Penn GSE’s Penn Learning Network (PLN), with program design and content delivered by math education experts:

Janine Remillard and Caroline Ebby of Penn GSE

Erica Litke of the University of Delaware

Bill Feeley of PLN

To ensure data-driven improvement, Dr. Sade Bonilla, a leading expert in education policy and program evaluation at Penn GSE, will lead a rigorous external evaluation to monitor progress and measure the program’s broader impact.

A Broader Commitment to STEM Education in Philadelphia

The Algebra 1 Fellowship is part of Penn GSE’s broader effort to transform STEM instruction across the School District of Philadelphia. The school is also behind the PASS (Promoting Achievement and Support for STEM) program, which provides professional development in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for K–12 educators.

Together, these initiatives reflect a long-term vision of equipping teachers with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative support they need to inspire future generations of students in essential subject areas.

Looking Ahead

By investing in educators and promoting innovative, research-backed strategies in Algebra 1 classrooms, Penn GSE is helping shape a stronger future for public education in Philadelphia. As teachers gain confidence and students gain clarity in math, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the classroom.

For more details about the Algebra 1 Fellowship, including how to apply or get involved, visit Penn GSE’s Fellowship Page.