About Partnerships
At Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership, we believe that school should prepare students for life. We help educators create dynamic, meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate capable leaders for tomorrow’s world.
Our work is rooted in authentic learning strategies, including service-learning, project-based learning, and design thinking, which connect the classroom to real-world challenges. These methods empower students to take ownership of their education and become thoughtful contributors in their communities.
Our Story
Our parent organization, Partnerships Make A Difference, was established as a non-profit organization in 1996. The founding team of experienced and committed educators was truly ahead of their time—recognizing the profound impact of service-learning and project-based learning, especially effective authentic learning strategies, in the classroom and beyond.
Today, that mission remains crucial in a world that demands capable, insightful citizens and leaders. To that end, we have transitioned to our new non-profit, Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership, founded by Ellen Erlanger and Kathy Meyer. All that is part of our organization, in our program development, in the way Partnerships supports one another as a team, and in our long-standing relationships with our clients is a tribute to the legacy of our founders. Grounded in this legacy, we envision schools where “learning is irresistible.”
We continue our work with teachers, administrators, and organizations on transformation that readies students for success in the “real world.” For us, nothing is more rewarding than helping fellow educators see the bigger picture—where “school meets life” for optimal teaching and learning.
Our Mission
& Vision
Mission
We envision schools where learning is irresistible. We make this possible by partnering with school communities to create their shared vision and by providing professional learning and resources to make this vision a reality. Our work focuses on authentic instructional strategies that promote a sense of passion, purpose, agency, and community for students and teachers.
Vision
We envision a future where:
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Schools are guided by a shared vision for optimal instruction, rooted in authentic learning.
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Leadership fosters positive school culture and champions real-world learning opportunities.
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Teachers feel trusted, supported, and energized in their work.
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Students are emotionally engaged, developing the confidence, empathy, and purpose they need to thrive.
What Makes Us Different?
We’re not just a nonprofit—we’re a team of real educators who have lived this work. We bring decades of classroom, district, and leadership experience into every partnership.
We start with a shared vision.
We help educators and leaders align around what great teaching and learning can look like—and how to get there.
We focus on real-world learning.
We equip teachers with strategies that help students build confidence, empathy, and purpose.
We prioritize people over programs.
Everything we do centers on relationships—because sustainable change happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported.
We don’t just talk about innovation—we help make it happen, one authentic learning experience at a time.
Meet the Team
We are educators, learners, collaborators, and advocates for change.
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Our Board of Advisors
We’re grateful for the leadership and wisdom of our board members, who bring a shared commitment to education and equity.
