Derek Mitchell, Becky Crowe, and Julien Phillips | Partners in School Innovation - Show Notes

In this episode of The Education Equation⁠, host Jeremy Singer talks with former and current Executive Directors of Partners in School Innovation⁠: founder Julien Phillips, Becky Crowe, and Derek Mitchell. The conversation covers the organization's 30-year history in public education, tracing its transition from an early ⁠AmeriCorps⁠ talent model to a fee-for-service continuous improvement partner.

Key Topics:

🌱 Origin Story: Founder Julien Phillips explains how combining his background in the Peace Corps, McKinsey, and Ashoka led him and co-founder Kim Gross to launch the organization alongside the creation of AmeriCorps.

📊 Navigating Policy and Funding Shifts: Former ED Becky Crowe details managing through the No Child Left Behind era, handling federal funding instability, and shifting to a fee-for-service model with experienced School Improvement Fellows.

🚀 Geographic Expansion: Current ED Derek Mitchell outlines expanding the model outside California into districts like Philadelphia and Battle Creek using an anchor funder strategy.

💼 National Service and Early Talent: The panel discusses national service, the impact of AI on entry-level positions, and the long-term value of early-career work experience.

Advice for Leaders and Funders:

🏫 Focus on Implementation: Derek Mitchell notes that for every $1 spent on materials or programs for schools, systems should invest $7 helping educators use them effectively.

🎯 Funding Human Capital: Becky Crowe calls on philanthropy to prioritize sustained funding for educator and school leadership pipelines.

🤝 Collaborative Partnerships: Julien Phillips stresses that school improvement relies on equal, reciprocal partnerships and continuous learning.

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