About the Penn Literacy Network
The Penn Literacy Network is a Pre-K to 12 professional development program in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. We work with school communities to improve teaching, learning, and assessment at every grade level across the curriculum through customized programs that include courses, workshops, and instructional coaching tailored to the needs of your district and community.
PLN's co-constructionist approach sets us apart, and educators learn from each other through interactive courses and workshops. Our courses blend research and practical applications, and are structured to allow educators to implement activities in their classrooms and reflect on their experiences. We aim to help educators integrate literacy practices across all subject areas to support school and system-wide growth.
How We Work
Penn Literacy Network tailors its approach to professional learning for your school or district to meet your unique goals, and offers professional development opportunities for early childhood, elementary, middle years, and secondary educators.
The work of the Penn Literacy Network is grounded in the research-based approach of the renowned late Penn GSE professor Morton Botel, who created “Four Lenses of Learning” and “Five Reading, Writing, and Talking Processes” that underpin PLN’s course offerings.
PLN was established in 1981 and since then, we have worked with over 48,000 educators. Our long-standing partnerships with districts and schools contribute to the sustainable impact of our programming throughout our region and beyond. In addition to our partnerships across the United States, we also partner with international schools including Ireland, Scotland, China, and India.
The PLN Team
Lara Paparo
Executive Director
Bonnie Botel-Sheppard, Ed.D.
Senior Program Coordinator, PLN Co-Founder
Iris Sanchez
Business Manager
Nicole Masloff, M.Ed
Program Manager
Bernadette Mulligan-Janis, Ed.D.
Coaching Coordinator
Jenny Mills
Social-Emotional Teaching & Learning Coordinator
Heather Moschetta, Ph.D
Technology Coordinator
Anthony Carrodo, M.Ed
Math Coordinator
Michelle Shuai Shen, M.Ed
Asia-Pacific Program Liaison & Advisor
