About the Penn Learning Network
The Penn GSE Center for Professional Learning has merged with the Penn Literacy Network to form the Penn Learning Network—a vibrant new hub for professional learning at Penn GSE.
The Penn Learning Network designs and delivers high-quality professional learning experiences that support educators, leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and professionals across sectors. We partner with faculty to bring expertise and research into practice through a range of offerings across content areas and professional contexts.
Our offerings include continuing education courses, certificate programs, virtual institutes, webinars, workshops, and instructional coaching designed to help participants deepen their knowledge, expand their networks, and advance their careers.
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 Learning 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 Learning 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, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Iris Sanchez
Associate Director of Business Operations
Nicole Masloff, M.Ed
Associate Director of Programs & Partnerships
Alana Elkins, Ed.D.
Senior Associate Director of Program Development
Jenny Mills, M.Ed
Grant Project Manager & Social-Emotional Teaching & Learning Coordinator
Taylor Alexander
Administrative Coordinator
Gillian Daar
Grant Project Manager
Nicole Tuohey
Grant Project Manager
Bonnie Botel-Sheppard, Ed.D.
Senior Advisor, PLN Co-Founder
Bernadette Mulligan-Janis, Ed.D.
Coaching Coordinator
Heather Moschetta, Ph.D
Technology Coordinator
Anthony Carrodo, M.Ed
Math Coordinator
Sara Capuzzi, Ed.D
Elementary Coordinator
Betty Williams
Leadership Coordinator
Michelle Shuai Shen, M.Ed
Asia-Pacific Program Liaison & Advisor
Julio Zelaya
AI Coordinator
