Our Mission

We support a network of educators to advance the practice of progressive education and to cultivate equity and justice in public and private schools.

History

Deeply rooted in the work of John Dewey and other innovative educators of the early 20th century, progressive schools of the 21st century continue to make an impact on the pedagogy of progressivism.

Leadership

Leadership selected from progressive educators across the country collaborate to support the mission and values of the Progressive Education Network.

“I feel like I’ve always been a progressive educator, and [love that new teachers] have a network from ‘the jump.’”
Meagan Harlow-Kuzuku
Learning

Perhaps because progressive education has such a weighty history, contemporary importance, and lofty aim, doing it well takes a lot of work. The progressive school has as its goal nothing short of elevating our democracy through building up active, responsible, kind, and civic-minded young people. The progressive teacher devotes herself to equipping her students to discover and develop their passions and curiosities in the context of empathetic, real community. Given the magnitude and complexity of this progressive work, PEN provides ample opportunities for professional development and adult learning. From the PEN Journal to Partner school consultations to parent/guardian resources to online book groups, PEN seeks to foster in adult educators the same lifelong learning we hope for our students. Continuously developing progressive pedagogy requires continuous nurturing, and this nurturing comes through intentional education in the philosophy and practice of Progressive Education.

Nipen
Connecting

We take our role as a network seriously and aim to empower and connect our partner schools with each other and to resources that assist in teacher development, school climate shaping, and, ultimately, creating school communities that minister to the whole child and the needs of the child. Through online workshops like NEW PEN, in-person intensive PD cohorts like NIPEN, and our biennial national conference, we seek to connect teachers, administrators, and all school personnel to like-minded progressive educators for mutual encouragement and growth.