Lara Paparo, Ed.D. is the Executive Director of the Penn Learning Network (PLN) at Penn GSE, where she leads professional learning programs and guides professional learning initiatives on topics ranging from instructional practice and educational leadership to organizational strategy, capacity building, and cross-sector collaboration. She also oversees non-degree certificate programs which include instructional coaching, tutor training, social-emotional learning, and early childhood education, serving educators across the U.S. and internationally.

A former high school social studies teacher and instructional coach, Dr. Paparo’s work and research focus on content area literacy, teacher learning, the impact of coaching in schools and teacher practice, and instructional technologies. She has served as an instructor in the Learning, Teaching, and Literacies Division at Penn GSE, and earned both her master’s and doctorate in education from Penn GSE as well as a bachelors degree from Franklin and Marshall College.

Dr. Paparo is a third-generation Penn GSE graduate, and continues to support the education field and innovation and advises companies and nonprofits on aligning pedagogy with the needs of educators and schools. She is the author of several books, whitepapers, and reports that support companies in their work.