About PTLC
A growing community of educators learning, designing, and building better classrooms together.
Pittsburgh Teaching & Learning Collaborative
The Pittsburgh Teaching & Learning Collaborative connects educators with research-informed learning experiences that strengthen teaching practice, build community, and inspire meaningful learning.
Theory Into Practice
We turn ideas from leading educational research into real classroom experiences.
Learning in Community
We connect educators across schools, districts, and learning environments.
Growth Through Practice
We help educators develop the tools, confidence, and support to design meaningful learning.
Our Impact
Shifting practices across the region
Through our programs, educators across the region are developing new ideas, strengthening their practice, and creating more meaningful learning experiences for students in classrooms, schools, and community learning spaces.
Get Involved
Explore new ideas, connect with educators, and grow your practice.
Discover learning communities, workshops, convenings, and experiences designed to support educators across the region.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To deliver free and low-cost, research-based professional development opportunities to educators.
Vision
Supporting educators with accessible, high-quality learning experiences creates the conditions for powerful, equitable classrooms—and better futures for all students.
Core Values
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Equity
We believe that all educators—regardless of their school’s location, size, or funding—deserve access to high-quality professional learning. Equity guides our commitment to overcoming barriers and uplifting the educators serving children. Our programming intentionally prioritizes practices that affirm student agency, foster inclusive pedagogy, and ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive. -
Accessibility
Professional development should be readily available to all educators. We design our learning opportunities to be financially, geographically, and structurally accessible. We work with all educators and their administrative teams to gain the support necessary for participation, and we are committed to meeting educators where they are and removing obstacles that prevent participation. -
Research-Informed Practice
Our work is grounded in the latest educational research and learning sciences. We translate evidence-based theories into practical tools and strategies that educators can immediately use in their classrooms. By connecting the “why” behind powerful teaching with the “how” of implementation, we help educators deepen their practice with clarity and confidence. -
Educator Agency
We recognize educators as professionals, leaders, and designers of learning. Our programs are co-created with and for teachers, honoring their experience, creativity, and insight. By fostering agency, we empower educators to shape their own professional growth and drive innovation in their schools and communities. -
Community
We are more than a network—we are a learning community. We cultivate trust, collaboration, and shared inquiry among educators from diverse settings. By learning together, sharing challenges, and celebrating successes, we create a collective force for change that supports lasting impact across classrooms and the region.
Our Team
Dr. Jeffrey Evancho — Director
Dr. Jeff Evancho is an educator, nonprofit leader, and learning-design practitioner based in the Pittsburgh region. He serves as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Teaching and Learning Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, research-based professional learning for educators.
Jeff’s work sits at the intersection of educator agency, maker-centered learning, and organizational culture. He co-directs Agency by Design Pittsburgh, a regional learning community inspired by ideas that supports educators in designing classrooms where students build agency, curiosity, creativity, persistence, and visible thinking. Through this work, Jeff helps teachers and school leaders create powerful learning experiences that connect research, classroom practice, and community-based partnerships.
Previously, Jeff served in various executive leadership roles in public school central office administration and began his career as a visual arts educator. Across these roles, he has led initiatives in deeper learning, student voice, education innovation, maker education, arts integration, and human-centered school transformation.
Jeff’s leadership is grounded in the belief that schools and learning organizations should be places where young people are known, challenged, supported, and invited to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Dr. Peter Wardrip — Director
Peter Wardrip is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His current research and practice work focuses on designing and assessing maker-based learning experiences, educator professional development and educator learning communities.
He is a research and evaluation partner with the Madison Children’s Museum and the Discovery Center Museum. He is also an adjunct researcher for the Scott Family Amazeum. He co-leads Agency by Design Pittsburgh with Dr. Evancho, an educator learning community that supports maker educators. He also co-leads Teacher Studio, a monthly meetup for educators interested in creative, hands-on learning experiences.
Dr. Wardrip has published in a variety of academic and practitioner publications. His research has been supported by funders such as the National Science Foundation, and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Dr. Wardrip earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in Learning Sciences and Policy. When he is not working, he enjoys playing euchre with his family and friends, foraging for food in the countryside, drinking hot chocolate and playing soccer.
Non-voting Members
- Dr. Jeffrey Evancho, Executive Director
- Dr. Peter Wardrip
Our Board
John Balash
Carnegie Mellon University - Entertainment Technology Center
John is an experienced educator and facilitator in Playful Learning. In the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University, his alma mater, he creates immersive and engaging playful learning experiences. John has extensive experience in presenting and has designed and facilitated workshops internationally. John holds bachelor degrees in Fine Arts, Education, and Graphic Design from Notre Dame College as well as a Masters in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University. He is active in the Remake Learning Network and the founder of Baseplate, a LEGO brick based playful learning ecosystem.
Christy Blose
KPMG LLP
Christine (Christy) Blose is an Audit Partner with KPMG LLP and a leader in the firm’s Financial Services practice. A licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University. Throughout her career, Christy has advised financial institutions and their leadership teams on complex accounting, auditing, regulatory, and governance matters.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Christy is deeply committed to serving the Pittsburgh community through nonprofit leadership and volunteerism. She serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Chatham University, the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Teaching and Learning Collaborative, and as Treasurer and Board Member of The 25 Club of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Christy has also supported numerous community-focused organizations, including the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a focus on education, mentorship, and community development.
Stephanie DeLuca
North Allehgeny School District
Stephanie DeLuca is an educational leader passionate about empowering students and supporting educators through meaningful learning experiences. As the Coordinator of Continuous Learning and Innovative Instruction at North Allegheny School District, she partners with teachers and school leaders to advance high-quality curriculum, innovative instructional practices, and collaborative learning experiences that positively impact student achievement.
With a background in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and professional development, Stephanie is passionate about building collaborative cultures where both educators and students thrive. Throughout her career, she has led districtwide curriculum review and implementation efforts, facilitated the adoption of new instructional resources, supported instructional coaching, and the implementation of innovative programming while designing engaging professional learning experiences that empower educators to grow their practice.
Stephanie’s leadership is grounded in the belief that lasting improvement happens through strong relationships, thoughtful innovation, and a shared commitment to learning. She believes that when educators are continuously learning, students benefit from richer, more engaging educational experiences.
Lesley Evancho
EQT
Lesley Evancho is the Chief Human Resources Officer at EQT Corporation, where she leads the company’s global people strategy, including talent management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and culture. Since joining EQT in 2019, she has helped shape the company’s workforce strategy during a period of significant growth and transformation. Prior to EQT, Lesley held senior human resources leadership roles at Westinghouse Electric Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Rice Energy, and MSA Safety. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Florida State University.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Lesley is deeply committed to strengthening organizations that serve the region. She serves on the Board of Directors of ReliabilityFirst Corporation, where she chairs the Human Resources Committee. She also serves on the Board of the Pittsburgh CLO, chairing its Human Resources Committee, and is a member of the transition board guiding the merger of Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater. Through her board service, Lesley brings expertise in leadership, governance, talent development, and organizational transformation to mission-driven organizations dedicated to building stronger communities.
Michelle King
Learning Instigator. Love Activist. Beloved Community-Architect.
Michelle King is a catalyst for change, dedicated to weaving empathy, joy, creativity, and community into the fabric of education and social action. With over two decades of experience as an educator and community builder, she’s committed to transforming learning spaces into places where every voice is heard, and every story matters.
Michelle sees education as a powerful tool for justice and believes that the foundation of all learning begins with empathy. She crafts dynamic, equitable learning experiences that invite curiosity, play, and critical reflection. As a lifelong learner and love activist, Michelle’s mission is to spark courageous conversations, build inclusive communities, and create spaces where individuals of all ages can thrive together.
Her work spans across boundaries—whether through game-based learning, human-centered design, or restorative justice initiatives—she collaborates with diverse partners to co-create systems that honor every learner and celebrate the power of connection.
Our Partners & Collaborators
PTLC collaborates with schools, universities, museums, and educational organizations to create meaningful learning experiences for educators across the region.
Our Supporters
Our work is made possible through the generous support of foundations and organizations that believe in educators and the power of learning communities.
