For more than 25 years, the Harvard Graduate School of Education has offered professional education programs for educational leaders. We are committed to offering programs that make a difference—in the lives of students, in the work of institutions, and in the practice of educators.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education's Programs in Professional Education (PPE) achieves its mission via three principal formats: professional education programs, capacity-building projects and services, and research-based initiatives.

Our Approach to Learning
Bridging research and practice is at the core of PPE's work. Working closely with faculty, we strive to translate current research into vehicles for problem-finding and problem-solving. Our curricula include case studies illustrating theoretical frameworks applied to decision-making in real life situations, model strategies, and tools for practitioners to use in their schools or districts. In some instances, we also help participants learn to become more practice-oriented action researchers in their sites.

We aim to create transformational rather than informational learning experiences. This is a major component of PPE's curriculum, and one that we believe differentiates our work in significant ways from other executive education programs or professional conferences. To foster transformational learning, PPE encourages personal reflection and peer feedback for a more direct application of ideas and educational theory to the real-life issues faced in the work setting.

Professional Education Programs
Each year PPE offers 20–25 professional education opportunities for PreK–12, Higher Education, and International educators. Our programs are designed for many audiences including:

• Practitioners from elementary and secondary schools and school districts, many in leadership roles

• Policy makers or those who influence or implement educational policy

• College and university senior and mid-level administrators

Custom Projects and Programs
In addition to serving the above groups, PPE offers contract programs, custom tailored to deliver professional education to members of unique educational or policy-based organizations.

Capacity-building Projects and Services
PPE responds to proposal requests and bids on projects designed to provide longer-term assistance to institutions, agencies, and governments seeking to strengthen the capacity of their professional educators.

We work chiefly with ministries of education, non-governmental organizations like the World Bank, and the higher education community abroad. Typical projects focus on developing educational information/data management systems, conducting research, and strengthening educational operations.

PPE's international work takes place in Africa, Latin/Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe/Eastern Europe.

Research-based Initiatives
On a limited basis, PPE offers infrastructure support for funded, research-based activities that incorporate adult learning, professional development, and institutional improvement, within the context of executive education.