Pivot Learning and CORE Learning to Merge with UnboundEd

This newly-merged organization will become the largest equity-focused K-12 education development organization in the country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2022

PRESS CONTACT
Clay Willis, cwillis@pivotlearning.org

Today, Pivot Learning, CORE Learning, and UnboundEd announced they will merge this fall under the UnboundEd banner. The three organizations support teachers to drive long-needed changes in learning, especially in the highest-need schools. By joining, they’ll have the reach to support far more schools and districts to accelerate student learning and close gaps in a crucial moment for America’s students.

The merger will create the largest K-12 educator development organization in the country with an explicit focus on improving teaching and learning for underserved students, serving some 400 districts. The merged organization will be led by Lacey Robinson, a veteran educator and fierce advocate for educational equity, who currently serves as UnboundEd’s CEO. 

“The past couple of years have made a challenge into a crisis for students on the margins,” said Lacey Robinson, UnboundEd CEO. “We know that with the right supports, teachers can massively change outcomes. UnboundEd, Pivot Learning and CORE Learning are coming together to deliver on that promise. I’m honored to lead this effort.”

Each of these organizations provides educator and student supports at different levels in K-12 education, from districts to schools to classrooms. The merged organization will be able to support positive change at every level, from district leadership to daily classroom practice.  

“The recent Nation’s Report Card put a spotlight on the growing and alarming gaps in this country,”  said John B. King Jr., president of the Education Trust and former U.S. Secretary of Education. “Pivot and UnboundEd have a proven record of delivering on the promise of equity in the classroom. It’s an incredibly important time for them to join forces and serve more teachers and kids.”

UnboundEd designs professional learning for teachers to advance equity through high-quality instruction. Pivot Learning works with educators to design and implement evidence-based solutions to their greatest challenges in achieving educational justice. While the Pivot Learning brand will sunset in the coming year, the merged organization will remain dedicated to supporting teachers to fundamentally change the dynamics of classrooms for students on the margins, combating systemic injustices children have faced for generations.

CORE Learning provides professional development and ongoing support to implement high-quality curriculum and equitable and rigorous instruction. It was acquired by Pivot in 2017, and will remain a subsidiary of the merged organization. Robert Sheffield will continue to serve as President of CORE Learning.

Arun Ramanathan, Pivot Learning CEO, will transition to a senior advisor role this fall to help oversee and facilitate the merger.

“This is the right direction at the right moment, and while it’s bittersweet to begin stepping away, I’m excited to support this transition,” Dr. Ramanathan said. “This next chapter is one of rapid growth and deepening impact. Together, we’ll accomplish more for students and educators and advance equity in schools and systems across the country.”

“These organizations don’t parachute in to talk at you, they engage to discover what’s best in each of us and lift it up,” said Dr. Sharon Contreras, former superintendent of Guilford County Schools in North Carolina. “Bringing them together means schools can look to one team for change that spans from the superintendent’s suite to the student’s seat.”

As the merger proceeds, UnboundEd will continue to update its website with new information. 

About our current organizations

UnboundEd
UnboundEd designs learning for educators that exemplifies equitable instruction so that students experience grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction. 

Pivot Learning
In pursuit of educational justice, Pivot Learning partners with teachers and leaders to improve instructional coherence and ensure a rigorous, relevant, and inclusive public education for all students.

CORE
CORE Learning provides teachers and coaches with evidence-based professional learning experiences and ongoing support to implement high-quality curricula and ensure equitable, rigorous instruction.