Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion

Pam Grossman is the Dean and George and Diane Weiss Professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, a position she has held since January 2015. A distinguished scholar in the field of education, she previously served as the Nomellini-Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University, where she founded the Center to Support Excellence in Teaching and established the Hollyhock Fellowship for early career teachers in underserved schools. Dr. Grossman's research primarily focuses on teacher preparation and instructional quality, particularly in English Language Arts.Throughout her career, Grossman has been recognized for her contributions to educational research and policy, being elected to the National Academy of Education in 2009. She currently serves on several influential boards, including the Spencer Foundation and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Her course offerings include "Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion," where she shares insights on effective teaching practices. Under her leadership, Penn GSE has achieved significant milestones, including a historic ranking as one of the top schools of education in the U.S., reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational systems and fostering teacher excellence.

Lisa M. Barker is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where she focuses on curriculum development and teacher education. She serves as the Education Director for PLACE: Professional Learning and Community Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Barker holds a PhD in Curriculum and Teacher Education from Stanford University and an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University. Her extensive teaching experience includes positions at Stanford, SUNY New Paltz, and Towson University.Dr. Barker has a rich background in applied theatre, having performed with various children's theatre companies and founded Stanford's first children's repertory theatre company. She has also held significant roles in educational organizations, such as Director of Education for Adventure Stage Chicago and Manager of the CUNY Creative Arts Team’s Center for Educational Drama, where she helped launch the first MA in Applied Theatre in the U.S. Her course, "Orchestrating Whole Classroom Discussion," reflects her commitment to integrating the principles of improvisational theatre into educational practices, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes for students.