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UF Lastinger Center for Learning Director Phil Poekert and 23 other exceptional leaders in education from across the nation have been named members of the 2023 cohort of the highly selective Pahara Fellowship.

Dr. Poekert and the 2023 Pahara Fellows represent urban and rural communities and offer experience from across the charter school, district, state, nonprofit, foundation, and private sectors. The Pahara Fellowship is designed to strengthen, sustain and extend the capacity of this community of values- and integrity-driven leaders as they work to reimagine public education. Throughout the fellowship, fellows reflect on their individual and collective work and challenge each other to improve their effectiveness, address leadership challenges and accelerate improvements in public education.

Founded on increasing leadership diversity, expanding the definition of student success, strengthening parent power and choice, increasing leadership sustainability and nurturing innovation, the Pahara Institute provides transformational opportunities for leaders who are reimagining the public education system so that every child is prepared to lead a free and fulfilling life.