We are celebrating our growing relationship with the School District of Philadelphia's new office of Student Life & Innovation. Their support ensures that the instructional innovations makeSPACE offers will reach students across Philly's classrooms. MakeSPACE is possible because of collaboration across multiple organizations and our partnership with School District of Philadelphia is at the core. 

Here is a letter they recently sent to our participating schools and supporting administrators: 

 

From: Brenda Elliott
Date: Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Subject: makeSPACE Update
 

Greetings School currently implementing makeSPACE strategies and SDP Colleagues,

We are proud to reaffirm the School District of Philadelphia’s commitment to our $4 million federal makeSPACE Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant.  This work represents our continued investment in supporting teachers and leaders and creating joyful, engaging environments where students thrive. Early research from makeSPACE shows promising results: strengthening teacher well-being, confidence, and relationships, while also supporting student growth and social-emotional development. Importantly, this work complements our curriculum and strongly aligns with Accelerate Philly: The Playbook for Schools, ensuring that creative teaching practices are not stand-alone, but woven into the broader instructional vision and strategies guiding our District forward. We are happy to continue this work in the 20 SDP schools currently implementing makeSPACE strategies.

Moving forward this initiative will be housed in the Office of Student Life & Innovation, led by Associate Superintendent Dr. Brenda Elliott. Dr. Elliott will coordinate alignment across other Academic Services offices and staff.  With the support of local philanthropic partners, we are building sustainable systems that uplift teacher well-being and improve student outcomes. 

Together, we are truly “making space” for creativity, joy, and innovation across our schools. We look forward to our continued collaboration in advancing this important work.
 

In service of children,
 

Dr. Michael Farrell 
Chief Learning Officer  

Dr. Brenda Elliott 
Associate Superintendent of 
Student Life and Innovation