Throughline Learning

A community of learners supporting transformative school change through

Introducing Throughline Learning

When the Highlander Institute team embarked on a yearlong rebranding process in summer 2022, we wanted a new name that embodied the complex and comprehensive nature of our work. As we reflected on our mission, vision, and values, the concept of a “throughline” emerged and resonated deeply with the way we describe our work and organize our partnerships.

Across hundreds of multifaceted projects, our throughline has always centered on strengthening student learning experiences in order to improve student outcomes. We know that students thrive in environments where they feel valued, where lessons feel meaningful, where they are challenged, and where they feel empowered.

The classrooms of tomorrow are supportive academic communities where students engage deeply in rigorous and relevant content, become independent learners, and excel in their future pursuits.

As you weave together strategies to realize this vision, let us be your throughline.

Why "Throughline?"

A “throughline” is a thread that weaves together disparate elements to form a cohesive whole. Our work emphasizes local context and alignment, ensuring that research-based instructional strategies connect to a school or district vision.

The “throughline” concept also references the perseverance required to move “through” something difficult as a school community. Whether creating supports for the unprecedented shift to remote learning or building awareness of inequitable systems, our methods address formidable challenges through curiosity, through compassion, and through collaboration.

How does this show up in our logo? We chose a forward leaning, cursive font style that illustrates the word "throughline" as a single line that is connected from start to finish. Just as a single thread can pull together a complex and resilient tapestry, a core commitment to elevating the student experience can strengthen our school communities and help raise student achievement.

Why "Learning"?

Throughline Learning is a community of learners at all levels. We are committed to creating excellent learning environments, leveraging best practices for supporting professional learning, and continuously improving our own methods in service of students and families.

How does this show up in our logo? The Throughline Learning color palette is full of bright colors that evoke warmth and convey the optimism, enthusiasm, and passion that we connect with vibrant learning communities.

The center of our logo symbolizes the outstretched arms of a joyful learner, capturing the energy and possibility that new knowledge brings.

What we believe

Our Mission

We partner with communities to imagine and create more equitable, relevant, and effective schools. Using research, we convene, coach, and build capacity to improve outcomes and experiences for all students.

Our Vision

Students, educators, and communities partnering as agents of change to design:

Classrooms that empower
Schools that adapt
Systems that liberate

Learning should make the world better

We believe students will be successful when learning:

Leverages their identities and interests as strengths
Promotes positive academic mindsets
Nurtures thinking skills
Supports independence and self-direction
Encourages meaningful applications of knowledge

What we do

Professional Development

Knowledge-building workshops leveraging research-based approaches

Professional Learning Communities

Small group deep dives into implementation strategies, successes, & challenges

Teacher & Leader Coaching

1-on-1 sessions focused on goal setting, planning, implementation, & reflection

School Improvement Teams

Teams of diverse stakeholders convening to analyze data & set school priorities

Student-centered Data

Leveraging student feedback to identify root causes of outcome & opportunity gaps

Community Educators

Training community members in purpose-driven roles in and outside of schools

"I used to think this type of work may take a long time to move the needle but I've already seen very productive and great adjustments being made that truly help our kids."

- Principal, Norwood, MA

"By facilitating with love and instilling hope, the Throughline Learning team has impacted teacher conversations, instructional practices, and student experiences. It's some of the best work I've undertaken."

- School Leader, New York, NY

"I am so grateful for the authenticity and care that Throughline Learning team members brought to our group. Strategies and takeaways from our time have immediately been implemented, made me realize where I can continue to grow, and truly allowed me to embrace my role with a renewed sense of purpose and passion."

- Teacher, Cranston, RI

Let's Connect

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Support the Throughline Learning team!

Your belief in our work pushes us to dig deeper, think bigger, and aim higher in our efforts to create more equitable, relevant, and engaging schools — particularly for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Thank you so much for your support!