About Us
Founded in 1995, the Pennsylvania Leadership Development Center (PLDC) is a nonprofit organization created by school leaders for school leaders. From the beginning, PLDC has been guided by a simple belief: when leaders are supported, schools and systems are stronger.
For over 30 years, PLDC has partnered with superintendents, principals, IU leaders, and aspiring administrators across Pennsylvania. Our work is rooted in research, shaped by real leadership challenges, and designed to be used—not just discussed. All of our learning opportunities align with Act 45 and Act 48 requirements and emphasize reflection, application, and growth over time.
Today, PLDC offers four integrated areas of service—Coaching; Courses & Programs; Strategic Assessment & Implementation; and Consulting—to support leaders as they strengthen systems, develop people, and lead with clarity and purpose in their communities.
Our Services
How we work
PLDC offers a transparent process that builds confidence, capability, and results
Expertise with Heart
PLDC brings decades of leadership experience grounded in empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of the human side of educational leadership.
Research-Based,
Real-World
Our work is informed by proven research and improvement science, thoughtfully translated into practical strategies leaders can apply immediately in real settings.
Personalized &
Practical
Every engagement is tailored to the leader and the system-honoring context, challenges, and goals while focusing on actionable growth and sustained impact.
Meet Our Team
This is the space to describe the team member. Write a brief description of this person's role and responsibilities, or add a short bio with a background summary. Highlight their skills and explain what makes them an asset to the team.
Jessica Enderson
In her current business of Learner-Centered Leadership, Jessica has district, school and classroom experience in guiding others through the education practices. She has created numerous tools, online instruction and mentors several districts in their journey towards competency based education systems.
Dr. Fran Serenka
Dr. Fran Serenka is a leading practitioner-scholar in the areas of education leadership, administration, and supervision. She directs the Educational Administration and Supervision Programs preparing principals, supervisors, and superintendents for their work in schools. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Leadership Development Center offering professional development for educational leaders in the areas of customized learning, innovation, and collaboration helping organizations implement the most effective leadership practices.
Dr. Leah Spangler
In her current business of Learner-Centered Leadership, Jessica has district, school and classroom experience in guiding others through the education practices. She has created numerous tools, online instruction and mentors several districts in their journey towards competency based education systems.
Dr. Pat Crawford
Pat has been associated with the Pennsylvania Leadership Development Center (PLDC) since its inception in 1995. A former superintendent and Director of Professional Development for PASA, he currently teaches in the Ed.D. program at Saint Francis University and the M.Ed. and principal certification program at Wilson College. As a Senior Associate with PLDC, he coaches, consults, and designs leadership courses and programs.
Dr. Thomas Butler
Tom Butler is an educator, author and keynote speaker. Tom works extensively with school systems to help them to become uncompromisingly learner centered. He conducts workshops, facilitates board retreats and coaches school leaders. Tom received his doctorate in Education Leadership with his dissertation winning a national award. Tom has written extensively about school leadership and rural school and community issues.
Tom has been a keynote speaker for national and state organizations while also presenting at national conferences. In 2018 Tom had two books published. Results By Design, about strategic planning, and Dewey: A Reflection on the Inevitable about the shifting education paradigm educators face today.
Dr. Jay Scott
As a former Superintendent and IU Executive Director, Jay enjoys working with leaders, including Principals, Superintendents, and, on occasion, private-sector leaders. Jay has been a part of PLDC since its inception and has been consulting and coaching since his retirement in 2008. He has been blessed to work with some of the top-notch leaders in Pennsylvania. As a lead learner, Jay has integrated AI in his work and has found it to be most helpful as a thought partner. Jay looks forward to continuing his partnership with PLDC and the work it continues to do to advance leadership in our schools.