Solution Tree

Empowering Educators through Practitioner-Led Insights

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From addressing achievement gaps to meeting shifting standards and societal expectations, the role of educators today is more demanding than ever. While these challenges can seem daunting, they also present opportunities for innovation in shaping the future of education.

This is where Solution Tree has emerged as a trusted partner, offering professional development and resources grounded in real-world educational experience.

One thing that sets Solution Tree apart is its focus on meeting the needs of its customers by leveraging the expertise of educators who have lived the journey themselves. Since its founding over 25 years ago, the company has evolved from an educational publishing business into a comprehensive solution provider. Its offerings span books, professional development, educational events, EdTech Products (Avanti and Global PD Teams)—all designed with one goal: to ensure learning for all.

While Global PD Teams is a dynamic online platform designed to help schools and districts successfully implement and sustain transformative initiatives like the Professional Learning Communities at Work® (PLC at Work®) process, Avanti is an innovative, teacher-driven professional learning platform that delivers personalized, on-demand development tailored to real classroom challenges. Designed by educators for educators, Avanti offers curated video content, practical implementation resources, and interactive tools that enhance instructional practices, boost student engagement, and drive better learning outcomes. With a teacher-first approach, Avanti ensures that every learning experience is relevant, practical, and aligned with the ultimate goal—student success.

Equipped with built-in resources, collaborative tools, mini courses, and progress-tracking capabilities, Global PD Teams fosters seamless teamwork among educators. By prioritizing student learning, collaboration, and measurable outcomes, the platform provides on-demand access to expert guidance, research-based strategies, and actionable resources— empowering teams at every level to build and sustain high-quality professional development.

However, Solution Tree’s true strength lies in the people behind its work—practitioners who have walked the halls of schools and faced the challenges of the classroom.

Solutions Developed by Educators, For Educators

Many organizations offer professional development, but few bring the depth of expertise that Solution Tree does. At its core, the company’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: those who have been educators are best equipped to guide others in improving their practice.

Scott Brown, Solution Tree’s chief marketing officer, explains, “Many of our associates and authors are current or former educators. They’ve been teachers, principals, and district leaders, and they’ve faced the same struggles our customers are facing today. This enables us to bring that authentic, practical perspective to everything we do.”

This practitioner-led approach fosters trust and relatability. When an educator engages with Solution Tree, they aren’t just getting advice from an outsider—they’re learning from someone who’s been in their shoes.

Sam Fritz, Director of Ed Tech and a 23-year veteran teacher, is a prime example of this ethos. He says, “For me, it started with a book. A mentor gave me a Solution Tree book, and it completely transformed my teaching.”

Meeting the Needs of Schools and Districts

Solution Tree’s work is grounded in the understanding that no two schools or districts are alike. Each has unique needs, challenges, and goals. Recognizing this, the company begins every engagement with a deep dive into the specific context of its clients.


Many of our associates and authors are current or former educators. They’ve been teachers, principals, and district leaders, and they’ve faced the same struggles our customers are facing today. This enables us to bring that authentic, practical perspective to everything we do

“Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a book or a virtual PD session,” Brown says. “From there, it grows into a partnership. We work closely with schools and districts to build tailored solutions that address their most pressing challenges. Extending the learning using products like Global PD Teams and Avanti, gives educators ongoing, individualized support for the work happening in their schools.”

The solutions often combine multiple elements from Solution Tree’s broad portfolio. For example, a district might begin with PLC at Work kickoff and later add embedded coaching, district leadership support, or data-driven technology tools. The flexibility and depth of these offerings allow Solution Tree to support educators at every stage of their journey.

A Holistic Approach to Professional Growth

At the heart of Solution Tree’s success is its holistic approach to professional development. The company doesn’t view its offerings as isolated products but as interconnected tools that, when combined, create powerful change.

One of the company’s flagship offerings is its PLC at Work® process, which helps schools build collaborative teams focused on improving student learning. This framework has been transformative for thousands of schools, enabling educators to work together more effectively and achieve measurable results.

But Solution Tree doesn’t stop at PLC at Work. Solution Tree offers multi-modal solutions that span a wide range of topics that meet the ever changing needs of today’s educators.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the work educators do with Solution Tree leads to lasting, meaningful change.

Listening and Adapting to Feedback

A key element of Solution Tree’s success is its commitment to continuous improvement. The company actively seeks feedback from the educators it serves, using this input to refine and enhance its offerings.

“We don’t just deliver a service and move on,” Fritz explains. “We stay engaged. We gather feedback from teachers, administrators, and even students to understand what’s working and what needs to improve. That feedback shapes our work, ensuring we’re always meeting the real needs of schools.”

This iterative process allows Solution Tree to remain responsive to the evolving landscape of education. Whether it’s adapting to new state standards, integrating technology, or addressing post-pandemic learning gaps, the company is always ready to help schools navigate change.

One powerful example of Solution Tree’s impact is a school district in Connecticut. What began as a single interaction—a teacher reading one of Solution Tree’s books—soon blossomed into a district-wide transformation.

“The district started small, with a virtual PD session,” Fritz recalls. “But as they saw the value of our work, they began to expand their engagement with us. Today, they’ve adopted a range of our offerings, from on-site coaching to technology tools, and their schools are seeing incredible results.”

The story is just one of many that illustrate the ripple effect of Solution Tree’s work. By meeting educators where they are and providing the tools they need to succeed, the company helps schools and districts create environments where both teachers and students thrive.

A Vision for Education

As Solution Tree continues to grow, its commitment to educators remains steadfast. The company’s vision is to provide resources and transform education on a global scale. The vision is rooted in the belief that when educators are empowered with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they can achieve extraordinary things.

“Our mission is about more than professional development,” Brown says. “It’s about changing lives. Every teacher we work with has the potential to impact hundreds, even thousands, of students over their career. By helping them succeed, we’re creating a brighter future for everyone.”

For educators looking for a partner that truly understands their world, Solution Tree is more than a resource. It’s a lifeline, a guide, and a champion for the transformative power of education.

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Company
Solution Tree

Management
Jeff Jones, CEO, Scott Brown, Chief Marketing Officer, and Sam Fritz, Director of Ed Tech

Description
Solution Tree has emerged as a trusted partner, offering professional development and resources that are deeply rooted in real-world educational experience. Solution Tree’s true strength however lies in the people behind its work—practitioners who have walked the halls of schools and faced the challenges of the classroom.