#MergerMondays: The Aurora Institute + The Learning Accelerator

On June 16, 2025, the Aurora Institute and The Learning Accelerator (TLA) announced they are merging—uniting two powerful forces in the movement to make education more equitable, innovative, and student-centered.

Aurora brings deep policy expertise, systems-level strategy, and a strong research foundation. TLA has long been known for its hands-on approach—supporting educators directly with tools, guidance, and resources to accelerate innovation in classrooms. Together, they’re creating a single, integrated organization that will be both visionary and grounded in practice.

This next chapter will be led by a co-CEO model: Virgel Hammonds, CEO of the Aurora Institute, and Beth Rabbitt, CEO of The Learning Accelerator. Their joint leadership signals not only alignment of mission but a commitment to shared learning, collaboration, and mutual respect.

While operations combine behind the scenes, both organizations will continue the work communities already trust—Aurora’s Symposium and policy leadership, TLA’s Exponential Learning Initiative, and so much more. A new name and identity are coming in July, but the heart of the work remains the same: helping every learner thrive.

This merger isn’t just strategic; it’s deeply values-driven. It reflects a belief in collective power, in honoring what each partner brings, and in building a future where systems and schools work in harmony to support every student’s potential.

Congratulations to both teams as they step confidently into this exciting new era—stronger together.