Get to Know ULC
For 30 years, Urban Learning Collaborative (formerly MTEC) has delivered comprehensive programming designed to meet educators and leaders where they are—supporting every stage of professional growth through certification, coaching, leadership development, and community engagement.
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Over 25 years of educator preparation
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Thousands of educators trained
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Strong partnerships across Wisconsin
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Proven results in urban classrooms
OUR MISSION
We invest in urban communities by expanding access to academic, personal, and professional growth opportunities.
OUR VISION
To transform access to opportunities in urban communities through training and mentorship.
OUR VALUES
• Passion drives our commitment and inspires our innovation.
• Accountability is a key ingredient to our success.
• As students evolve, so do we.
Why Urban Learning Collaborative?
Over the past 25 years, Urban Learning Collaborative (formerly MTEC) has evolved to meet the needs of teachers and students alike. We envision a future where we serve nationwide. As such, we’ve changed our name to reflect this new step in our future.
This video features our Executive Director, Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins with the story of how MTEC is making the change to Urban Learning Collaborative (ULC).
From Our Executive Director
I am proud of the work that our team and organization is boldly creating—annually, 80+ teachers and educational leaders are added to the education workforce. In my tenure, since 2016, over 600 program participants have gained skills to impact student success in our traditional classrooms and diverse academic settings. This equates to more than 2,000 participants who have grown professionally and added to the workforce since our founding!
We continue to develop ways to enhance services, programs, and opportunities for the broader community and beyond Southeastern Wisconsin. Along with our 20+ collaborative partners, schools, and districts, our values continue to support urban educators and to recruit new talent to the field while underscoring commitment, innovation, and accountability to those who engage with our youth.
With gratitude,
Laci Coppins Robbins, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Urban Learning Collaborative
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ULC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders representing Milwaukee’s education, business, legal, social welfare, and healthcare communities. The role of our Board of Directors is to provide guidance and leadership to the Urban Learning Collaborative to help us promote our mission and vision. ULC is fortunate to have a dynamic and diverse board committed to excellence. Each member brings unique talents, leadership skills, and experiences that contribute to the strength of ULC.
BOARD OFFICERS
BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. John Peterburs
BOARD PRESIDENT
Retired Executive Director,
Quarles & Brady LLP
Bernardo Traversari
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Director of Operations and Programs,
Society for Conservation Biology North America
David Gavigan
BOARD TREASURER
Executive Director of
Commercial Banking,
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins
EX OFFICIO
Executive Director,
Urban Learning Collaborative
Eric Andersen
Director of Human Resources,
Froedtert Hospital
Dena Nord
Co-President / Founder,
Odvant Creative
Ryann Westley
Director, Business Intelligence & Operations,
Incident IQ
Reva Kashikar
Production Lead & Internship Coordinator,
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Candace Coates
Director of Community Services,
Outreach Community Health Center
Donnell Rushing
Finance Manger,
City of Milwaukee
Leigh Wallace
Clinical Associate Professor,
Administrative Leadership
Geneva McKinley
Attorney
Ryan Poolay, MD
Executive Director
Congregation Shalom
Interested in Joining the ULC Board of Directors?
Board members are elected for a three-year term. If you are interested in learning more
about our board opportunities, please contact Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins, Executive Director
at lcoppinsrobbins@urban-learning.org.
ULC TEAM
Urban Learning Collaborative’s work is powered by a dedicated team of educators, coaches, and leaders who bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a shared commitment to equity and belonging. Our staff partners closely with schools and communities to support educators at every stage – strengthening teaching practice, building leadership capacity, and helping educators thrive for the long term.
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Empower Future Educators Through the Haberman & Tyler Program
Support ULC's ‘From Backpack to Impact’ campaign, where dollars given represent not just supplies, but a year of literacy, mentorship, and family support as a part of the Haberman-Tyler Program.
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