1. Implementing Effective Professional Learning Communities
Dr. Omar Ezzeldine

2. Current Framework
“Meetings:” Gather to discuss or review events, programs, policies, etc.
“Professional Development:” An “expert” guides participants through a process of changing practices/behaviors

3. Professional Learning Communities are Different
Ongoing growth process (not a single event)
Members meet regularly (weekly, monthly), share expertise, and work collaboratively to focus on teaching and learning
School-wide with cross-sections of different teams (Grade 1, 2, and 3 teachers sharing)
Holistic view of curriculum and opportunities for shared successes.
Process is cyclical, reflective, exploratory, and involves inquiry.

4. Provide a Clear Structure and Goals
Meeting dates and times are pre-determined.
Each meeting must have an agenda and minutes
Outcomes must be tangible and point of reflection for future meetings

5. 2. Address the most critical instructional concerns
Avoid “fixing” everything
Stay focused, identify the common interest for the PLC
Make sure the concern is clearly articulated

6. 3. Support must come from all levels
Admin should be present
Invite others that may contribute if appropriate (experts, parents, students, community, staff)
Work and support should occur outside of the meeting

7. 4. Trust Creating a “safe space” Be open and honest
Speak your own truth (don’t assume others’ thoughts)
Be kind to yourself (so others know you will be kind to them)
The process is cyclical - we try, assess, try something else if we need to

8. 5. Monitoring and Feedback
Accountability (reports, minutes)
Data drives the process
Invite observers to give feedback

9. 6. Professionalism Respect time Respect people Respect ideas
Respect opportunity
Believe in capacity