Professional Learning Communities (PLC)

Professional Learning Communities

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are an ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively to focus on continuous improvement in staff performance and student learning. PLCs enable teachers to learn from one another through shared visioning, planning, and in-depth examination of practices that enhance student achievement. By creating a culture of collaboration, staff members can align with and understand our mission.

PLCs will present to their building-level colleagues (staff meetings, department meetings, grade-level meetings) before June 6, 2024. This can be coordinated at the individual building level with the respective administrators.

It remains crucial to share expertise within our community, as the most valuable knowledge often resides among us. We appreciate those who volunteered as Spartan Teacher Leaders, and we look forward to those conducting turnkey professional development sessions on October 14 and March 13 for our Spartan Community.

PLC Process for 2024-2025

Staff working with both secondary and elementary levels, including special areas, ESL teachers, counselors, and CST, should use the appropriate form.

1. All members of your team must sign up together using the Google Form.

   • Teams are limited to 6 staff members (unless approved by an instructional supervisor).

   • Topics are based on survey responses and district needs. If you're interested in a topic not on the list, please reach out to your Instructional Supervisor.

   • Curriculum and assessment revisions are handled by summer committees, so do not select curriculum revisions as a PLC topic.

2. The Team Leader will complete the PLC Approval Form for the entire team by the end of the day on Monday, October 15.

   • Elementary PLC Form

2. • Secondary PLC Form

3. PLCs will meet during scheduled in-service days:

   • October 14, November 6, January 17, February 3, March 24, and April 28.

   • If additional time is needed for research, professional development, and/or observation, team leaders should contact the Instructional Supervisor.

Please reach out to your Instructional Supervisor with any questions regarding PLCs.

We look forward to celebrating your hard work and collaboration!

Characteristics of a Professional Learning Community

 “Meeting Grounds for Learning” 

• • Shared Mission 

  • Shared Vision 

  • Shared Values 

  • Trust 

  • Spirit of Collaboration 

  • Action orientated - things happen at and between meetings 

  • Commitment to continuous improvement 

  • Outcomes orientated – focus on results 

  • Open classrooms 

  • Teams that gather data, identify strengths and pinpoint weaknesses 

  • Develop plans for improvement 

  • Share ideas, success and frustrations 

  • Environments where teachers talk about their practice

  • Work on closing the achievement gap 

  • Focus on essential learning outcomes