Professional Learning Communities (PLC)

Continuing Our Spartan Approach to PLCs

We would like to continue the momentum of our Professional Learning Communities this year. We continue to receive positive feedback on this format and look forward to future success.

The goal with this PLC is to work with a team of teachers of your choice, select a topic of your choice, and share the valuable information with your colleagues.

Your PLC topic and activity should be something you and your team are passionate about and would like to share. The PLC should be focused and grounded in practice - something that directly connects to what you are already doing in your content areas and/or a topic you are interested in learning more about to implement into your classroom or school practices.

We will host our district-wide Spartan EdCamp day on May 13, 2023! This will be an opportunity for teams to share their PLC work with colleagues across the district.

Step 1: Assemble Your Team

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

• Team members should share a common interest in a teaching strategy or topic.

• All members will sign up together under one topic slot on Sign-Up Genius.

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

Step 2: Select Your Topic and Sign Up

"Risk-taking, creativity, and enthusiasm are always encouraged."

• Review the list of suggested topics based on survey feedback and district needs.

• If you're interested in an unlisted topic related to our vision, reach out to your supervisor.

• Avoid selecting curriculum revisions, as those are handled by summer committees.

• Sign up for a topic slot that aligns with your team's interests and goals.

• Topics include:  AI Exploration: Responsible/Ethical Usage, AVID Strategies, Big Ideas: Enrichment and Intervention, Big Ideas: Online Components,Big Ideas: Strategies/Methods for Interpreting/Solving Word Problems, Book Study (Neither books nor funds will be provided), Classroom Management, Cracking the F&P Literacy Continuum, Cross Curricular Integration, Data Driven Instruction, Digital Instructional Tools, Effective Peer Observations, Enrichment Strategies, FUNdations (Grade 2), FUNdations Refresher (K-1), ICR Model, Instructional Strategies, Intervention Strategies, Learning Stations ,MTSS Supports, Neurodiverse Learning, Note-taking Strategies, Parent Engagement, PreK: Implementing GOLD in My Teaching Strategies,PreK: Intentional Teaching Experiences /CC, PreK: Interrater Reliability for GOLD, PreK: Language/ Literacy/ CC, PreK: Learning Games /CC, PreK: Mathematics /CC, PreK: Science/ Technology /CC, PreK: SEL / Creative Curriculum, Professional and Empathetic Communication, Progress Monitoring Techniques, Promethean Boards in the Classroom, Providing Effective Feedback, Recognizing Student Effort, Responsive Classroom, School Safety, Strategies for Maintaining Work/Life Balance and Prioritizing Self Care, Strategies for Multi-Language Learners in the Classroom, Supporting/Responding to the Emotional/Social Needs of Students, The Responsibilities of the Intervention Teacher, Threat Assessment Teams, Trauma Informed Teaching, Writing Strategies for 3-5, Writing Strategies for K-2, Writing Strategies for Secondary

Step 3:  Complete PLC Approval Form

“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.”

• The Team Leader will complete the form for the entire team.

• The form will guide your PLC's vision and goals.

• PLC Approval Forms:

  • ECE/Elementary PLC Approval Form 

  • Secondary (6-12) Approval Form 

• Staff including special areas, counselors, CST should use the best form.

• Please submit by the end of day on October 9, 2023.

Step 4:  Work Together 

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

• PLCs meet during in-service days:

  • October 9, October 31, February 5, March 18, April 22

• If more time is needed, team leaders can contact the supervisor.

• Use this time to collaborate and prepare presentations.

• Capitalize on strengths and assign roles for a successful PLC and presentation.

• Consider preparing resources to share: presentations, handouts, takeaways, artifacts, etc.

Step 5:  Outcome/Finished Product

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins." 

• The outcome of your PLC is a 20-30 minute presentation to colleagues on May 15, 2023 at Spartan EdCamp.

• Your group will present either in the AM or PM. The other session is your opportunity to explore other topics.

• Presentation ideas include:

  • Google Slides

  • Demo lesson

  • Round-table discussion

  • Think tank

  • Gallery walk

  • Show and share

• The formality and format are up to you.

  • Ask yourselves: What do you want colleagues to gain/learn and how?

• Consider making it interactive and hands-on.

• Provide practical takeaways people can apply right away.

• Creativity is encouraged! Make it fun and engaging.

We look forward to celebrating your hard work and collaboration! 

WE are OUR own BEST resource!

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 

Similar Idea to our EdCamp