PLC

The concept of learning communities in education emerged in the 1990s. Professional literature defines a PLC (professional learning community) as a group of people who share an interest in a domain of knowledge, and meet to interact, engage, think and develop relationships with one another by discussing an issue of joint concern.

Learning communities are the place where research and practice are integrated emphasizing a bottom-up approach where the teachers take an active role in designing curricula.

The learning communities allow for intimate and individually-tailored learning. The PLCs also include peer observations, reflection on action, analysis of case studies and simulations.

Over sixty PLCs for English teachers have been established throughout the country over the past three years. They are different from traditional in-service courses (hishtalmuyot) in that formal instruction is limited and instead, learning from each other and sharing successful ideas and tips is the central goal of the meetings. PLCs provide a safe and vibrant atmosphere where matters of pedagogy, classroom management and issues related to the English instruction are discussed while placing an emphasis on teaching oral proficiency skills and the integration of vocabulary targets within the framework of the Aligned Curriculum.

Teachers may participate in their local PLC year after year, creating a real community, one with continuity and growth. PLCs members receive a 60-hour 'gmul' and have the unique opportunity to visit simulation centers.