Madera County Superintendent of Schools Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Workshop

The recent PLC Workshop held on September 3-4, 2024, brought together dedicated educators and leaders with a shared goal of improving student outcomes through collaboration and shared responsibility. Hosted by the Madera County Superintendent of Schools, this two-day professional development event provided attendees with valuable insights, tools, and actionable strategies to enhance their teaching practices and relaunch PLCs effectively.

One of the most powerful moments from the workshop came from a Sierra Vista Elementary teacher who passionately stated, “I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else,” highlighting the deep connection and commitment teachers feel toward their schools when collaboration is at the core of their work. This sentiment was echoed in discussions around vulnerability and self-reflection, as another teacher candidly shared, “It’s the raw reality,” referring to the critical process of analyzing student data and asking, “Was our instruction effective?”

The workshop reinforced the importance of building trust among colleagues, as one participant noted, “When you build that trust level with your colleagues, you can move mountains for your students.” The power of collaboration was underscored throughout, with teachers acknowledging that “We got a lot more done together than separately,” emphasizing the significant impact of working as a team rather than in isolation.

The event equipped educators with practical tools to foster a focus on learning, nurture a collaborative culture, and maintain a results-oriented mindset, ensuring that the PLC process continues to be a powerful strategy for sustainable school improvement.

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. To learn more about the PLC Workshop and other foundational components of the Intensive Assistance Model, please visit the Intensive Assistance Model webpage and Rising from the Margins podcast to hear experiences from Madera Unified School District and other IAM districts.