Learning Together: How Professional Learning Communities Create Meaningful Change

Many schools strive to provide impactful professional development for their teachers. Episode 1 of the Rising from the Margins podcast explores how the Intensive Assistance Model at Washington Elementary, Madera Unified School District can lead to improved teacher collaboration, satisfaction, and student outcomes.

Over a series of insightful interviews, teachers share how the Intensive Assistance Model approach to Professional Learning Communities has created clarity and focus in their work. Implementing the PLC process takes time, but leads to greater teacher investment and student achievement. Funding and support from the state has been critical in initiating and sustaining the effort.

Experts provide recommendations on continuing PLC success, like ongoing training and support over a multi-year period. They also advise collecting feedback and sharing successes with other schools in the school district.

Specific action items are outlined, including scheduling regular coaching sessions, documenting processes, and surveying teachers. With persistence and care, PLCs can build the collaborative teacher culture that propels student learning forward.