I have been a part of functional PLCS and toxic PLCs. The turning point for me is when the group can find a common assessment or common data point and keep the focus on the common ground of student learning. I am fortunate in my current job that I get to be part of each department's PLCs. I also have the support of meeting regularly with other coaches from across my district. When we look at strategies and models of improving instruction, we all have something to contribute. I have looked at different strategies, grown in the area of ELL strategies through working with our ELL coach, I even am getting ready to do observations for tier 1 strategies with a middle school coach. I get to see how others do their job as well. This is so important for teachers to get into other classrooms and see how others teach. It is eye opening to see someone in your PLC teach the same lesson as you, and how different or similar it can be. Even as a coach I learn from how others do things a bit different than I do. It helps me look at new ways to do things, or ways to improve. I love to run my ideas by others. I constantly am looking to build on my thoughts and innovations. My PLCs in my admin team and my fellow coaches also helps me to keep pushing my ideas, that without further dialog I might have left stagnant.
The number one purpose my PLC serves me in my #prodriven journey is they force and support reflection in our profession. "If I do this, will student learning be better?" Even when PLCs do not agree, they are a mirror to look within your own practice and the practice of others. Each conversation is a learning opportunity. The focus should be on how will this help learning? How ill I be better if I do this?
The number one purpose my PLC serves me in my #prodriven journey is they force and support reflection in our profession. "If I do this, will student learning be better?" Even when PLCs do not agree, they are a mirror to look within your own practice and the practice of others. Each conversation is a learning opportunity. The focus should be on how will this help learning? How ill I be better if I do this?