On the importance of a campus Professional Learning Community
“A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a group of teachers or a cohort within a school that ‘ …exists to bring about some innovation and change directly related to improving learner outcomes’ (Harris & Jones, 2015, 15). PLCs can provide the environment for teachers to hear colleagues’ experiences, insights, and ideas, creating a school culture focused on collective growth.
Research from Ireland indicates that Continuous Professional Development (CPD) should encourage teachers to share and learn alongside one another (Harford Citation2010), supporting the inclusion of PLCs at all schools. PLCs support a school culture in which the values and beliefs of teachers are shared in a trusting environment helping to develop growth in the school.” ~ Porcenaluk, O’Neachtain, & Connolly, (2023) in Reimagining a framework for teachers’ continuous professional development during curriculum reform.
Harford, J. (2010). “Teacher Education Policy in Ireland and the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century.” European Journal of Teacher Education 33 (4): 349–360. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2010.509425.[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]
Harris, A, and M Jones, M. (2015). “Beyond Four Walls?: Professional Learning Communities within and Between Schools.” Australian Educational Leader 37 (4): 10–12.[Google Scholar]
Porcenaluk, S., O’Neachtain, A., & Connolly, C. (2023). Reimagining a framework for teachers’ continuous professional development during curriculum reform. Irish Educational Studies, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2023.2250765 [Taylor & Francis online].
“Unfortunately, in Ireland, principals have not shown a high level of involvement in the professional growth of teachers. A survey of teachers in Ireland reported that 43% never received feedback from their principal (OCED 2010)…lack of engagement [due to lack of feedback from principals] may indirectly signal to teachers that continual reflection and growth in daily practice are not significant to principals. Building positive relationships with constructive feedback and praise can positively affect teachers’ self-efficacy, as indicated in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (OECD 2010). Principals should send the message to teachers that sustained learning is necessary, motivate teachers to engage with Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and value teachers’ professional growth. Ensuring teachers are empowered to learn and grow as professionals is key to successful curriculum reform.” ~Porcenaluk, O’Neachtain & Connolly, 2023
1/2 – Peaceful Leadership strategies~”Ensuring teachers are empowered to learn and grow as professionals is key to successful curriculum reform.” ~Porcenaluk, O’Neachtain & Connolly, 2023, Reimagining a framework for teachers’ continuous PD during curriculum reform#PeaceSchemapic.twitter.com/KPuvPD9iev
Porcenaluk, S., O’Neachtain, A., & Connolly, C. (2023).
Reimagining a framework for teachers’ continuous professional development during curriculum reform. Irish Educational Studies, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2023.2250765
“Even though you may work many hours both day and night with added stress, the risk of stepping into higher education leadership may be worth it because you have a chance to influence decisions on important issues more broadly, have increased travel opportunities to learn, and you are often paid more for this change in lifestyle and responsibilities.” ~ Dorothy Campbell, from Campbell’s Tips for Educational Leadership