Leading Professional Learning Communities: Voices From Research and Practice

by Shirley M. Hord (editor), William A. Sommers (Editor)

Imagine all professionals in all schools engaged in continuous professional learning! Education experts Shirley M. Hord and William A. Sommers explore the school-based learning opportunities offered to school professionals and the principal′s critical role in the creation, development, and support of an effective professional learning community (PLC). This book provides school leaders with readily accessible information to guide them in initiating and developing a PLC that supports teachers and students. Using field-tested examples, the text illustrates how this research-based school improvement model can help  

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2007

Reviews

[Sandra Greenman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an excellent rationale and road map for school leaders who seek to implement PLCs in their schools. I was fortunate to have the opportunity twice in my teaching career to work on campuses who practiced the models outlined in this book. I appreciate that Hord and Sommers did not shy away from discussing the investment of time involved in implementing PLCs. The time commitment up front and the continual training is an investment but the payoff is evident in student learning. Creating the sacred space for teachers; building that community of trust and collegiality; learning how to read and interpret the data; and then designing clear goals on how to achieve excellence are all outlined in both the research and practice aspects of this book. The contents of the book, in this case, lived up to the title. I was not disappointed. This will be a book that I return to as a reminder of what a professional learning community is and how it should function. Excellent reference and resource!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best professional book I've read in awhile. It really reshaped the way I see PLCs. One of my favorite parts: "There is power of life and death in the tongue....Speak life to those who cross your path."

[Dr.Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the later chapters most useful and would like to find further reading on how to motivate and support change within the school environment. This book, along with Switch by Chip Heath are a great pairing for re-thinking the ways in which we can motivate and support teachers and students in education.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tremendous resource as we start our new school. The bottom line is student learning!