Motivating Teachers to Collaborate

November 25, 2008

By Rick DuFour

I recently responded to the following question regarding how to motivate those teachers who do not fully engage in the collaborative process:

Our district has adopted a PLC vision, which is fantastic. Two years ago, we were required to read your book Professional Learning Communities at Workâ„¢: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement. It was a great read for me. I’m not sure that others gathered as much as I did from it. Since then our school has picked up about 15 new teachers unfamiliar with PLCs. Many of these teachers have never worked in such a collaborative environment, so our collaboration has been less than effective. Continue Reading

The Role of Support Staff in a Professional Learning Community

November 11, 2008

By Robert Eaker, Janel Keating, and Meagan Rhoades

Recently, an assistant superintendent for operations inquired about the role the support staff plays in a district that is committed to functioning as a professional learning community (PLC). While the answer to this query may seem obvious, the role of the support staff in a PLC may be overlooked by some. Let’s be clear; the support staff plays an important role in any school district, but this is especially true in a district that seeks to function as a PLC. For example, secretaries are often the first people parents contact when they call or enter a school. Continue Reading