Educators As Learners: Creating a Professional Learning Community in Your School

How can schools develop a shared vision that embraces the aspiration of all members of the school community? How can members of a learning community work together to build the knowledge and processes needed for student success? This book describes a professional development model that supports educators and families in learning and growing together. It offers a theoretical framework and practical guidance for renewing the capacity of schools to produce positive results for all children.

* Part I: Cornerstones discusses concepts, assumptions, and leadership qualities of an effective school-based staff development model.

* Part II: Process presents lively case studies and activities that show how to build professional learning communities. It describes strategies to help teams engage in meaningful dialogue and discovery.

* Part III: Tools for Learning is filled with practical, field-tested staff development tools that complement the process of building school-based professional learning communities.

This book embraces principles of collegiality, inquiry, learning, and community. It is written by practitioners for practitioners in the hope that collegial learning will be a renewing force in schools during these times of change.

Penelope J. Wald, an educational consultant from Alexandria, Virginia, has taught and consulted in the field of education for three decades. Her teaching experience ranges from elementary general and special education to the graduate school level.

Michael S. Castleberry, Professor of Special Education at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has been active in sponsored activities related to teacher preparation in early childhood special education.