Leading Professional Learning Communities: Voices from Research and Practice

Written by SEDL scholar emerita Shirley Hord and Bill Sommers, a former SEDL program associate, Leading Professional Learning Communities: Voices from Research and Practice explores the critical role of the principal and other leaders in the development of a professional learning community (PLC) by discussing what research literature says as well as what really happens in schools. It also discusses the constant focus needed on student and teacher learning and the commitment and courage necessary to lead a PLC.

The book illustrates how PLCs can help increase leadership capacity, embed professional development in daily work, create a positive school culture and develop accountability. But it also addresses how to manage the conflict that arises, the creativity needed for problem solving, and the courage to challenge existing systems and ways of thinking when necessary.

SEDL has published several publications about Professional Learning Communities:

• Leading Professional Learning Communities: Voices from Research and Practice
• Professional Learning Communities - Communities of Continuous Inquiry and Improvement
• Professional Learning Communities - An Ongoing Exploration
• Multiple Mirrors: Reflections on the Creation of Professional Learning Communities
• Schools as Learning Communities - Issues About Change, Volume 4, Number 1
• Professional Learning Communities: What Are They and Why Are They Important? - Issues About Change, Volume 6, Number 1
• Creating a Professional Learning Community: Cottonwood Creek School - Issues About Change, Volume 6, Number 2
• Assessing a School Staff as a Community of Professional Learners - Issues About Change, Volume 7, Number 1
• Principals and Teachers: Continuous Learners - Issues About Change, Volume 7, Number 2
• Launching Professional Learning Communities: Beginning Actions - Issues About Change, Volume 8, Number 1
• Co-Developers: Partners in a Study of Professional Learning Communities - Issues About Change, Volume 8, Number 2