Professional Learning Communities at Work®

What if we could unlock the potential for every child to become a strong, confident reader? Decades of research show us how—yet many classrooms still rely on outdated practices that leave too many students behind. In this powerful session, George Georgiou and Greg Kushnir, authors of Better Together: Blending the Science of Reading and Professional Learning Communities at Work®, will unpack the science of reading—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform instruction. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how students actually learn to read and practical steps schools can take to bring this research to life. Together, we can turn the promise of literacy for all into a reality.

In order to answer the question “How will we know when students have learned it?”, PLCs need to utilize quality assessment practices.

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged schools to question their assessment practices and grading policies. Are students retaining and applying the concepts and skills of the standards? What can be evidence of their learning? This edWebinar examines how schools can answer these questions and more.

The impact of COVID-19 will have a lasting effect on every facet of our society. Very few institutions were more disrupted than schools. The pandemic affected staffing, funding, morale, and the continuity of student learning

Maria Espinoza, EdM, is the principal of Freeport Elementary in Freeport, Texas. With 17 years of experience, she specializes in early childhood education and implementing the professional learning community process to help underperforming schools.

Explore how teacher teams can ensure equitable literacy learning so that every student masters essential reading standards. Jacqueline Heller and Paula Maeker, authors of Literacy in a PLC at Work®: Guiding Teams to Get Going and Get Better in K–6 Reading, will help literacy educators navigate the teaching, learning, assessment, and feedback cycle of reading through the lens of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work.

PLC concepts resonate with most educators, but making collaborative learning work in small schools or for singleton teachers can be challenging. In this webinar, participants explore three models for creating meaningful professional learning teams—vertical teaming, cross-curricular teaming, and supporting roles— while reviewing common structural barriers that prevent singletons from joining collaborative teams and exploring how others have overcome similar challenges.

Greg Kushnir is an educational leader and presenter with over three decades of dedicated service in public education, specializing in oral language, reading, and writing disabilities. He is committed to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.

As an author and a leader in the field, Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Dr. Kramer served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.