Professional Learning Communities

Laurie Gelinas has more than 20 years of experience in education. She has implemented professional learning communities as a teacher, building learning coordinator, assistant principal and principal at the elementary level.

Josh Huwig currently serves as an elementary school principal with over 10 years of administrative experience. He has served as a high school teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and elementary school principal.

Dr. Kevin Weck is a dedicated educational leader, currently serving as the principal of Westmont High School in Illinois. With a background as a former social studies teacher, he brings a deep understanding of classroom dynamics and instructional strategies.

Based upon their book Taking Action, internationally-recognized intervention experts Dr. Luis Cruz and Mike Mattos will discuss three foundational steps needed to create a highly effective MTSS process. This webinar is designed to support administrators, coaches, interventionist staff, classroom educators and special education teachers.

A high-performing school district that functions as a professional learning community (PLC) reflects thoughtful alignment and integration of the PLC process by the superintendent and board of directors, central office, individual schools, and teacher teams. While highlighting the efforts of highly successful school districts, Janel Keating will describe how districts organize and align at each level to implement PLC concepts and practices systemwide.

Obie Leff has more than 30 years of expertise in education and leadership. He currently serves as director and principal of Twin Rivers Charter School, a 2024 Model PLC at Work® and National Blue Ribbon School.

When educators collaborate with clarity and purpose, Tier 1 instruction gets stronger—and all students benefit. This webinar showcases how schools across New York State are enhancing Tier 1 instruction through the PLC at Work® process. Participants will explore how collaborative teams design and use Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) to gather evidence of instructional effectiveness and make informed adjustments. The session highlights the power of job-embedded professional learning that occurs when educators work in teams to respond collectively to student needs. Attendees will also learn how building networks across schools accelerates improvement by sharing strategies and successes.

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Gain insight and strategies from experts and practitioners who are implementing the PLC process.

Craig Dougherty is superintendent of Sheridan County School District No. 2 in Sheridan, Wyoming. He has been an educator since 1983, with background as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent.