Professional Learning Communities

Brooke Gantt serves as the Nixa Public Schools curriculum specialist. Her 23-year journey in public education encompasses roles as an urban and suburban classroom teacher, instructional coach, and education advocate.

Rachel Hankerson is currently the principal of Yulupa Elementary School. Rachel has emphasized the importance of working as a team to ensure continuous improvement through professional learning communities, and as a leader, she is able to break down large concepts into manageable chunks, ensuring that her staff feels confident.

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.

Karen Johnson is the coordinator of Language Acquisition for the Pleasanton Unified School District Pleasanton, California. She is passionate about the topics of equity, inclusion, and ensuring high levels of learning for all students.

In this one-hour webinar, participants will engage in discussion and reflect on the important components (who, what, when, and why) of establishing a leadership team and establishing direction for the 2021-2022 school year.