best of bbworld 09: transforming professional development through professional learning communities
DESCRIPTION
Expanding professional development offerings and creating opportunities for teachers to share best practices can be challenging when faced with budget cuts. Learn how Jeffco Public Schools (CO) addresses district professional development needs and supports millennial teachers without added financial strain through online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Jeffco launched online PLCs with resource banks, collaboration spaces, and collegial conversation opportunities to offer continual support of teacher training and connect teachers beyond the time and space of school meetings. Jill Montoya, Online Professional Development Coordinator, Jeffco Public Schools, details how one of the 50 largest school districts in the nation developed online PLCs to support a guaranteed and viable curriculum, extend professional development opportunities, and improve communication, collaboration, and cohesiveness among staff.TRANSCRIPT
Jill Montoya Online Professional Development
CoordinatorJeffco Public Schools
Jill Montoya Online Professional Development
CoordinatorJeffco Public Schools
Transforming Professional Development Through Professional Learning
Communities
Transforming Professional Development Through Professional Learning
Communities
The Road We’ve Traveled
Tapping into digital learning spaces to catapult professional development
Our Journey…
• Started Small– Online High School (150 students)– Dabbled in Professional Development
• Expanded To Teachers – Curriculum Alignment Project– PLC & Expanded PD Options
• Built a Foundation– All tools in one place
Frustrations
Finding Balance….
Frustrations
Innovative Models
Budget Issues
Funding
Time
Workload
Substitutes
Accessible
Time Sensitive
Ongoing
Frustrations
Innovative Models
Accessible
Time Sensitive
Ongoing
Sustainable
Budget IssuesFunding
Time
Workload
Substitutes
Finding Balance….
Lead the horse…
Start Your Engines
Identified Need• Connecting Teachers With Content
• Creating Collaborations Among Colleagues
• Expanding and Extending Training
Our Roadmap
• Content Housing / Resource Bank• Collaboration Space• Communication Venue
• Start Small & Internal• Plant the Seed • Share the Success
Next Exit: Professional Development Pathway
• Time to think differently– Time – Funding– Resources– Extending PD
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Our Solution….
Professional Learning Communities
& Dynamic Learning
Spaces
Digitally Rich
Dynamic
FluidAccessible
Sustainable
A spectrum of options
Fully Online
(Self-Paced & Facilitated)
Hybrid Online Enhanced Webinars
Traditional Face to
Face
21st Century Approach to Professional Development
Continual Learning
Opportunities for
Application
SustainableAvenues for Reflection
Collegial Conversations
Coaching
Leveraging Digital Learning Spaces & PLCs
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Meeting Extensions
• Book Study Groups
• Overcoming Geographic Challenges
• Extending our Professional Development
Enable
Enrich
Engage
A Day in the Life of A Jeffco Teacher
• Communicate – District News– Professional Development Opportunities
• Connect– Teachers– Content Experts & Curriculum Specialists– District Leadership
• Collaborate– Professional Learning Communities– Grade Level Teaching Communities
Connected Communities &Digital Professional Learning Communities
• School Based Connected Communities
• Grade Level Connected Communities
• District Level Connected Communities
• Research & Data Driven Professional Learning Communities
• Professional Development Based PLCs
What does it look like?
•Let’s take a peek!
A look at stats….•Year One (Fall 2007-2008)• 3 Online PD Courses • PLCs at pilot schools
•Year Two (Fall 2008-2009)• 9 online PD courses• PLCs at 80% of our 150 schools• Over 350 PLCs across district
•Year Three (Fall 2009)• 40 online PD courses
• offered to both Jeffco & Outsourced to other districts• Continued Expansion of PLCs
Digital Learning Spaces Expansion
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•31 sections of online PD Courses
• 713 Teachers Completed Facilitated Courses
•200 Additional teachers enrolled in Self Paced Courses
Winter & Spring January 2009 - May
2009
•Offered 41 sections of online PD Courses
•900 Teachers Completed Facilitated Courses
•800 Additional Teachers Enrolled in Self Paced Courses
Summer & FallJune 2009 - November
2009
How Do You Begin or Expand?
Getting Started
• Light the Fire
• Expansion Follows
• Become Self-Sustaining
Will They Come?• Partner with University
• Offer Inservice Credits
• Offer Recertification Credits
• Certificate Programs– ETTE – Educational Technology Teachers of
Excellence– GATE – Gifted and Talented Teachers of
Excellence
• Open to other districts
Let’s Chat!
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Need More Information?
Contact Us!
Jill Montoya Online Professional Development Coordinator
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Explore Our Site
• Jefferson County Public Schools, Golden, CO– http://blackboard.jeffco.k12.co.us
• USERNAME: nsdc• PASSWORD: redrocks
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