Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/recipe-for-success-seven-ingredients-of-successful-professional-learning-communities/5027076/
In the midst of a crisis in early education that includes a global pandemic, a teaching shortage, and under-resourced child care centers, what directors need most is a community of their peers to support their work. As the facilitator of a professional learning community of seven center directors, I have experienced firsthand the power of this kind of group learning.
What are the conditions necessary for a successful PLC?
1. Psychological Safety
We know that, in order for any working group to be productive, there needs to be a strong degree of trust among its members. This is not achieved immediately, but is something that develops over time. To foster what we refer to as “psychological safety” among the group, members must be given opportunities to share openly and a space in which it is safe to be vulnerable. This kind of trust grows over time, and the facilitator plays an important role in ensuring that all voices have ample time to be heard and respected, bringing forth a critical diversity of perspectives among the group.
2. Strong Relationships
Like psychological safety, strong relationships develop over time and cannot be rushed. But certain conditions set the stage for strong working relationships ...