On Wednesdays, students in the Gilbert Public Schools District are released early, giving them an extra hour at home. However, for teachers and staff, these days are set aside for professional development through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These sessions are intended to support staff growth and improve classroom practices.
The PLC meetings go beyond traditional lectures or presentations. They emphasize collaboration among educators, use of data, and ongoing professional growth. During PLCs, teachers may work together on new curriculum materials, discuss their school’s Continuous Improvement Plan, or plan priorities for upcoming months. This collaborative environment allows staff to share teaching strategies, acknowledge achievements, and learn from one another with the goal of enhancing student learning outcomes.
One example includes Neely Traditional Academy hosting teachers from Spectrum Elementary and Canyon Rim Elementary for a math training session. The workshop focused on methods to encourage student thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving in the classroom. At Ashland Ranch Elementary, PLCs have been used for reflecting on teaching practices by reviewing data, celebrating successes, and setting goals for the year.
According to Gilbert Public Schools District: “Gilbert Public Schools is dedicated to providing quality, research-based professional learning opportunities for all employees, focusing on high-effect instructional practices that emphasize the importance of student-centered classrooms.” More information about PLCs and related curriculum can be found at https://www.gilbertschools.net/Teaching-Learning.
