Reclaiming Our Teaching Profession

by Hord, Shirley M.; Tobia, Edward F.; Lewis, Karen Seashore

• ISBN13: 9780807752890
• ISBN10: 0807752894
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-18
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

Drawing from a wealth of research and experience, this book shows educators how to use the transformative power of professional learning in community to raise the professional stature of educators. The authors, experts in their field, provide clear steps and real-school examples with a focus on collaborative adult learning for student gains, community respect, professional satisfaction, and collegial support. They examine pitfalls and distractions, and show clear images of what empowered Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) look like for teachers, administrators, and leaders at the school and district level. The authors also provide practical tools for advancing and measuring progress. This resource will help educators move from a climate of sanctions to one of mutual trust and support committed to students and dedicated to working and learning together.

Author Biography

Shirley M. Hord is Scholar Laureate in association with Learning Forward, and was Scholar Emerita at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) in Austin, Texas. Her books include Learning Together, Learning Together: Changing School Through Professional learning communities. Edward F. Tobia works at SEDL in the Improving School Performing unit in Austin, Texas.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Preface	p. xiii
Introduction	p. 1
What Is a Profession? What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?	p. 7
Definition of a "Professional"	p. 8
A Formal Preparation and Certification Process	p. 11
A Professional Orientation	p. 13
Adopting a Professional Approach	p. 15
Evolution and Development of the Professional Learning Community	p. 18
Early Times	p. 18
Professional Learning for Educators	p. 21
Development of Professional Learning Communities	p. 22
Influences on the Profession	p. 29
Barriers	p. 29
Boosters	p. 33
Beyond the Catchphrase	p. 37
What We Read, See, and Hear	p. 38
School Improvement and the Work of the Community	p. 42
The Continuum of Professional Practice	p. 44
Mapping Professional Learning Communities	p. 44
Concluding Thoughts	p. 54
What Educators Do in a Professional Learning Community	p. 55
High Plains Elementary: The Work of a PLC	p. 56
Desert River Middle School	p. 60
Low Country Middle School	p. 63
Turning the Finger Around	p. 69
Amplifying the Impact of PLCs	p. 70
A Shift in Culture	p. 72
Structures, Schedules, and Other Necessary Stuff: Creating or Retraining Professional Learning Communities	p. 76
Time and Space	p. 76
Communication Structures	p. 79
Material Resources	p. 80
Human Resources	p. 81
Initiating the Professional Learning Community	p. 81
Learning About Launching	p. 85
Relationships: The Soul of Professional Learning Communities	p. 87
The Role of Trust	p. 88
Four Facets of Trust	p. 90
Supportive Conditions for Professional Learning	p. 93
And Yet... Becoming a True Professional	p. 96
The Community's Work and Professionalism	p. 97
The Effects of Community Work on Professionalism	p. 105
Ruminations and Reflections	p. 111
References	p. 115
Index	p. 119
About the Authors	p. 125
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.