PCSC’s Webster Elementary recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work®

Webster Elementary was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® (PLC) process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students.

The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:

1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.

Responding to news of the recognition, Webster Principal Brooke Busse said, “Wow...I am beyond excited and so proud of our staff and students! It takes a village to ensure success for all students and I couldn't have imagined doing it alongside anyone else. We have an incredibly dedicated and hardworking staff. Our students feel loved and supported and at the same time understand we expect their best effort every day. Our school motto is 'Together we can do hard things!' which speaks perfectly to our belief in the PLC approach!”

Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.

According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”

Liz Miller, a dedicated educator at Webster Elementary, added, “Being recognized as a Model PLC School is an honor that highlights the dedication and collaboration of our teaching teams and the entire school community. We are committed to following the process and ensuring that our instruction prioritizes the essential knowledge and skills students need to succeed.”

Tana Houin, another incredible educator at Webster, also expressed her pride in the school’s achievement: “I am extremely honored and proud of our entire school in earning the Model PLC designation. This is a result of the hard work, dedication, teamwork, and countless hours of working through the PLC process to develop high-quality, effective instruction to reach the highest learning potential for our students. Webster has consistently created a warm, loving, and nurturing environment which allows all students to succeed.”

Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles, and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 25 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.