-Professional+Learning+Communities

=Professional Learning Communities = = = = =
 * Professional Learning Communities are vital to further our own learning as educators. As we discuss and collaborate with other educators we increase our knowledge about how to better serve our students. My mentor used to always stress the important of learning from those around me. She would always tell me, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” That bit of wisdom has always stayed with me and I find that it is so true.
 * Many people would question this advice because we should be creating activities and lesson around the needs of our students. I would not argue with that stance because I believe that’s what we should do. However, we should know better than to blindly use other people’s ideas without knowing how they will work to meet the needs of our own students. Thus, we need to take what we learn from other teachers and adapt it to meet the needs of our own students. By refurbishing other peoples successful ideas and activities we are effectively prioritizing our time. We all know, we do not have time to spare.
 * One goal for MY TEACHER WIKI is to help facilitate communication between my colleagues and other teacher willing to share their views, opinions, and ides. I would eventually like to create links to established Professional Learning Communities. This will help provide an example of how to create an effective community that will be utilized regularly.
 * Have you ever been involved in a Professional Learning Community? What were your likes and dislikes about the PLC you were a part of? Head to the discussion page if you would like to share your thoughts about these or other question you may have.