Benefits of a Professional Learning Community (PLC)

Effective PLCs work best when the the vision is long-term. These communities offer various strategies to solve problems identified within the organization. As stated by Rebecca DuFour, Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker et al (2007), "The PLC is ongoing, a continuous, never ending process of conducting schooling that has a profound impact on the structure and culture of the school." When introducing a PLC into an organization, it is imperative that teachers and staff know the reason for the PLC. This will allow them to see the benefits of the PLC.

When teachers realize the benefits of the PLC, it makes it easier for them to come onboard and be active participants. The Educator's Guide to Professional Learning Communities supports three benefits of the PLCs. These three benefits state firstly that they set students up for success, which entails students learning growth. Secondly, that a PLC supports teachers, which ensures that teachers are also learners and are equipped with the necessary tools to become highly qualified. Thirdly, PLCs create a healthy school culture. When students and staff are doing well, this contributes to a positive school culture.

Additional Benefits

As part of a PLC, members are able to benefit by:-
-- Find relevant information and resources that can improve the teaching and learning process.
-- Provide resources to other members that they have tested and tried and proved to be beneficial.
-- Having a community of resource persons who are able to give support and answer questions.
-- Engage in discussions to help find solutions to everyday classroom problems.
-- Get the needed support to improve teaching and learning within the classroom.

Guidelines for a PLC