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Knowing how jaded they were in regard Whether you’ve been working in what we need to do in order to make a
to PLCs, I was honestly a bit nervous to education for a month or for 30 years, living involves impressing other people
roll this out. I mean, how does one adult you are an integral part of the puzzle. on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice
tell another adult how to have “meaning- Without you, your colleagues are to just “give it a rest” sometimes? In
ful conversations” without sounding con- missing out on some really great a healthy PLC, it’s okay to express
descending? Despite my fears, I stuck learning opportunities. Put your best what you know (or don’t know) without
it out, spoke from the heart and, to my foot forward, no matter what. judgment. Learning, quite simply, is
surprise, the feedback was pretty good if the act of making mistakes until you
I may say so myself. Taking accountabil- Know your Role don’t; learning is what lies in center
ity for my own investment and willing- When participating in a PLC, choose of effective PLCs, both literally and
ness to “walk the talk,” was refreshing a role with which you feel comfortable. figuratively. Take risks…
and set the groundwork for important This can be anything from quietly
discussions to take place. I am happy to taking ‘meeting minutes’ to leading Rock the Boat
report that the general attitude towards discussions. Everyone has something This notion goes hand-in-hand with
PLCs has slowly, but surely, shifted in a to contribute. When you are unsure making mistakes. You are allowed
very positive direction, and I anticipate of your role, just think about the goals to question yourself and others;
continued success. I hope the presenta- you set prior to entering the PLC. Think inquiry is what makes good ideas
tion below proves useful for you as well. about which role is most conducive to great. Of course, this isn’t always
* Note- This presentation pairs what you are trying to accomplish. easy. Anytime we step outside of our
wonderfully with a TEDTalk entitled, Setting the Tone as a Group: As a comfort zones, we are taking a small
Every Kid Needs a Champion, by the collaborative PLC, you and all of your risk. However, as long as you are
late Rita Pierson- a lifelong educator counterparts set the tone. Think about respectful, receptive and focused on
and advocate for children: https://www. the ideal learning environment in your your common goals, back and forth
ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_ classroom; your visualization should discussions indicate a healthy PLC.
needs_a_champion consist of individual inquiry, deep How can we expect our students to
discussion, collaboration and growth. be inquisitive, ask questions, perform
Staff Development: The Power As a whole, you must ask yourselves: ridiculous skits, etcetera, when we
of ‘YOU’ • What environment do we wish to are stifling our own creativity and

It All Starts with YOU: Your attitude create? willingness to share? We need to
“walk the talk.”
towards any task, is going to set • Do we want to establish a
the tone for how successful you will problem-based PLC or a solution- Never Forget Why You Started
be. In order to empower yourself, based one?
accountability is essential. Before Don’t ever forget how important you
setting foot into a PLC meeting, you • From which of those options will are to the students you impact every
need to ask yourself a few questions: we and our students reap the single day. Teaching is one of the most
most benefits?
• How do I want to use the Make the conscious decision, as rewarding professions in the world!
By opening your mind to the ideas of
valuable time I’ve been given to a team, to innovate and create. others and sharing your insights, there
collaborate with my colleagues? Exploring new possibilities will keep is no limit to the positive influence
• What mindset am I bringing your meetings from being stale, you can have on your students and
into the group? Is it helpful or wasteful and, quite frankly, boring. community. We are all here to shape
detrimental to its purpose? the future and inspire greatness in all
• Am I willing to learn from others? Make Mistakes! its forms. It is a magnificently arduous
We cannot be afraid to ask these There is no learning without mistakes. task that can only be accomplished
questions of both ourselves and one As adults, we become more and more if we all contribute to its cause. It all
another. YOU have something to obsessed with exuding seemingly starts, and ends, with you.
contribute to your learning community. flawless images of ourselves. Much of

About the Author
Samantha Rodriguez, M.Ed., is the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction (9-12) of the North Arlington
Public School District. Prior to receiving this position, she served as the Acting Assistant Principal of Memorial
High School in Elmwood Park, NJ, where she had worked as an English Language Arts Instructor and Varsity
Soccer Coach for eight years. Samantha has been recognized by the Bergen County Educational Services
Program for excellence in teaching and has carried out numerous district-wide initiatives, as an Educational
Leader. Her passion for education has not only shaped her administrative platform, it has also brought
her to the Bergen County Human Services Center where she volunteers her time and instructional knowledge to support
empowerment programs for homeless residents of all backgrounds.

Educational Viewpoints -41- Spring 2018