Students and teachers are already using AI tools in the classroom, from ChatGPT to MagicSchool AI—but are schools ready? This article explores how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can help educators navigate the complexities of AI, from creating ethical guidelines to training staff and integrating effective tools. Learn how PLCs can bridge the gap between technology and education.

Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT, Play.ht, and Synthesia transformed Juniper Consulting LLC. Learn how small business owners and instructional designers can save time, cut costs, and boost creativity with these powerful tools.

Discover how to create impactful Science of Reading professional development by balancing research-based theory with practical classroom strategies. Learn how the gradual release model ensures teachers leave PD ready to implement evidence-based literacy practices the next day.

Learn how to identify, train, and support facilitators who bridge the gap between school-wide strategy and classroom practices, fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and building thriving PLCs that benefit teachers, leaders, and students alike.

Overwhelmed by data in your Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)? Discover actionable strategies to overcome data overload, foster effective collaboration, and reignite the power of PLCs. Learn how to streamline data management, enhance communication, and create meaningful change in your school.

Walkthroughs shouldn’t leave teachers feeling criticized or demoralized. A strengths-based approach to classroom observations focuses on what’s going well, building trust, confidence, and collaboration. Discover practical strategies to turn walkthroughs into positive, growth-oriented experiences.

Learn how the VOYAGE Horizons framework helps educators build successful Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) through a structured approach that supports data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Discover the role of each team—Lead, Facilitator, and Grade Level—in this model developed by an experienced instructional coach.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of responsible AI use in education, focusing on integrating AI into schools in ways that prioritize student privacy, fairness, and academic integrity. It covers the practical benefits of AI, like personalized feedback and streamlined lesson planning, while also addressing common risks and misuse, including data privacy concerns and over-reliance on AI. Clear policies and digital ethics education are highlighted as key steps for schools to foster a responsible AI culture, ensuring AI remains a supportive tool in the classroom.

If we want teachers and students to be successful, then we as leaders need to identify and remove their barriers to success. Teaching is more than a job—it’s a commitment to shaping students’ futures. Without adequate support and effective workload management, even the most dedicated teachers can become overwhelmed. By auditing workloads, identifying inefficiencies, and integrating AI tools with strategic support, school leaders can empower teachers to focus on what matters most: fostering student growth and achievement. Purposeful workload management benefits everyone—teachers, students, and the broader school community.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) bring educators together to share expertise and develop effective strategies for students. The success of PLCs often hinges on educators' openness to change and their past experiences with PLCs, which can shape their expectations and willingness to engage fully.

As a school leader, you may find yourself looking at your Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and thinking, These could be better.

A common hurdle in PLCs is data overload. Meetings often become dominated by complex analyses, with teams working through data without reaching actionable conclusions. By the time a strategy is identified, the classroom focus has often shifted, leaving insights unimplemented.

At its best, instructional coaching builds on strong, trusting relationships with teachers. Coaches support teachers in achieving their goals, but navigating each teacher’s unique needs, styles, and occasional resistance to change requires adaptability and a commitment to building trust. Without trust, coaching remains superficial, with minimal impact on teaching practices or student outcomes.

Starting as an instructional coach is both exciting and challenging. Your first month is crucial for establishing trust, understanding the school’s culture, and setting the groundwork for effective coaching. Here’s a guide to help you build a strong foundation in those first 30 days.