Genevra Self is a former classroom teacher and instructional coach with over a decade of experience in K-12 education. She is the founder of Juniper Consulting LLC, where she helps schools build effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Genevra believes in examining educational structures and protocols with a critical eye, constantly asking if current methods are effective and how they might be improved. Removing barriers to teacher and student success is a passion of hers. She often challenges the status quo by questioning, “Why are we doing things that don’t work?” and focuses on finding practical solutions that make a meaningful difference. This dedication to refining and improving processes led her to create the VOYAGE Horizons framework, which supports sustainable, impactful PLCs.

VOYAGE Horizons is a structured approach to building and sustaining effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within schools. The framework focuses on creating three interconnected teams—the VOYAGE Lead Team, the VOYAGE Facilitator Team, and the VOYAGE Grade Level Team—that work together to support PLC implementation. Each team has a specific role, from strategic planning to on-the-ground instructional adjustments, ensuring that the PLCs stay focused on data-driven goals and continuous improvement

VOYAGE Horizons is unique because it includes a built-in support system with clearly defined roles for three levels of collaboration. Unlike many PLC models that operate in isolation or lack strategic guidance, VOYAGE Horizons provides structured support for each team, with the VOYAGE Lead Team overseeing strategic direction, the Facilitator Team bridging strategy to action, and the Grade Level Team implementing instructional changes. This layered approach keeps PLCs aligned, data-driven, and sustainable, addressing common pitfalls in PLC implementation.

Genevra created the VOYAGE Horizons framework after experiencing two failed attempts at implementing school-wide PLCs. She realized that success wasn’t just about teachers adopting PLCs; it also required effective leadership and structured support. Genevra saw a need for a model that includes leadership involvement, reflection, and training, which led her to develop VOYAGE Horizons. This framework reflects her belief that successful PLCs need clear roles, accountability, and continuous guidance to drive real improvement.

VOYAGE Horizons provides a comprehensive structure for PLCs that promotes effective collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. By implementing this model, schools can create a strong support system that addresses the specific needs of both teachers and students. The three-tiered team approach allows for strategic planning, leadership development, and practical changes in the classroom, ensuring that the PLCs are focused and impactful.

Implementation of VOYAGE Horizons begins with a commitment from you as a school leader to actively participate and dedicate the necessary time and resources during the first couple years. While the goal is for PLCs to eventually become self-sustaining, with teachers developing the leadership skills to take ownership, achieving this requires a solid foundation. This groundwork starts with your role in a PLC specifically focused on supporting and refining the school’s PLCs.

The program is set up to guide you through each phase, starting with the establishment of the VOYAGE Lead Team, composed of school leaders and instructional coaches, who conduct a needs analysis and create a strategic roadmap tailored to the school’s goals. Next, VOYAGE Facilitators—teacher leaders selected to lead grade-level or content teams—are trained by the Lead Team to guide collaborative discussions effectively. Finally, the VOYAGE Grade Level Teams, led by these facilitators, engage in data-driven instructional planning and adjustments that directly impact student outcomes. The program supports school leaders and teams at every step to ensure that the framework is implemented with a strong foundation for lasting impact.

Absolutely. While VOYAGE Horizons is designed to support teachers, it’s equally valuable for school administrators who play a critical role in PLC success. The framework emphasizes that for PLCs to truly thrive, school leaders need to be actively involved—not just delegating but fully engaging in their own PLC focused on identifying and removing barriers that may prevent teachers’ PLCs from being effective. This means that as a school leader, you are expected to be part of a collaborative, data-informed process to address issues that impact PLC progress, from resource gaps to structural roadblocks.

VOYAGE Horizons provides administrators with a clear set of tools and strategies for building a strong foundation for PLCs, including how to analyze needs, create strategic roadmaps, and support facilitator training. By shifting the focus from compliance to real, data-driven improvement, administrators can drive meaningful change that benefits both teachers and students. Instead of seeing PLCs as just another requirement, VOYAGE Horizons empowers school leaders to create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, making a lasting impact on the entire school community.