Benefits of PLC's and Co-Teaching - Hayley Collins

Benefits of PLC's and Co-Teaching

Hayley Collins

Professional learning communities were developed to improve the overall learning process. PLC's can consist of anyone involved in the educational system-- teachers, administrators, and even students. While PLC's were designed with the students in mind, the other individuals involved also benefit. The video below tells a few of the major benefits. After the introduction of PLC's in schools, research has shown lower drop out rates and improved attendance. Students have also proven to be more focused on learning, and the achievement gaps for students with different backgrounds were reduced. Teachers benefit from PLC's in a variety of ways. They have reported an increase in leadership skills as well an increase in content knowledge and understanding. Professional relationships within the school system have shown to improve with the use of PLC's as well.

Co-Teaching is when two educators work together within one classroom. They often collaborate on presenting lessons, assisting students with assignments, and assessments. There are multiple models for co-teaching; one teach-one observe, one teach-one assist, parallel teaching, station teaching, and alternative teaching. Co-teaching has shown to benefit students in a variety of ways. The video below outlines a few of these benefits. Special  education students, ELL students, and at-risk students are present within the general education classroom and receive the same curriculum as their peers. The use of co-teaching also helps educators meet the individual needs of all different types of learners. Teachers benefit from co-teaching because it promotes professional partnerships and allows educators to learn from one another.

Resources: 

Anderson, D. [danaesd113] (2009, December 13). Benefits of PLCs. Retrieved February 16, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLzkBnSN68o

Liberty. (2015, February 26). Benefits of Co-Teaching. Retrieved February 16, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MFHcOPl_Jg&t=9s