For any organization to be successful in an ever changing, ever demanding world; professional development must be at the heart of the institutions' culture and its defining of its own future. Please browse through this section to learn more about the current professional learning programs that I have developed and those that I supervise.
Professional Learning Communities
In order to build genuine Professional Learning Communities (PLC) it is key to have the structure and resources in place for it to occur. Allocating time, a physical space and the opportunities to come together allows for collaboration and professional growth. PLCs create an environment where people feel comfortable to learn from each other and with each other, enhancing their professional experience. PLCs develop skills and competencies to further faculty educational's practice, they promote a sense of family learning together and it is research proven to have a greater impact on student learning than compartmentalized divisions. Fostering collaboration PLCs excel in uplifting the entire learning community. They contribute to an effective use of learning resources and provide a sense of belonging and trust for its participants who share the same values & vision. |
![]() PLC Succes Stories
Keeton Christian is the current 7th grade Team Leader at the Carol Morgan School of Santo Domingo. Read More about her experience with her 7th grade learning community David Richie is a Technology Specialist and the Robotic Program Dicrector at CMS in Santo Domingo. Read More about the integration of learning opportunities through the Middle School teacher's portal. |
TEAM LEADERS, MS COUNSELOR & FINE ARTS DIRECTOR MEETING WITH NICOLAAS
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Professional Coaching Conversations Transforming Schools one conversation at a time* Different from supervisory and mentoring conversations, coaching conversations shift responsibility for instructional improvement from the school leader to the entire school community. With coaching-conversation techniques, school leaders can engage their school communities to work collaboratively toward total transformation. |
![]() Learn More about successful stories in coaching conversations with our 6th grade Social Studies teacher by watching this video |

Professional Learning Features and Successful Trends
In a recent study directed by Valerie Hannon* she recognizes not only different features of professional learning but most interestingly she unfolds an in depth study showing the current trends in professional learning world-wide. The study shows us how the right combination of different features make these organizations be successful in developing individuals and elevating their performance by equipping them with the necessary skill set, motivation and knowledge to face the challenges of our profession.
In a recent study directed by Valerie Hannon* she recognizes not only different features of professional learning but most interestingly she unfolds an in depth study showing the current trends in professional learning world-wide. The study shows us how the right combination of different features make these organizations be successful in developing individuals and elevating their performance by equipping them with the necessary skill set, motivation and knowledge to face the challenges of our profession.

Stronge Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness System
Dr. James Stronge developed a system for collecting and presenting data to document performance based on well defined job expectations. The Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System provides a balance between structure and flexibility. It is prescriptive in that it defines common purposes and expectations, thereby guiding effective instructional practice. At the same time, it provides flexibility, thereby allowing for creativity and individual teacher initiative. The goal is to support the continuous growth and development of each teacher by monitoring, analyzing, and applying pertinent data compiled within a system of meaningful feedback. Learn More about the Stronge System
Dr. James Stronge developed a system for collecting and presenting data to document performance based on well defined job expectations. The Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System provides a balance between structure and flexibility. It is prescriptive in that it defines common purposes and expectations, thereby guiding effective instructional practice. At the same time, it provides flexibility, thereby allowing for creativity and individual teacher initiative. The goal is to support the continuous growth and development of each teacher by monitoring, analyzing, and applying pertinent data compiled within a system of meaningful feedback. Learn More about the Stronge System
*Valerie Hannon is co-funder of The Global Education Leaders’ Program (GELP). GELP is led and coordinated by Innovation Unit and sponsored and funded by Cisco, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ellen Koshland Family Fund and Promethean. * From Coaching Conversations: Transforming Your School One Conversation at a Time by Linda M. Gross Cheliotes and Marceta A. Reilly (Mar 30, 2010)