Teachers' perceptions of the professional learning community as a model of professional development

The Professional Learning Community has increasingly gained worldwide acceptance as a research-based professional development for educators. This action research explored teachers' perceptions of the PLC. Data from this research indicate that teachers believe that the PLC is a viable method of professional development that produces sustainable and positive results for teachers and students. Teachers participating in this study identified numerous benefits of the PLC, the most significant being collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Participants believe that the work they do in PLCs has impacted classroom instruction and the culture of the school. Participants reported that PLCs foster better relationships between teachers and administrators and that relationship building and trust are essential components of a highly functional professional learning community.