NM PED 2026 Literacy and Humanities Summer Conference

Professional Learning Communities can be powerful drivers of instructional improvement, but only when they are supported by clear leadership, purposeful structures, and a culture of trust. As a school leader, you play a critical role in shaping PLCs that are focused, collaborative, and worth your educators’ time. In this session, you will explore the leadership moves that help build and sustain strong PLCs, including how to incorporate structured dialogue through the use of protocols.

You will examine an example of what a year-long PLC cycle built around consistent Critical Friends Groups looks like, covering everything from establishing norms and trust to examining instructional dilemmas and analyzing student work. By engaging in reflective inquiry throughout the school year, you can move your teams beyond routine meetings and toward meaningful professional learning. You will leave with practical strategies and a sample PLC structure that supports meaningful collaboration, strengthens teacher practice, and creates sustainable systems for continuous instructional growth across your campus.