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Professional Learning Communities Overview
Since 2016, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have supported principals in expanding their networks, sharpening their instructional and organizational leadership, and deepening their impact. PLCs bring together small cohorts of leaders to explore key leadership priorities — including family and community engagement, strategic scheduling, time management, and leadership-team development — while earning Illinois Administrator Academy credit. PLCs are aligned to specific categories of 5Essentials Effective Leaders measures, supporting trust-building, instructional leadership, and program coherence. In 2025-26, PLCs also include a new artificial intelligence-focused strand, developed in partnership with LEAP Innovations, to help leaders navigate emerging tools and practices.
Outcomes
- Improved leadership practices that you can implement in your school.
- A stronger professional network to give you ongoing support.
Who Should Apply?
Any public school principal or aspiring principal in Chicago who wants to grow as a school leader.
