"This book is structured for the busy educator! The authors invite readers to journey toward professionalizing learning places. From the beginning of the journey (where ever you are) to the high points, low points, midpoint, and endpoints, the reader is transformed to the PLC way. A must-read for staff developers, instructional coaches, school improvement coordinators, and human relations specialists." —Marian White-Hood, Director of Academics, SeeForever Foundation Maya Angelou Public Charter School, Washington, DC The do-it-yourself guide to creating and sustaining a professional learning community in your school or district! How can you take the concept of a learning community from theory to the school building? This how-to guide walks you through the process of establishing a PLC step by step over a flexible timeline of nine to twelve months. Leadership and organizational development specialists Stephen S. Kaagan and Linda Headley provide school and district leaders with a concrete road map and numerous tools for creating and sustaining a PLC focused on improving student learning. Readers will find everything they need to get a PLC up and running, including: Specific tasks that help educators "learn by doing" as they create a PLC Practice exercises for conducting productive meetings, building individual and group communication skills, and shaping the group′s identity Brief case studies of problems encountered by educators to spark discussion and support educators′ growth as learners and leaders Guidelines for appropriately pacing the chapters, tasks, and exercises with your faculty Bringing Your Learning Community to Life is an invaluable manual for building capacity and creating an effective, sustainable PLC focused on continuous improvement.