Transforming science education through research-driven innovation

Professional Learning Leader Academy

Each Professional Learning Leader Academy (PLLA) is a four-day experience designed to support you as a PL leader by deepening your knowledge, increasing your confidence, and enhancing your abilities.

The goals of the series are to:

  • enhance knowledge of research and literature underpinning the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and increase ability to support teachers as they translate research into the classroom;
  • deepen understanding of three-dimensional learning as described in NRC’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and the NGSS;
  • increase capacity to support teachers in using routines, strategies, tools, and processes for enacting three-dimensional learning experiences with students; and
  • strengthen ability to design and lead professional learning programs that support teachers in taking on the instructional shifts called for in NRC’s Framework and the NGSS.

Who should participate?

  • District science leaders
  • Teacher leaders
  • Science consultants
  • University faculty
  • PL leaders from informal science education institutions

What are the benefits?

By participating in this Academy, PL leaders will:

  • enhance knowledge of research and literature underpinning the NGSS and increase ability to support teachers as they translate research into the classroom;
  • deepen their understanding of all eight scientific and engineering practices laid out in the NGSS; and
  • be part of a community that can support PL leaders’ work.

After participating in the program, PL leaders will be able to:

  • plan, lead, and evaluate workshops that help teachers enact three-dimensional teaching and learning in their classrooms;
  • use a variety of “close-to-the-classroom” routines and strategies to support teachers in strengthening their classroom practice;
  • monitor and adjust plans based on data and understandings about leading change; and
  • increase intentionality in leadership practices.

Curious how PLLA impacts leaders? Check out this conversation with academy leader Jody Bintz.

A four-stage professional learning pathway shown with photos of educators collaborating, writing, presenting, and working in groups. Each stage progresses from left to right, connected by arrows. - Academy 1: PL Design P1: Immersion into Developing and Using Models; Leading Change P1. - Academy 2: PL Design P2: Immersion into Constructing Explanations & Arguments; Leading Change P2. - Academy 3: Designing PL Programs to Support Curriculum Implementation; Leading Change P3. - Academy 4: Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Programs from Launch to Sustained Use; Leading Change P4.

The Professional Learning Leader Academy (PLLA) is formerly known as the Professional Development Provider Institute (PDPI).