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 provider 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 Institute, PL providers 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 providers’ work.

After participating in the program, PL providers 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 institute leader Jody Bintz.

Graphic showing four sequential Professional Learning Leader Academy institutes connected by arrows. Institute 1: “PL Design P1: Immersion into Developing and Using Models” and “Leading Change P1.” Institute 2: “PL Design P2: Immersion into Constructing Explanations & Arguments” and “Leading Change P2.” Institute 3: “Designing PL Programs to Support Curriculum Implementation” and “Leading Change P3.” Institute 4: “Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Programs from Launch to Sustained Use” and “Leading Change P4.” Each institute is illustrated with a photo of educators participating in professional learning.

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