Professional Learning Community for BCPS Early Career Teachers
As part of GVSU’s Early Career Teacher program, the Professional Learning Community provides teachers in their 1st through 3rd years of teaching the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue focused on the pragmatic experiences of early career teachers in an urban public school environment.
The PLC benefits teachers interested in receiving GVSU/peer support. It also provides an opportunity for them to receive support in their instruction.
Major Topics include:
Trauma-informed teaching practices
Widening participation and equity
Culturally responsive teaching and school community
Problem-based learning
Instruction, motivation behavior and connections
Planning, assessment and curriculum design
Approaches in using school data to inform instruction
The teacher as a leader - organization and systems-thinking approaches in the classroom
Participants have the opportunity:
- To develop and deepen professional relationships
- To share resources and collaborative teaching strategies
- To explore the use of differing assessment strategies
- To examine current themes and trends in K-12 education
- To explore career goals
Participants: Program participants are required to be in their 1st-3rd years of teaching, have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year, accredited initial teacher certification program, or a post-baccalaureate PK-12 teaching certificate earned at a four-year university.
Schedule: Meets ten times over the academic year.
4:30 – 5:00 Dinner and introductions
5:00 – 6:00 Peer connection and collaborative learning session
Credits: Earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) for attending.
Financial Benefit: Teachers who participate in PLC will receive up to a $250 stipend ($25 per session).
Bonus Incentive: First year teachers who fully participate in mentoring AND the PLC will receive up to a $750 stipend and 10 SCECHs ($25 and 1 SCECH per session).
- 2026–2027 Onsite Meeting Dates at the BC Area Math & Science Center
September 9
October 14
November 4
December 2
January 6
February 3
March 3
March 24
April 21
May 12
Questions? Please complete the PLC interest form or email Kristy at [email protected].
