Page 102 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Professional Learning Certification Program

The District’s Professional Learning Certification Program (PLCP) offers a transformative path for new teachers holding
temporary teaching certificates to become exceptional educators. This rigorous 2-year program, previously known as the
Alternative Certification Program, is designed for individuals who did not graduate from a college of education program.

The District has developed an innovative program focusing on ten core competencies and other course requirements,
delivering online job-embedded professional learning. Participants are not alone in this journey, they receive sustained
coaching, mentoring, and comprehensive support to ensure their success. The District also supports PLCP through Beacon
Educator Coursework, a separate online program comprising six core content courses and additional required coursework.
This program can be completed in less than two years and is designed for individuals who did not graduate from a college
of education program.

By choosing either program as an alternative certification, participants make a commitment to their professional growth
and the future of education. They commit to completing targeted, high-quality professional learning activities and tasks.
The District ensured that participants of either program were empowered, encouraged, and motivated to maintain a career
as educators.

In FY24:
• 112 candidates enrolled in the FY24 PLCP Cohort.
• 48% completed PLCP early and are eligible to apply for their professional teaching certificate.
• Participants received ongoing support and monitoring to ensure progress toward program completion.
• Spring and summer surveys were emailed to current teachers with temporary certificates to select their pathway for
professional certification for FY25.

Professional Learning Communities

Professional Learning Communities are focused, deliberate and collaborative groups of educators that regularly meet to
examine instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes through refined instructional practice.

Specialists from the Department of Professional Development provided monthly professional learning opportunities to
school-based PLC and Learning Team Facilitators. These sessions were designed to guide the implementation of PLC at
school sites, aligning the District’s Palm Beach Model of Instruction with the PLC cycle to foster effective instruction and
collaborative efforts for instructional growth. Specialists from various academic departments throughout the District also
joined collaborative professional learning sessions to ensure that PLC and learning team facilitators had the most up-to-
date knowledge and information to bring back to their schools.

In addition to monthly training, school-based PLC facilitators and administrative teams were supported through customized
coaching sessions and co-facilitation of PLCs from Department of Professional Development specialists. Elementary, middle,
and high schools capitalized on these training opportunities, underscoring their commitment to fostering collaborative
environments that drive student success.

102 Superintendent Annual Report 2023 - 2024