Leading PLC+: A Playbook for Implementation
About this ebook
Professional learning communities (PLCs) are one of the most widely adopted approaches to improving teaching and learning in schools. But structures alone don′t produce results—leadership does.
This practical guide from Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey helps school and district leaders navigate every stage of PLC+ implementation—from establishing the foundations of effective collaboration to monitoring impact across classrooms and systems. Whether you are new to PLC+ or looking to strengthen your implementation of this work, this resource gives you the tools to lead with clarity, support teams with purpose, and sustain improvement over time.
Organized around the 5 Essential Questions of the PLC+ framework, this resource includes:
- Reflection activities and self-assessment tools designed to help leaders evaluate current practice and identify next steps
- Feature boxes that highlight key ideas and support a cultural shift from activity to outcomes
- Photos of leaders in action that bring PLC+ concepts to life
Leading PLC+ is part of a comprehensive series that supports everyone involved in the initiative, including the foundational Your Introduction to PLC+ and An Illustrated Guide to the 5 Questions of PLC+, which digs deeper into how to implement the 5 questions in your group for a successful PLC+.
About the author
Douglas Fisher is a professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Fisher was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, leadership, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to PLC+, Welcome to Teaching, How Feedback Works, Teaching Reading, and RIGOR Unveiled. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others.
Nancy Frey is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her published titles include The Courage to Learn, The Art and Science of Coaching, How Scaffolding Works, and The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Frey is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day.
