Professional Learning Networks Among District Leaders: Advancing Collective Expertise and Leadership for Learning

Abstract

Professional inquiry networks are becoming essential features of effective, innovative, and responsive school systems. In this chapter, the authors draw from their work with a team of British Columbia district leaders who use inquiry as a primary means for shifting practice and supporting innovation and change that benefit all learners. The authors argue that networking enables ways for districts to share emerging practices, engage in collective dialogue, draw from exemplary research, and deeply reflect on impacts. In doing so, leaders build strong relational ties and professional capital that accelerates innovation between and among district leaders. Two specific cases develop a deeper understanding of how change is taken up and accelerated at the local level, providing examples of how inquiry networks operate across multiple sites and simultaneously seed and nurture innovative thinking.

Citation

McGregor, C., Halbert, J. and Kaser, L. (2020), "Professional Learning Networks Among District Leaders: Advancing Collective Expertise and Leadership for Learning", Schnellert, L. (Ed.) Professional Learning Networks: Facilitating Transformation in Diverse Contexts with Equity-seeking Communities (Emerald Professional Learning Networks Series), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 49-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-891-820201011