We offer Professional Learning Communities to improve school-based mental health in schools and districts.
EDC has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and other Massachusetts-based organizations to offer Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for grant-winning schools and districts across the Commonwealth.
About MA PLCs for School-Based Mental Health
EDC's Education & Wellbeing team offers several PLCs focused on different elements of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for SEL and mental health.
Each PLC consists of three virtual meetings as well as follow-up technical assistance and coaching for PLC participants. Individual sessions are facilitated by one of EDC’s SEL and Mental Health experts, who will guide participants through key questions to foster dialogue and sharing of lessons learned.
Participation is limited to Massachusetts schools and districts awarded grants from DESE in support of students' social-emotional learning, behavioral & mental health, and wellness.
Offered PLCs
- PLC 1: Managing System Change with MTSS Frameworks for SEL&MH
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Thursdays, 3-4pm: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10
Creating and/or strengthening an effective multi-tiered system of supports for SEL and mental health requires a system change approach, including examining and changing policies, re-thinking roles, and engaging various stakeholders. This PLC will focus on presenting and sharing strategies for carrying out system-change activities, including engaging stakeholders, obtaining buy-in, developing action plans with concrete steps, and redefining roles. We will also discuss challenges and pitfalls to avoid for effective system change.
This PLC is open to all grantee educators. Individuals and teams are both welcome.
- PLC 2: Creating a Sense of Belonging
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Wednesdays, 3-4 pm: Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16
Research and practice both point to the importance of promoting a sense of belonging among students to ensure their academic success and positive mental health. In this session, we will discuss specific strategies educators can put in place to help students develop a sense of belonging, including strategies to help students feel seen, (physically and psychologically) safe, and soothed.
This PLC is designed for school leaders/administrators; general education teachers; special education teachers; and school adjustment/mental health counselors.
- PLC 3: Trauma-Informed Classroom Practices
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Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.: Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb 15
Trauma-informed practices help all students--they allow students to build coping skills, emotion management skills, and resiliency that help them navigate all types of difficult situations. Of course, they are also particularly helpful for students who have experienced different types of trauma. In this session, we will discuss evidence-based practices that educators can put in place in their classrooms that help all students build these critical skills, while providing trauma-exposed students with the support they need to be successful learners.
This PLC is designed for school leaders/administrators; general education teachers; special education teachers; and school adjustment/mental health counselors. Both individuals and teams are welcome.
- PLC 4: Selecting & Implementing Tier 2 Interventions
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Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.: Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Mar. 2
Tier 2 is oftentimes the "forgotten tier." As such, it often requires more intentional planning and greater collaboration between classroom teachers and counselors. In this session, we will discuss the purpose of Tier 2 supports, processes for identifying the types of Tier 2 supports that are needed, and strategies for the effective implementation of different types of supports.
This PLC is designed for school leaders/administrators; general education teachers; special education teachers; and school adjustment/mental health counselors. Both individuals and teams are welcome.
- PLC 5: Integrating SEL into Academic Instruction
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Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.: Mar. 16, Mar. 23, Mar. 30
This session will focus on supporting school-based staff to authentically integrate SEL practices into academic instruction. Specifically, we will discuss how to utilize the academic content and pedagogical expertise of teachers to embed implicit and explicit strategies into lesson plans, classroom routines, and student interactions. We will provide guidance and resources for SEL integration, as well as share best practices and lessons learned from across multiple districts.
This PLC is designed for school leaders/administrators; district leaders/administrators; general education teachers; special education teachers; school adjustment/mental health counselors. Both individuals and teams are welcome.
- PLC 6: Culturally Responsive SEL Practices
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Spring 2023, Schedule TBD
A key goal of many schools and educators is to promote the social and emotional development of all students. To do so, it is important to consider how the school-wide and classroom-based SEL practices we implement to support the social-emotional growth of students from different cultures, racial groups, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This PLC will provide participants with tools for reflecting, planning, and implementing SEL practices that are culturally responsive across identity groups. It will include discussions on how to reflect on our own culture and biases, how to engage various stakeholders in a conversation about culturally responsive practices, and ultimately, how to ensure that SEL practices support all of our students.
This PLC is designed for school leaders/administrators; district leaders/administrators; general education teachers; special education teachers; school adjustment/mental health counselors. Both individuals and teams are welcome.
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Learn More
Questions about MA Professional Learning Communities? Interested in bringing a Professional Learning Community to your school or district? Reach out to EDC's Education & Wellbeing experts.