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Recommended Events

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PLC at Work® Institute

Tulsa, Oklahoma | May 28–30, 2025

PLC Institutes branding

High-Impact TEAMS in a PLC at Work® Institute

Boise, Idaho | June 2–4, 2025

PLC Institutes branding

PLC at Work® Institute

Tulsa, Oklahoma | May 28–30, 2025

PLC Institutes branding

High-Impact TEAMS in a PLC at Work® Institute

Boise, Idaho | June 2–4, 2025

Build school culture where learning thrives

“After several months of research and dialogue with practitioners throughout the nation, it became apparent that the hype was real. PLCs . . . are being used by schools and districts of all sizes and demographics to make significant impacts on student achievement.”

Evaluating Professional Learning Communities: Final Report
An APQC® Education Benchmarking Project

The Professional Learning Communities at Work® process is increasingly recognized as the most powerful strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. This institute gives you and your team the knowledge and tools to implement this powerful process in your school or district.

For three days, you will have the opportunity to network with some of the most insightful minds in education. The presenters, all educators who have successfully led schools through the PLC process, are accessible to you throughout the event.

The program includes time for questions during the breakout sessions, a panel of experts to address questions from the audience, and time for teams to reflect and seek the advice of the presenters. At the end of team time, you will focus on next action steps, with presenters on hand to guide you.

For those just beginning to explore PLCs, this is an excellent way to build your knowledge base. For those who are already involved in deep implementation, this institute is the perfect opportunity to revisit your mission, introduce new team members to the process, and get answers to new questions.

As you delve deep into the three big ideas of a PLC—a focus on learning, building a collaborative culture, and results orientation—you will gain specific, practical, and inspiring strategies for transforming your school or district into a place where all students learn at high levels.

Venue

Southside High School

4100 Gary Street

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Learn from leading experts

Keynote speakers

Jason A. Andrews

Jason A. Andrews

Jason A. Andrews

Jason A. Andrews, EdD is the superintendent of Windsor Central School District and the 2019 Superintendent of the Year. Previously, he served as a high school teacher, coach, cocurricular adviser, and middle school principal.

Tim Brown

Tim Brown

Tim Brown

Tim Brown, an educational speaker and author, has 30 years of experience in education. As principal of elementary, middle, and high schools in Missouri, he led each to become a successful professional learning community.

Luis F. Cruz

Luis F. Cruz

Luis F. Cruz

Luis F. Cruz, PhD, is a sought-after presenter, coach, thought leader, and accomplished author with over 30 years of experience in education.

Wendy Custable

Wendy Custable

Wendy Custable

Wendy Custable is the director of applied arts at the award-winning Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She has been in education for 20 years, beginning her career as a technology education teacher.

Heather Friziellie

Heather Friziellie

Heather Friziellie

Heather Friziellie is currently superintendent of schools for Fox Lake Grade School District 114, located in the suburbs northwest of Chicago. She previously served as both an elementary principal and a middle school principal.

Michael J. Maffoni

Michael J. Maffoni

Michael J. Maffoni

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

Anthony Muhammad

Anthony Muhammad

Anthony Muhammad

Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is an author and international thought leader. He worked as a practitioner for nearly 20 years, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He is recognized as one of the fields leading experts in the areas of school culture and Professional Learning Communities at Work®.

Cristi Parsons

Cristi Parsons

Cristi Parsons

Cristi Parsons has 28 years of education experience as a teacher, counselor, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. She was named National Distinguished Principal in 2013 and has led two campuses in PLC practices to become Model PLC schools.

Joshua Ray

Joshua Ray

Joshua Ray

Joshua Ray, EdD, is principal at Greenwood High School in Arkansas. He has served as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and is a passionate advocate for adult learning and educator well-being.

Eric Twadell

Eric Twadell

Eric Twadell

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Schedule

On-Site Solution Tree Book Co-Op Open Throughout Event

Agenda and speakers are subject to change.

Detailed agenda and summaries

Wednesday, July 26th

6:30–8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00–9:45 a.m. Keynote
9:45–10:05 a.m.

Break

10:05–11:35 a.m. Breakouts
11:35 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Lunch (provided)

12:35–2:05 p.m.

Breakouts

2:05–2:25 p.m.

Break

2:25–3:25 p.m. Panel Discussion

Thursday, July 27th

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00–9:45 a.m. Keynote
9:45–10:05 a.m.

Break

10:05–11:35 a.m. Breakouts
11:35 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Lunch (provided)

12:35–2:05 p.m.

Breakouts

2:05–2:25 p.m.

Break

2:25–3:32 p.m. Team Time

Friday, July 28th

7:00–8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00–9:30 a.m.

Breakouts

9:30–9:50 a.m. Break
9:50–11:50 a.m.

Keynote

Accommodations

Events reach capacity quickly. Please confirm your registration before making travel plans.

In order to receive the discounted hotel room rate, please mention Solution Tree. After the deadline listed below, rates will be determined by the hotel. While discounted rooms in our hotel room block may be sold out, the primary hotel may still have rooms available at their standard rates. Please inquire directly with the hotel.

Parking information: Complimentary at School and Hotel

All rates are per day and subject to change.

Hotels

Primary Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

7111 Phoenix Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72903
479.484.7111

Discounted Rate: (single or double) $129 per night

Deadline: June 24, 2023, or until group rate is sold out.

Venue

Southside High School

4100 Gary Street

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Hear from our attendees

Event Reviews

"Thank you for providing such a motivating conference! I'm looking forward to the implementation of PLCs across my district next year."

Susan Joiner, school development coordinator, Lee County School District, Florida

"I was truly energized after the conference. Thank you!"

Eilene Ahr, assistant principal, Starke Elementary School, Florida

"It is rare to attend a professional development training where every single session is meaningful. I had great a-has and left each session with great resources."

Amy Mayer, teacher, Allen Park Elementary School, Florida

“I loved it and plan to use it for the rest of my career!”

Gayle Baisch, teacher, Dunbar High School, Florida

"Thank you for a wonderful experience. The event was well-planned and organized. The presenters were professional, inspirational, and down-to-earth. I cannot wait to share our success story someday soon!"

Kelly Cramer, learning facilitator, Quakertown Community School District, Pennsylvania

More details

Additional Information

Product code: CFF743

Hosted by: Southside High School and Fort Smith Public Schools


Five Reasons to Attend a Solution Tree Event (PDF)
A Letter to Your Boss (DOC)

You will receive a certificate of participation 6 weeks after the event concludes. Please check with your department of education for CEU availability.


On-Site Solution Tree Book Co-Op Discounts

  • Buy 5 or more Solution Tree titles or resources and receive 30% off and free shipping
  • On-site book co-op open daily throughout the event

Discounts above are for on-site purchases only. Does not include any non-Marzano Resources product, toolkit, or sale table items. Purchase orders and credit cards accepted. We now accept Apple, Google and Samsung Pay onsite. Continental US only.


Included with your registration

Learning by Doing

Learning by Doing

The third edition of this comprehensive action guide includes new strategies, tools, and tips for building high-performing professional learning communities. Use the PLC process to establish effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and assessment strategies specific to your school or district.

AllThingsPLC Magazine Single Event Issue

AllThingsPLC Magazine Single Event Issue

AllThingsPLC Magazine is a must-have for emerging and veteran professional learning communities (PLCs). Each issue includes PLC research, inspiration, fixes, how-tos, and more.

Event Notebook

Event Notebook

We’re enhancing your event experience. In addition to providing presentations in digital format, Solution Tree is publishing retail-quality, perfect-bound notebooks expertly designed to support your learning. Any printed handouts or worksheets integrated into your sessions will continue to be provided.

Contact Us.