Instructional designers as leaders in professional learning communities: Catalysts for transformative change

Abstract

Educators need support in order to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This synthesis of research addresses the advantages of instructional designers serving as leaders in a public school within the framework of a professional learning community. Benefits realized might include enhanced teaching and learning, student achievement, parental involvement, and postsecondary education readiness. Implementation strategies are recommended, and the roles of the instructional designer and the need for administrative support are described. Instructional designers (or teachers with instructional design training) working with a professional learning community can provide the catalyst for systemic change in the public school.