The PLC Framework of VOYAGE Horizons - The Source of the Issue
VOYAGE Horizons Module 1: The Source of the Issue helps school leaders diagnose and address core challenges in PLC effectiveness, guiding them to set actionable goals that strengthen collaboration and improve student outcomes.
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Introduction to The Source of the Issue
VOYAGE Horizons Module 1, "The Source of the Issue," guides educators and school leaders through the foundational elements of successful Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and provides tools to address common barriers to PLC effectiveness.
VOYAGE Horizons Module 1, "The Source of the Issue," guides educators and school leaders through the foundational elements of successful Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and provides tools to address common barriers to PLC effectiveness.
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Lesson 1 - Reflective Brainstorming
Before diving into the details, let’s take a moment to harness the power of reflection. This exercise will help you tap into your current understanding and experiences with PLCs, laying a foundation for the deeper exploration to come.
Before diving into the details, let’s take a moment to harness the power of reflection. This exercise will help you tap into your current understanding and experiences with PLCs, laying a foundation for the deeper exploration to come.
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Lesson 2 - What is a PLC?
A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a collaborative group of educators focused on student learning, fostering a culture of collaboration, and achieving measurable results.
A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a collaborative group of educators focused on student learning, fostering a culture of collaboration, and achieving measurable results.
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Lesson 3 - VOYAGE Horizons Teams
VOYAGE Horizons operates through three distinct teams, each playing a key role in bringing the PLC vision to life across the school.
VOYAGE Horizons operates through three distinct teams, each playing a key role in bringing the PLC vision to life across the school.
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Lesson 4 - Kickstarting VOYAGE Horizons
Kickstarting VOYAGE Horizons begins with building a strong Lead Team to steer your school’s PLC transformation.
Kickstarting VOYAGE Horizons begins with building a strong Lead Team to steer your school’s PLC transformation.
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Lesson 1 - So Why Are Some PLCs Ineffective?
Effective PLCs can transform education, but overcoming common challenges is essential to unlock their full potential.
Effective PLCs can transform education, but overcoming common challenges is essential to unlock their full potential.
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Lesson 2 - Key Factors That Make PLCs Ineffective
Ineffective PLCs often struggle with time constraints, poor communication, resistance to change, and data overload, which hinder their progress and impact.
Ineffective PLCs often struggle with time constraints, poor communication, resistance to change, and data overload, which hinder their progress and impact.
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Lesson 3 - Avoiding Pitfalls
Underperformance in PLCs often stems from three root causes: lack of skill, lack of knowledge, and lack of motivation.
Underperformance in PLCs often stems from three root causes: lack of skill, lack of knowledge, and lack of motivation.
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Lesson 4 - Three Key Challenges Students Face
Understanding how students struggle with skill, knowledge, and motivation provides valuable insights for addressing their learning needs.
Understanding how students struggle with skill, knowledge, and motivation provides valuable insights for addressing their learning needs.
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Lesson 5 - How Lack of Skill, Knowledge, and Motivation Impact Teachers in PLCs
Just like students, teachers in PLCs can struggle with skill, knowledge, and motivation gaps that affect collaboration and progress.
Just like students, teachers in PLCs can struggle with skill, knowledge, and motivation gaps that affect collaboration and progress.
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Lesson 1 - Using a Needs Analysis to Uncover Challenges and Opportunities in Your PLCs
A well-conducted needs analysis identifies gaps and opportunities, setting the stage for meaningful improvement in your PLC.
A well-conducted needs analysis identifies gaps and opportunities, setting the stage for meaningful improvement in your PLC.
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Lesson 2 - Uncovering the Root Causes of PLC Challenges
A successful PLC requires uncovering the core issues—skill gaps, knowledge deficits, and waning motivation—that hinder progress.
A successful PLC requires uncovering the core issues—skill gaps, knowledge deficits, and waning motivation—that hinder progress.
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Lesson 3 - Using Surveys to Strengthen Your PLCs
Surveys provide a panoramic, data-driven look into the skills, knowledge, and motivation shaping your PLCs. This tool helps identify trends, challenges, and strengths across your school, laying the foundation for targeted, effective interventions.
Surveys provide a panoramic, data-driven look into the skills, knowledge, and motivation shaping your PLCs. This tool helps identify trends, challenges, and strengths across your school, laying the foundation for targeted, effective interventions.
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Lesson 4 - Crafting Effective Surveys for Your PLCs
Guiding Questions to Optimize Your Survey Design
Guiding Questions to Optimize Your Survey Design
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Lesson 5 - Seeing Full Picture: Why You Need Both Numbers and Narratives
To gain a full picture of your PLCs, it's essential to combine two forms of data, quantitative data and qualitative data.
To gain a full picture of your PLCs, it's essential to combine two forms of data, quantitative data and qualitative data.
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Lesson 1 - Analyzing the Data Using "I Notice/ I Wonder" Protocol
Once data is collected, the next critical step is analysis. Using a consistent protocol ensures reflection is structured, collaborative, and aligned with school goals.
Once data is collected, the next critical step is analysis. Using a consistent protocol ensures reflection is structured, collaborative, and aligned with school goals.
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Lesson 2 - How to Use the I Notice / I Wonder Protocol
The “I Notice / I Wonder” protocol offers a focused, inquiry-driven method for analyzing data or materials. It moves educators beyond surface-level review and encourages deeper thinking, reflection, and collaboration.
The “I Notice / I Wonder” protocol offers a focused, inquiry-driven method for analyzing data or materials. It moves educators beyond surface-level review and encourages deeper thinking, reflection, and collaboration.
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Lesson 3 - Applying the "I Notice / I Wonder" Protocol – A Leadership Team Example
In this lesson, we listen in on a leadership team as they analyze staff survey results about Professional Learning Communities using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol. Their goal: to move from assumption to insight—and align their roadmap to staff needs.
In this lesson, we listen in on a leadership team as they analyze staff survey results about Professional Learning Communities using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol. Their goal: to move from assumption to insight—and align their roadmap to staff needs.
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Lesson 1 - Introduction to Preparing to Address Gaps
Once the leadership team identifies key areas for improvement, the next crucial step is developing strategies to address those areas effectively. When the gaps relate to skill, knowledge, or motivation, it’s important to take a more nuanced approach to ensure meaningful and sustainable progress.
Once the leadership team identifies key areas for improvement, the next crucial step is developing strategies to address those areas effectively. When the gaps relate to skill, knowledge, or motivation, it’s important to take a more nuanced approach to ensure meaningful and sustainable progress.
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Lesson 2 - Review of Understanding the Three Gaps
To support meaningful PLC progress, it's essential to understand the specific type of gap—skill, knowledge, or motivation—and respond accordingly. Each plays a distinct role in teacher growth and performance.
To support meaningful PLC progress, it's essential to understand the specific type of gap—skill, knowledge, or motivation—and respond accordingly. Each plays a distinct role in teacher growth and performance.
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Lesson 3 - Strategically Responding to Gaps in Skill, Knowledge, and Motivation
Addressing gaps in skill, knowledge, and motivation is essential for the success of your PLCs. A strategic response ensures that challenges become opportunities for growth—both for individuals and the team as a whole.
Addressing gaps in skill, knowledge, and motivation is essential for the success of your PLCs. A strategic response ensures that challenges become opportunities for growth—both for individuals and the team as a whole.
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Lesson 4 - Creating a Strategy for Lack of Skill
After reviewing staff survey data and using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a skill gap related to data analysis and communication tools. This lesson captures how the team strategically plans to address that gap.
After reviewing staff survey data and using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a skill gap related to data analysis and communication tools. This lesson captures how the team strategically plans to address that gap.
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Lesson 5 - Creating a Strategy for Lack of Knowledge
After analyzing staff survey data and using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a key knowledge gap: many staff members do not have a solid understanding of the foundational principles of Professional Learning Communities.
After analyzing staff survey data and using the I Notice / I Wonder protocol, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a key knowledge gap: many staff members do not have a solid understanding of the foundational principles of Professional Learning Communities.
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Lesson 6 - Creating a Strategy for Lack of Motivation
After analyzing survey data and engaging in reflective discussion, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a motivation gap. While staff attend PLCs, some feel disengaged or unclear about the purpose of their collaboration. Time constraints and ambiguous objectives are contributing to low investment and energy.
After analyzing survey data and engaging in reflective discussion, the VOYAGE Lead Team identified a motivation gap. While staff attend PLCs, some feel disengaged or unclear about the purpose of their collaboration. Time constraints and ambiguous objectives are contributing to low investment and energy.
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Lesson 7 - Modeling the Work – The VOYAGE Lead Team in Action
The VOYAGE Lead Team's proactive and reflective approach models the saying, "practice what you preach."
The VOYAGE Lead Team's proactive and reflective approach models the saying, "practice what you preach."
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Lesson 1 - Moving Forward – Building and Sustaining Your VOYAGE PLC Roadmap
The Roadmap as a Living Document. This is not a one-time plan. It’s dynamic, meant to grow and shift based on evolving needs.
The Roadmap as a Living Document. This is not a one-time plan. It’s dynamic, meant to grow and shift based on evolving needs.
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Lesson 2 - From Analysis to Action – Key Findings That Shaped the Roadmap
The VOYAGE Lead Team embarked on a focused mission: to examine the internal workings of their school’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) through a thorough needs analysis. This investigation was not just about data collection—it was about uncovering the real barriers holding PLCs back and using those insights to drive meaningful change.
The VOYAGE Lead Team embarked on a focused mission: to examine the internal workings of their school’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) through a thorough needs analysis. This investigation was not just about data collection—it was about uncovering the real barriers holding PLCs back and using those insights to drive meaningful change.
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Lesson 3 - Crafting the End-of-Year PLC Goal
The VOYAGE Lead Team came together to reflect on their Needs Analysis and turn their findings into a focused, actionable end-of-year goal.
The VOYAGE Lead Team came together to reflect on their Needs Analysis and turn their findings into a focused, actionable end-of-year goal.
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Lesson 4 - Using Backward Design to Build the VOYAGE PLC Roadmap
With our End-of-Year VOYAGE PLC goal in place and key gaps identified through the Needs Analysis, it's time to plan with purpose. To do this, we use the backward design model—a strategy that begins with the end in mind and works backwards to outline the steps needed to reach it.
With our End-of-Year VOYAGE PLC goal in place and key gaps identified through the Needs Analysis, it's time to plan with purpose. To do this, we use the backward design model—a strategy that begins with the end in mind and works backwards to outline the steps needed to reach it.
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Lesson 5 - VOYAGE PLC Roadmap Overview
The VOYAGE roadmap is a year-long plan grounded in structured objectives, intentional activities, and continuous reflection. It’s designed not just to implement change but to sustain meaningful improvement in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
The VOYAGE roadmap is a year-long plan grounded in structured objectives, intentional activities, and continuous reflection. It’s designed not just to implement change but to sustain meaningful improvement in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
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Lesson 6 - Embracing Agility - The Dynamic Nature of the VOYAGE PLC Roadmap
The VOYAGE PLC roadmap is not static—it’s built to adapt. Continuous data collection through staff interviews, meeting observations, and key metrics allows the Lead Team to stay closely attuned to PLC progress and challenges.
The VOYAGE PLC roadmap is not static—it’s built to adapt. Continuous data collection through staff interviews, meeting observations, and key metrics allows the Lead Team to stay closely attuned to PLC progress and challenges.
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Lesson 1 - The Source of the Issue Reflection
This module isn’t just about refining PLCs—it’s about setting the stage for school-wide transformation. Strong PLCs directly support student success. As we move forward, this plan isn’t finished—it’s just beginning. Implementation, feedback, and iteration will be key. Let that continuous rhythm lead us toward lasting growth and excellence.
This module isn’t just about refining PLCs—it’s about setting the stage for school-wide transformation. Strong PLCs directly support student success. As we move forward, this plan isn’t finished—it’s just beginning. Implementation, feedback, and iteration will be key. Let that continuous rhythm lead us toward lasting growth and excellence.
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Preview - VOYAGE Horizons Module 2 - The Facilitator
As we move into Module 2, the focus shifts to empowering the key drivers of PLC success—our Facilitators. This module builds capacity through practical strategies, structured tools, and hands-on learning.
As we move into Module 2, the focus shifts to empowering the key drivers of PLC success—our Facilitators. This module builds capacity through practical strategies, structured tools, and hands-on learning.
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Meet your instructor - Genevra Self
Genevra is a former educator and the founder of Juniper Consulting LLC, bringing extensive experience from over a decade in K-12 education. With a background in both classroom teaching and instructional coaching, Genevra has a deep understanding of the challenges teachers and school leaders face in creating effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Through her hands-on experience implementing PLCs across multiple schools, Genevra developed the VOYAGE Horizons framework—a structured, data-driven approach to PLCs that transforms collaboration and drives real student outcomes. Her work focuses on empowering teachers and school leaders to adopt practical strategies for continuous improvement, fostering a culture of support, reflection, and growth.
One of Genevra’s favorite parts of her work is collaborating with others to remove barriers to teacher and student success. She believes in the power of teamwork and shared problem-solving to create meaningful, lasting changes in schools. As a consultant, Genevra specializes in helping schools build sustainable, impactful PLCs. With her guidance, you'll gain actionable insights and proven tools to strengthen your school’s PLCs and support your team’s professional growth.
FAQs
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Genevra Self is a former classroom teacher and instructional coach with over a decade of experience in K-12 education. She is the founder of Juniper Consulting LLC, where she helps schools build effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Genevra believes in examining educational structures and protocols with a critical eye, constantly asking if current methods are effective and how they might be improved. Removing barriers to teacher and student success is a passion of hers. She often challenges the status quo by questioning, “Why are we doing things that don’t work?” and focuses on finding practical solutions that make a meaningful difference. This dedication to refining and improving processes led her to create the VOYAGE Horizons framework, which supports sustainable, impactful PLCs.
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VOYAGE Horizons is a structured approach to building and sustaining effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within schools. The framework focuses on creating three interconnected teams—the VOYAGE Lead Team, the VOYAGE Facilitator Team, and the VOYAGE Grade Level Team—that work together to support PLC implementation. Each team has a specific role, from strategic planning to on-the-ground instructional adjustments, ensuring that the PLCs stay focused on data-driven goals and continuous improvement
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VOYAGE Horizons is unique because it includes a built-in support system with clearly defined roles for three levels of collaboration. Unlike many PLC models that operate in isolation or lack strategic guidance, VOYAGE Horizons provides structured support for each team, with the VOYAGE Lead Team overseeing strategic direction, the Facilitator Team bridging strategy to action, and the Grade Level Team implementing instructional changes. This layered approach keeps PLCs aligned, data-driven, and sustainable, addressing common pitfalls in PLC implementation.
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Genevra created the VOYAGE Horizons framework after experiencing two failed attempts at implementing school-wide PLCs. She realized that success wasn’t just about teachers adopting PLCs; it also required effective leadership and structured support. Genevra saw a need for a model that includes leadership involvement, reflection, and training, which led her to develop VOYAGE Horizons. This framework reflects her belief that successful PLCs need clear roles, accountability, and continuous guidance to drive real improvement.
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VOYAGE Horizons provides a comprehensive structure for PLCs that promotes effective collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. By implementing this model, schools can create a strong support system that addresses the specific needs of both teachers and students. The three-tiered team approach allows for strategic planning, leadership development, and practical changes in the classroom, ensuring that the PLCs are focused and impactful.
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Implementation of VOYAGE Horizons begins with a commitment from you as a school leader to actively participate and dedicate the necessary time and resources during the first couple years. While the goal is for PLCs to eventually become self-sustaining, with teachers developing the leadership skills to take ownership, achieving this requires a solid foundation. This groundwork starts with your role in a PLC specifically focused on supporting and refining the school’s PLCs.
The program is set up to guide you through each phase, starting with the establishment of the VOYAGE Lead Team, composed of school leaders and instructional coaches, who conduct a needs analysis and create a strategic roadmap tailored to the school’s goals. Next, VOYAGE Facilitators—teacher leaders selected to lead grade-level or content teams—are trained by the Lead Team to guide collaborative discussions effectively. Finally, the VOYAGE Grade Level Teams, led by these facilitators, engage in data-driven instructional planning and adjustments that directly impact student outcomes. The program supports school leaders and teams at every step to ensure that the framework is implemented with a strong foundation for lasting impact.
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Absolutely. While VOYAGE Horizons is designed to support teachers, it’s equally valuable for school administrators who play a critical role in PLC success. The framework emphasizes that for PLCs to truly thrive, school leaders need to be actively involved—not just delegating but fully engaging in their own PLC focused on identifying and removing barriers that may prevent teachers’ PLCs from being effective. This means that as a school leader, you are expected to be part of a collaborative, data-informed process to address issues that impact PLC progress, from resource gaps to structural roadblocks.
VOYAGE Horizons provides administrators with a clear set of tools and strategies for building a strong foundation for PLCs, including how to analyze needs, create strategic roadmaps, and support facilitator training. By shifting the focus from compliance to real, data-driven improvement, administrators can drive meaningful change that benefits both teachers and students. Instead of seeing PLCs as just another requirement, VOYAGE Horizons empowers school leaders to create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, making a lasting impact on the entire school community.