This is an older resource of mine, written in 2023 when TIE (now Compass Partners in Learning) published it, about moving past individual professional development toward approaches that strengthen a whole educational community. It starts from the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats and works through three connected areas: 1) why collective growth matters more than individual achievement, 2) local strategies like professional learning communities and peer support, and 3) connecting with wider networks of educators. Each section has “Try this!” activities, reflection prompts, and tools you can use in your own context, along with a journal template for tracking your growth over time.

Looking back at it now, there are places I’d strengthen. A lot of professional relationship building has moved into hybrid and virtual spaces since I wrote it, and the guide would benefit from more on digital mentoring and online community building, including how to network at a virtual conference and where educators are connecting now that the traditional social media platforms have fractured.

The core of it still holds, though. Senge’s learning organization disciplines and the research on collective teacher efficacy are still solid ground for this kind of work. The guide is written for instructional coaches and teacher leaders who want to build a more collaborative school culture, and for individual educators ready to step out of isolated practice. The reflection tools and self-assessments give enough structure to put the ideas to use, whether you’re just starting to build a professional network or deepening one you already have.

If you use the workbook with a team, I’d like to hear how it goes. You can reach me at licht.education@gmail.com, and there are more tools, articles, and resources at bradylicht.com.