Inspiring example

Pelgulinna Gymnasium is a full-cycle general education school located in the northern part of Tallinn, with over 900 students and 70 teachers. The school's main focus has so far been on arts education and on technology and science education (ICT). The school is based on the principle that all pupils should be supported to do better in science and science education, starting with primary education.

Key element of the school's strategy is the creation of professional teacher communities.

Goals

The school's measurable goals that support the student's learning process are: teaching the conscious use of learning skills; consciously supporting the learner's self-regulation skills.

To support the implementation of this, the school has created regular teacher learning circles, where a variety of school-related topics are discussed. These circles have provided a safe space to share one's own thoughts and concerns, in order to receive feedback and to work together to find solutions. It is important that the professional learning community is a learning place for everyone. The workshops are led by teacher leaders, who work in strong collaboration with both leadership members and teachers.

Reflective questions after reading the story

• How do you support your teachers' collaborative learning?
• What are important issues in your school that you would need to learn about together?
• What kind of benefit will your students experience from your teachers’ learning?

Links and materials

School web page: https://www.tallinn.ee/et/pelgulinna/pelgulinna-highschool-english