Hiland Park Elementary School officially celebrated a remarkable achievement Monday as faculty members gathered for a day of professional learning and were presented with the school's official Model Professional Learning Community at Work® flag.
The recognition places Hiland Park Elementary among just 1,022 Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® schools and districts worldwide and only 21 schools in the state of Florida to earn the prestigious designation.
Teachers returned to campus two days before the start of the school year to participate in advanced professional development led by representatives from Solution Tree, the organization behind the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process. During the training, school leaders officially presented the faculty with the Model PLC at Work® flag, recognizing years of dedication to improving student achievement through collaboration and continuous improvement.
"This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families," said Principal Ilea Faircloth. "At Hiland Park Elementary, we believe that when educators learn and grow together, our students benefit. We are honored to be recognized for the collaborative culture we've built and remain committed to ensuring every child reaches their highest potential."
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are built around three foundational commitments: focusing on student learning, fostering a collaborative culture among educators, and maintaining a results-oriented approach to continuous improvement. Schools earning Model PLC status must demonstrate at least three years of successful implementation, provide clear evidence of improved student achievement, and document the systems and practices that produced those results.
As part of Monday's celebration, Hiland Park Elementary proudly received its official Model PLC at Work® flag, a symbol of the school's commitment to ensuring every student succeeds through collaboration, innovation, and high-quality instruction.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, schools receiving this distinction have demonstrated "a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels" by transforming both the structure and culture of their organizations to support student success.
The recognition marks another significant milestone for Hiland Park Elementary as faculty members prepare to welcome students back for another year of excellence, joining an elite group of schools whose successful practices are now shared with educators around the world.
