More Episodes
Conversation with Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024
How Brain Science is Enhancing Student Learning
Hyped for Homecoming
The Power of PLCs

Transparency, Teamwork, and Teaching: The Impact of PLCs at Corron Elementary
Episode Overview
Effective Collaboration is one of three key priorities in the District 303 Strategic Plan, and Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, play a vital role in bringing this priority to life. PLCs are thriving in every school across the district, including Corron Elementary, where educators are seeing a significant impact from collaborative teaching. Corron Principal Christine Balaskovitz and 5th Grade PLC Leader Erik Robinson recently joined the Voices of District 303 podcast to share their insights on what makes PLCs so effective.
A key theme of their discussion was the importance of vulnerability—teachers openly sharing data and welcoming peer feedback. Even veteran educators are prioritizing transparency and continuously reflecting on their strategies to ensure the best outcomes for students.
“Because it’s all about the students, they’re not afraid to ask for help,” Balaskovitz said. “Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you’re always going to have the best data, the most growth.”
Many PLCs, including Robinson’s, bring together educators with a range of experience levels. This mix of perspectives allows teams to blend time-tested teaching strategies with innovative, research-based approaches to enhance student learning. Robinson explained how this collaboration leads to dynamic problem-solving.
“We are bringing not only the old tried and true methods, but we are also bringing the new methods that research is uncovering. We’re able to try a lot of different things to see what works,” he said. “Some classes try one thing, other classes try another thing, we all come together to see what’s working, what we can go forward with, what do we need to adjust, what did you do that I want to try, or what can I give you that you might want to try to help your students achieve more.”