2019 Alaska Cross Content Conference

Participants will learn about the theory of action, the practical work and the impact for teachers of a blended Professional Learning Network (PLN), AKRISE (Alaska Rural Innovation and Student Engagement Network), designed to engage educators from rural schools across Alaska in face-to-face collaborative design work (to be implemented virtually between face-to-face meetings) to tackle contextual challenges and share impactful instructional practices. The theory of action of the network is grounded in the theories of professional capital (Hargreaves and Fullan, 2012) and collaborative professionalism (Hargreaves & O’Connor, 2018); that by engaging teachers in deeper, specific types of collaborative joint work (action research, lesson study, co-curriculum design, and video reflection) through a blended PLN of both face-to-face and commitment to connecting virtually, rural teachers experience increased sense of belonging and connection, willingness to risk-take and innovate, ability to self-regulate their own learning, agency and empowerment, and equity of student learning experiences. Teachers who are usually the only teacher at their grade-level or site develop deeper pedagogical content knowledge and expertise by the opportunity to work with other teachers at their grade-level or content area, as well. It is important for teachers to know that this is not extra work! A goal of the network is to develop the capacity and collective efficacy of teachers in districts to meet the goals, priorities and needs of their home districts and address authentic questions from their contexts—not to add an additional initiative.