Special Series- Episode 4: Exploring PLCs and the voices of the Marginalized with Jasmine Wilson

This is the fourth episode of a 6 episode series where the Bulldog Educator host, Kirsten Wilson, chats with guest, Jasmine Wilson about the questions she has been contemplating, how a non-traditional student, former Higher Education employee, former Corporate Business Person and Dean of Students shows up in PLC spaces representing BIPOC students and supports teachers. Through the episode we also explore what other aspects need to be present in a PLC and what we need to keep mindful of when considering representation and student voice. The concept of representation and the importance of perspective and personal experience bring to the table also are a theme throughout the episode. The discussion explores how PLCs have benefited or not benefited Jasmine, her voice, and the voice of teachers and students, and what may need to change or be customized regarding the questions asked in a PLC and who is present in a PLC to ensure all voices are represented and heard.

Resources referenced in order presented:

4 Essential Questions for the PLC:

Fischer, D., & Frey, N. (2015, February). That pesky fourth PLC question. Solution Tree Blog. Retrieved from https://www.solutiontree.com/blog/that-pesky-fourth-plc-question/

Characteristics of a PLC:

Bailey, K. (2010). 6 essential characteristics of a PLC. Retrieved from https://www-grms.stjohns.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/What-it-Means-to-be-a-Model-PLC-School.pdf

Definition of Marginalized person:

Gehl, N. (2019, June 28). How to better support your marginalized students. The Art of Education University. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://theartofeducation.edu/2019/09/02/how-to-better-support-your-marginalized-students/

Research used for preparation in discussion in this episode:

The topic of customization:

Amy, M. E., Pelligrino, M. J., Slaney, J. D., & Soria, L. R. (2020). Leadership Practices That Support Marginalized Students: How Leaders Support Teacher Leadership For Emergent Bilingual And Latinx Students (dissertation). Boston College University Libraries, Boston, MA.

Bouffard, S., & Murray, L. (2020, February). Learning Is A Two-Way Street Middle School Strengthens Teaching By Focusing On Student Identity. The Learning Professional, 41(1), 28–31.

Student voice:

Griffin, E. (2020, February). See Me For Who I Am. The Learning Professional 1, 41, 36–38. (https://learningforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/the-learning-professional-february2020.pdf)

When PLCs struggle to overcome the balkanized culture:

Gorman, A. R. (2019). PLCs and Shifting School Culture: A Case Study . TopScholar. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4165&context=theses

You can locate Jasmine Wilson on LinkedIn, and Facebook.

To engage in discussion on this topic feel free to email at [email protected], or connect with us on social media- Twitter: ⁠@thebulldogedu⁠, Facebook- ⁠The Bulldog Edu⁠, Instagram- ⁠@thebulldogedu⁠ or connect with our host, Kirsten Wilson on LinkdedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-s-wilson/.