Communities of Practice
Join facilitated discussions driven by YOU!
According to educational theorist Etienne Wenger, communities of practice (also known as “CoPs”) are “groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” CoPs are not training; they are a different type of professional development where the content is driven by the participants.
MRTQ PDN offers free facilitated CoP groups around the state in two categories:
- Regional and Topical CoPs generally meet monthly, for approximately two hours. They meet in all regions of Maine and are open for new members any time.
- Collaborative Partnerships CoPs are groups who work with dedicated external partners towards a focused objective (for example: opening a new child care program). They support a reflective process, and build capacity around particular content and topics. They have a limited membership and new members are added only when they have common goals.
Participate in a CoP and:
- Build relationships with peers
- Share and exchange knowledge
- Support each other to use evidence-based practices
- Identify internal and external expertise
- Problem-solve issues from the field
- Receive professional growth activity hours
Join a Community of Practice near you!
Professional Learning Communities
Topical PLCs & Book Clubs
MRTQ PDN facilitated Book Clubs consist of participants who agree to read a book and reflect upon the assigned chapters prior to weekly meetings. During the meetings, members participate in reflective practice and discuss how to apply what they have learned.
How many people can participate:
- For up to 10 participants-Apply to participate
What are the commitment requirements?
- Reading chapter(s) prior to Book Club meetings
- Attendance/Active participation in meetings
What is the structure of the book club?
- Length of the ‘club’ depends on the number of chapters in the book
- Book Club typically meet weekly or twice monthly
- First meeting: Discuss set up of the Book Club, the concept of the book, outline book discussion, goals for participating – what do they want to learn, do, share as a result of participating?
- Between meetings: Read chapter(s), take notes about questions, ah-ha’s, needs, practice implementing knowledge and skill gained from the reading and discussion.
- Ongoing meetings: Discuss the content of chapter, success, and challenges with trying new skills and knowledge in practice
What are the benefits?
- Peer support while learning about a new topic
- Professional book to add to your library (MRTQ-PDN purchases, Participant keeps if complete ALL book club requirements)
- Earn MRTQ PDN professional growth activity hours which are accepted by Maine Child Care Licensing to meet yearly training requirements.
Examples of MRTQ PDN Sponsored Book Clubs:
Inclusion Book Club 2025Participants will read and reflect on Inclusion Includes Us: Building Bridges and Removing Barriers in Early Childhood Classrooms (Huber, 2023).
This book club is offered in collaboration with Maine Office of Child and Family Services and the Maine Department of Education as part of the Maine Inclusion Initiative and is open to all early care and education professionals from public and private preschool, early elementary schools, childcare centers, and family child care. The next session will be offered in Fall 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
Current PLCs and Book Clubs