PBS Teacherline

PBS TeacherLine facilitators receive training and continuing support through a community of practice. The TeacherLine facilitators across the country lead a variety of online professional development modules each attended by an average of fifteen teachers.

Group Jazz developed a one-day training program with collateral materials that each TeacherLine facilitator completes in a face-to-face session. Facilitators then participate in a six week online training program. Upon completing the training, facilitators enroll in an online community of practice for ongoing support from Group Jazz, PBS, their local station, and each other. This feature differentiates the PBS TeacherLine online professional development program from other similar programs.

TeacherLine Community of Practice:

• Blackboard technology: Group Jazz adapted the Blackboard e-Education software - developed for single course hosting - to support the growing community of over 200 facilitators called the Facilitators United Network (FUN).
• Discussion: Forums are dedicated to facilitator profiles, training, module-specific issues.
• Chat: Special featured guests are invited to participate in live chats in the Virtual Classroom.
• Resources: Up-to-date resources for leading modules, dealing with technology, and course administration are provided to facilitators.
• Cafe: Each month a new café forum is created to address issues important to facilitators as well as space to engage in off-topic conversation.
• Groups: Local PBS stations are responsible for selecting, marketing, and selecting the facilitator for each module they offer. To facilitate communication within those groups, private discussion forums are created for stations.
• Newsletter: A monthly newsletter is sent to all facilitators and station representatives. The newsletter highlights program updates, new features, technology and facilitation tips, and individual facilitators.
• Archives: All forums are occasionally culled for Resources or Frequently Asked Questions and converted to an archive format still available to facilitators.

Group Jazz supports the work of groups, whether they meet face-to-face, online, or both. Bringing together the best tools, technologies, media, and PEOPLE to produce great group experiences with powerful results. Group Jazz is a pioneer in the human and social aspects of online communities. Using a production process that includes social, management, and technical aspects, Group Jazz creates events that are both engaging and valuable for participants.

Contact Peter Ladd at 202.686.4848 or pladd@groupjazz.com to find out how Group Jazz can help your organization.