This qualitative case study examined the process taken by the faculty and principal at one elementary school to become a professional learning community. It attempted to fill in a "hole in the research" which was "how to create" a professional learning community. Through interviews, observations, and written documents the school staff's 5 1/2 year journey was recreated and analyzed using a conceptual framework provided by other researchers in the field.; By the end of the 5th year, the faculty at the school showed strong evidence of being a fully functioning professional learning community with all the characteristics as outlined in the framework. However, the leadership of the school changed and with that change came changes in the professional learning community. Though some vestiges remain, it was not intact 6 months after the change in leadership.; Since the collapse of the professional learning community happened so quickly after the change in leadership, I found, among other things, the importance of having a supportive leader who shares decision making, encourages professional growth, and has knowledge about school improvement.
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