The 2024-25 school year marks the second year of the Professional Learning Cohorts, or PLCs, at Rye Country Day. The PLC program is an in-house professional learning opportunity that facilitates employee connection and collaboration around particular topics of interest. The goal is to learn, share expertise, and work in teams toward professional goals. 

PLCs are distinct from other professional development programming in that they are employee-generated and employee-led. Each PLC is led by a “convener” who proposes a topic, designs a year-long collaborative inquiry, and manages regular cohort meetings. The School supports the PLCs by providing funds for necessary resources and allocates designated PLC meeting times so the cohorts can meet seven times throughout the school year.

The 19 PLC offerings for 2024-25 include:

• A.I. Pioneers 
• Art as Identity: Exploring Personal Experiences, Dreams, and Memories
• Civility and Kindness in Today's World
• Creating Engaging Spaces for Students Through Diversifying Course Materials
• Creativity and Mindfulness through Fiber Arts 2.0
• Dismantling Diet Culture 
• Food as Art 
• Google Level 1 Certification
• Let’s Discuss: Art & Fear 
• Navigating the Changing Landscape in Education
• Reading With RCDS Parents
• Reading for Pleasure While Strengthening Community Connections
• Spanish Through Songs
• Stress Management: Strategies for a Balanced Life
• Sustainable Fashion
• The Intersection of Interscholastic Athletics and Academics at RCDS 
• The Use of Games to Promote Motivation and Engagement in Instruction
• Transforming Assessments and Rubrics with AI Integration
• Women’s Work/Life Balance