ABSTRACT
E. Wenger introduced the idea of social learning, which includes practice, meaning, community and identity. This kind of thinking and learning has helped change the very discussion of leadership and the building of community as essentials in schools. The chapter provides information on five elements that serve as important themes: building norms of collegiality, openness and trust; providing opportunities and time for disciplined inquiry; teacher learning of content in the context of their classroom; rethinking leadership roles; and forming networks, collaborations and coalitions for continuous support. These elements help build improved practice, a variety of structures to support teachers, and ways of eventually building professional cultures in schools that often change the structure of schools. Professional learning communities from Singapore, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, China, and England help people understand the leadership roles of teachers, and the different ways in which learning communities are built in different cultures.
