The term, "professional learning community" has become so common place in schools that it is used to refer to almost any type of collaborative work. But the "professional learning community" suggested first in the early 1990's described a school where teachers and administrators continuously worked to learn and then act upon what they learned. The overall goal was to improve school effectiveness by focusing on improving the learning of students. Professional learning communities have several benefits for staff. They include reduced isolation, higher satisfaction, higher morale, and a greater commitment to the mission and goals of the school. Five elements of professional community have been identified: (1) Shared Norms and Values; (2) A Focus on Student Learning; (3) Reflective Dialogue; (4) Public Practice; and (5) Collaboration. Transforming a school into a professional learning community can only occur with the sanction and support of the principal. In order to build a successful learning community the principal must abandon the traditional position of authority and recognize that their role must include that of "learner," working with teachers and other school staff to investigate and seek solutions that will improve student learning. (Contains 9 online resources and 4 print resources.)