82. The Ladder View & Impact of PLCs with Duane Watts

Get ready for a “from the field” episode where I welcome Duane Watts, an Academic Instructional Coach and Teacher Leader!  In this episode, "The Ladder View & Impact of PLCs," Duane shares his insights on creating clarity as a leader and fostering strong collaboration among team members. Whether you're an administrator, instructional coach, teacher leader, or team facilitator, this episode is packed with practical tips and engaging stories that will help you elevate your leadership game and strengthen your team dynamics. Tune in and discover how the power of Professional Learning Communities can transform your approach and impact! Duane Watts has over 20 years of accounting and finance experience as an Accounting Representative, Income Auditor, General Accountant, Financial Analyst, Fiscal Monitor, and Contracts & Grants Manager for many corporate and nonprofit organizations. Seven years ago, he transferred his years of experience in the business sector to the world of education and serving in the Philadelphia area through the Teach For America initiative. He taught 8th Grade Math for Mastery Charter School - Shoemaker Campus and Middle School Mathematics at Edward T. Steel School and is now the Mathematics Academic Instructional Coach at Steel which is also the same school he attended as a youth in the community that he is from. He has been featured and recognized by the School District of Philadelphia for his work and was named the Edward T. Steel School Teacher of the year for 2020. (Alumnus and New Teacher - https://youtu.be/gpEE8NUkiSQ) Mr. Watts is a featured participant in the social justice educational documentary, “Black Boy” which premiered on the Peacock Network. Mr. Watts has served as a co-host on the weekly internet radio show on Spiritual Connect Radio titled “Accentuate The Positive” while being a segment guest on the Heart of The City Radio show w/ Malik L. Boyd. (https://www.facebook.com/heartcityradio/videos/670892017014102/).  Mr. Watts’ volunteer work also includes oversight of a mentorship program through the Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. titled Rho Achievement & Leadership Academy (RALA). His experience includes serving as the Head Coach for Boys JV Basketball and Assistant Head Coach for the Varsity Basketball teams at the Chester Charter Scholars Academy while facilitating mentorships involving student-athletes and non-student athletes. Assisting that school’s leadership, he was a special consultant to the athletic programs of the school and provided conditioning & skills camps for the athletes. Additionally, he is a volunteer coach in the Urban Youth Kings & Queens Community Basketball League in Philadelphia and facilitates their Saturday Skills & Drills Sessions and Summer Basketball Camp at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. He served as a board member and interim Treasurer for the same organization. Mr. Watts holds multiple certifications in coaching and areas associated such as concussions, sudden cardiac arrest, and others crisis areas.