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SeaVuria: Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

place Kenya + 2 more

Empowering Teachers, Igniting Futures: Transforming STEM Learning in Rural Kenya

In rural Kenya, too many teachers work in isolation, without the tools or support they need. SeaVuria’s PLCs bring teachers together where they share ideas, co-create lessons, and grow as leaders—reigniting their love of teaching. They are safe spaces for collaboration, reflection, and innovation rooted in Kenya’s own Competency Based Curric. It’s grassroots, scalable, and transforming classrooms.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2025
Web presence

2017

Established

2

Countries
Teachers
Target group
We envision a future where every teacher in underserved communities has access to high-quality, collaborative professional learning—empowering them to facilitate engaging, equitable STEM education supported by tech tools. Through teachers who stretch and champion their students, we aim to spark curiosity, raise achievement, and inspire more girls to pursue, persist, and thrive in STEM.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

We believe education transforms lives—unlocking the potential of bright, capable students eager to learn, lead, and innovate. Yet in rural Kenya, teachers often lack professional learning, digital tools, and collaboration. SeaVuria’s PLCs equip educators to deliver student-centered, inquiry-based STEM instruction that inspires curiosity and aligns with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

SeaVuria’s PLCs bring together STEM teachers across Taita-Taveta, Kenya, in monthly cycles of collaborative professional learning. Each cycle begins with a Zoom session introducing a core pedagogical focus—such as student inquiry or cognitive activation—through models and discussion. Teachers implement the practice in classrooms, supported by peers for feedback and iteration. In the next session, they share evidence of student learning and co-plan next steps. PLCs use tools like Rachel Plus (an offline hub), LabXchange, and SeaVuria for Teachers, a CBC-aligned content library. WhatsApp, Google Docs, and shared slides sustain collaboration between sessions. Teachers’ exit tickets and student feedback track impact and inform improvements. Over time, local teacher-leaders co-facilitate sessions, building a sustainable system of peer-driven professional learning that fosters STEM classrooms where all students—including girls—develop critical thinking, voice, and leadership.

How has it been spreading?

In the past three years, SeaVuria’s PLCs engaged 150+ STEM teachers across 10 schools, reaching over 4,500 students annually. In 2024, PLCs generated 2,000+ hours of collaborative learning. 75% of teachers report greater confidence and a shift to student-centered STEM instruction. Many now mentor peers, spreading practices through colleague networks, school transfers, and student advocacy. County officials have endorsed the model in school improvement plans. Evaluations show stronger cognitive activation, increased student engagement, and rising STEM confidence and performance. SeaVuria is expanding access through a digital platform offering CBC content and local coaching—building a sustainable, Kenyan-led system of professional learning that transforms classrooms and inspires students.

How have you modified or added to your innovation?

We expanded PLCs from annual workshops to year-round monthly cycles, co-facilitated by local leaders. We integrated digital and offline tools for scalability, embedded student feedback to refine pedagogy, and launched a digital platform to sustain Kenyan-led professional learning.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

To get started, gather collaborative teachers committed to making STEM learning accessible, engaging, and student-centered for all learners. SeaVuria can share sample agendas, lesson study templates, collaboration tools adaptable for offline use, and testimonials. Sharing our purpose of improving STEM learning, we are here to encourage your bold first step toward transforming STEM classrooms.

Implementation steps

Step 1: Establish Local Buy-In
Engage school leaders, teachers, Ministry of Education officials, parents, and university partners to identify instructional needs, align with national goals, and designate PLC leads. Set shared STEM priorities, elevate teacher voice, and catalyze early ownership. Strong local leadership drives alignment, momentum, and lasting collaboration.
Step 2: Build Facilitation Teams
Train local educators as PLC facilitators and peer coaches, focusing on student-centered pedagogy, inquiry-based teaching, and leading adult learning. Provide self-development tools like research readings. Partner with universities to strengthen facilitation skills. Facilitators co-lead monthly sessions and benchmark global best practices.
Step 3: Launch Monthly PLC Meetings
Facilitate monthly PLC sessions using SeaVuria’s guides. Each cycle explores a key instructional theme—like cognitive activation—through inquiry: study a strategy, implement, and reflect. Train teachers and leaders on Zoom, provide digital tools, and prepare a PLC syllabus. Build a culture of peer support, lesson study, collaborative feedback, and shared leadership.
Step 4: Incorporate Feedback Loops
Collect feedback through teacher surveys (introspective and retrospective), peer observations, and student reflections. Track shifts in teaching practice, student engagement, and how students perceive themselves as STEM learners. Facilitators and SeaVuria staff review trends to adapt sessions, keeping PLCs relevant, responsive, and growth-focused.
Step 5: Sustainability Through Capacity Building
Gradually transition facilitation to local leaders, mentoring new facilitators and supporting peer-to-peer learning. Provide digital and offline resources—including nationally adopted curriculum lessons, facilitation templates, and a content library. Cross-school sharing builds leadership capacity, anchoring professional learning within local school systems.
Step 6: Integrate Digital and Offline Platforms
Introduce SeaVuria’s digital platform as a hub for asynchronous learning, resource sharing, and facilitator support. Teachers access nationally adopted curriculum resources, example lessons, and planning tools. For low-connectivity areas, provide offline access via Rachel Plus or USB kits—extending the reach of collaborative professional learning to every teacher, anywhere.

Spread of the innovation

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