BLOOMINGTON, IN--(Marketwired - October 01, 2015) - The National Education Association (NEA) and Solution Tree, a premier educational publisher and professional development provider, have announced a powerful new title that examines how to transform teaching and learning with technology.

In Professional Learning Communities at Work™ and Virtual Collaboration, authors Richard DuFour and Casey Reason outline how to use virtual collaboration to support the PLC at Work™ process -- which is increasingly recognized as the most powerful strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. The book offers educators practical, research-based strategies they can use daily to meet contemporary challenges and reach sustained levels of deeper learning.

"NEA is proud to collaborate with Solution Tree to develop the right tools and proven practices to inspire students' natural curiosity, imagination, and love of learning," said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. "School -- whether brick and mortar or virtual and digital -- is a place where discovery happens. Educators and schools that nurture these values today are growing tomorrow's inventors, thinkers, artists, and leaders. We look forward to a fruitful and meaningful collaboration with Solution Tree to ensure every student in America has the opportunity to succeed in the 21^st century."

"Over the past year, we have worked with NEA members from throughout the United States," explained Dr. Reason. "Our new book features much of what we learned from working with the NEA and outlines the steps educators can take to build their own virtual, professional community of practice."

Barbara J. Hopkins, senior program specialist, NEA Professional Practice Communities, added, "PLCs make a real difference in today's schools and for today's students, and the elements of time and collaboration can be imagined differently with the innovative use of virtual connectivity. This amazing resource outlines the utilization of innovative technologies, virtual collaboration, and powerful tools to help educators become more efficient and effective in working with PLCs so that all students can succeed regardless of his or her zip code."

Professional Learning Communities at Work™ and Virtual Collaboration is available at solution-tree.com.

About the Authors
Richard DuFour, EdD, was a public school educator for 34 years, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. A prolific author and sought-after consultant, he is recognized as one of the leading authorities on helping school practitioners implement the Professional Learning Communities at Work™ process in their schools and districts.

Casey Reason, PhD, is an expert in training leaders to maximize the effectiveness of teams and creating conditions for peak performance. For more than a decade, he has worked with schools all over the world in helping implement school improvement initiatives through innovative leadership approaches, engaging teacher-leadership, and implementing professional learning communities.

About Solution Tree
Solution Tree delivers comprehensive professional development to schools and districts around the world. Solution Tree has empowered K-12 educators to raise student achievement through a wide range of services and products including educator conferences, customized district solutions for long-term professional development, books, videos, online courses, and more.

About NEA
The National Education Association is the nations largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.