It is important for leadership teams and faculty members in higher education to create an atmosphere of trust as new and improved ideas are addressed in a professional learning community setting. Prior to the past ten years, many faculty members at the university have been accustomed to working somewhat independently in their own discipline. However, today, more university leaders and faculty members are reaching out to one another to discuss issues or concerns within the organization. For the purpose of this research, emphasis will be placed on definition of a professional learning community, characteristics of a professional learning community, ways to improve teaching and learning, models of collaborative learning, effectiveness of professional learning communities and evaluating a professional learning community.