Peter DeWitt is the founder and CEO of the Instructional Leadership Collective. A former public school teacher and principal, he now facilitates professional learning in the United States and abroad based on the content of many of his best-selling educational books. Former superintendent Michael Nelson is a frequent contributor to this opinion blog. He is the co-leader of ILC and a former superintendent who has been an educator for more than 40 years.
School & District Management
Opinion
Education Leaders, You Can't Do Your Job in Isolation
An unusual way to begin a leadership team retreat leads to a deeper understanding of why teachers and leaders need to work together.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
3 Ways Educators Can Make Hard Conversations Easier
Conversations around hot-button topics can catch teachers and school leaders off guard. Avoidance isn't the answer.
School & District Management
Opinion
3 Ways School Leaders Can Build Collective Understanding
Initiatives will fail without school staff being included in these key conversations.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
What Makes an Inspiring and Passionate Teacher?
How one teacher inspired a young student to see himself as a reader, a learner, and a future educator.
School & District Management
Opinion
4 Things School Leaders Should Do Before Setting Priorities
Sweeping language doesn't offer a road map for the school community. Here's why.
Professional Development
Opinion
Why Are So Few Educators Aware of Research in Their Own Field?
Many educators lack the knowledge base built by important researchers, stalling progress in the field, writes Thomas R. Guskey.
Families & the Community
Opinion
What Student Impacted You Most as a Young Teacher?
Paying attention to students and their families can provide some of the most valuable lessons to teachers.
School & District Management
Opinion
8 Steps to Revolutionize Education
Artificial intelligence is just one of the ways that educators can create a system "breakthrough," explains Michael Fullan.
Career Advice
Opinion
Are School Leaders Contributing to Their Own Stress and Burnout?
Focusing too much on your work often comes at the expense of well-being. Here's how educators can regain work-life balance.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
To Boost Student Mental Health, Support Teachers
Once extra federal aid vanishes, teachers will be faced with serving in the role as ill-equipped mental health professionals.
School & District Management
Opinion
Want a Leadership Edge? You Already Have What You Need
School leaders are faced daily with challenging situations. Here's how to prevent the tail from wagging the dog in responding.
Classroom Technology
Opinion
Get to Know the ABCs of Generative AI. It Could Power Your School Systems
Education leaders can't turn a blind eye to this revolution in technology. Here's how you and your schools can get on board.
Teaching
Opinion
Student Laziness Is a Myth. Here's Why
Holding fast to the idea that students are lazy leaves no room for understanding what got in the way of their success.
School & District Management
Opinion
Debunking 5 Myths of Self-Awareness in School Leadership
Leaders must understand their strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and impact on others if they want to be effective.