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.
Professional Development
Opinion
Using Data With Purpose for Literacy Instruction
Instead of confining data to spreadsheets, use the information to drive equity, learning, and lasting change.
School & District Management
Opinion
How to Be a Focused Leader When There’s a Lot of Noise
Burnout, attrition, absenteeism, and disengagement are key issues for schools. Here's a path forward for educators.
School & District Management
Opinion
3 Mistakes New Leaders Should Avoid
Districts are searching for aspiring leaders. What does it take to succeed in the role?
School & District Management
Opinion
11 Critical Issues Facing Education at Home and Abroad in 2025
Global collaboration can turn obstacles into opportunities for students and educators alike.
School & District Management
Opinion
How to Be the Kind of Education Leader You Want to Be
Ask yourself these questions in order to trail blaze a path to supporting your school community.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Difference Between Data and Evidence: What School Leaders Need to Know
Data collection alone won't improve student learning. Here are 7 ways to take action.
School & District Management
Opinion
What's the No. 1 Way to Retain Principals?
When it comes to the demands of the job, principals share common concerns, according to a recent survey.
School & District Management
Opinion
5 Education Leadership Lessons From Chef Ina Garten
"Less is more," "quality is everything," and more tips inspired by the art of cooking to build trust, connection in your school community.
Professional Development
Opinion
Why Educators Are Abandoning X to Join Bluesky
The rapidly growing social media platform offers connectedness and learning opportunities, all of which can be helpful to educators.
School & District Management
Opinion
How Education Leaders Can Engage With Teachers About Data
Data can help teachers and leaders understand which instructional moves to tackle now and which to use in the future.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Blind Spot More Educators Need to Recognize
A simple activity in a training session caused a chain reaction that strengthened an educator's leadership for decades to come.
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.