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.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Anti-Bias Education and the Importance of Teaching About Systemic Oppression
As of right now, 26 states have introduced bills to restrict or limit the teaching of racism, sexism, and bias. What are they so afraid of?
School & District Management
Opinion
What Are the Elements for a More Impactful, Focused School Leadership Team?
Because of COVID-19, the stakes are even higher for schools this year. That means our school-based teams must develop their impact.
Professional Development
Opinion
4 Essential Elements Needed Right Now to Engage in Leadership Coaching
Leadership coaching is growing, but there are some important elements to consider before anyone engages in a coaching relationship.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Adults Are Banning Classroom Topics. Perhaps They Should Allow Students to Explore Them?
Instead of banning conversations on critical issues, we should use project-based learning to encourage students to see all sides.
Assessment
Opinion
It's Time We Begin Using Assessments to Look Forward, Instead of Back
Schools do not get much value from high-stakes tests. Many are now allowing schools to use better assessments to guide student learning.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Are Our Schools Any Closer to Equity?
Schools are trying to focus on equity, but a slew of new legislation is preventing that focus from becoming a reality.
School & District Management
Opinion
Let’s Not Forget the Effect the Pandemic Has Had on Our Teachers and School Leaders
As we focus our attention on coming out of this turbulent year, we need to focus on the mental health of teachers and school leaders.
School & District Management
Opinion
Stress, Anxiety, Initiative Fatigue … Oh My! Perhaps It’s Time to 'De-Implement'?
We see an increase in stress and anxiety that educators feel but never do anything about it. It's time to talk about de-implementation.
Professional Development
Opinion
How Can Coaches Use a Cycle of Inquiry to Establish Themselves and Help Others?
A cycle of inquiry can both help coaches establish themselves and help those they coach develop areas of improvement.
School & District Management
Opinion
Young People Have a Desire to Save Their World. How Can We Help?
Young people have an interest in learning and an innate desire to be part of saving society. Why do adults stand in the way?
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
5 Things to Expect When Schools Return to In-Person Learning
Many schools are just coming back to in-person learning. There are five issues all school communities should anticipate when that happens.
School & District Management
Opinion
42 Percent of Principals Want to Leave Their Position. Will You Let Them?
There are specific reasons leaders cite for reasons they want to leave their positions. What can we do about it? Do we care?
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
How a Bathroom Log Helped One Middle School Understand Its Literacy Issues
Reading isn’t just a set of skills. Sometimes we need to explore other avenues to help us assist students to become better readers.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
What Can We Do to Help the Well-Being of Teachers?
A Seat at the Table focused on the social-emotional well-being of teachers during the pandemic. Here's what we learned from the guests.