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
When School Leadership Actions Contradict the Work We Expect to See in Classrooms
Districts often want to engage in the latest work that will impact student learning. Unfortunately, their actions go against that work.
School & District Management
Opinion
Educators, It's Time to 'Declutter' Your Practice
Teaching people how to breathe is used to alleviate issues in school. Breathing is the start, but decluttering should be the next step.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
‘A Culture of Care’: How Schools Can Alleviate Educator Stress This Year
It takes more than deep breathing to alleviate the stress teachers feel. Here's how to get to the root cause.
Professional Development
Opinion
If You’re Conducting PD, Seek Engagement With Educators
Professional development can seem one-sided when the facilitator has all the power. Pre-engagement surveys can effectively turn that dynamic around.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Educators, Be Future-Ready, But Don’t Ignore the Present
Being ready for what lies ahead is important, but we also need to gain a better understanding of the here and now.
Professional Development
Opinion
Developing Success Criteria With PD Participants to Engage in Deeper Learning
Success criteria show educators how we believe they will be successful at the end of a lesson. Let's involve them in the process.
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.