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.
Education
Opinion
Improving School Leadership Through 'Confident Vulnerability'
We ask each of our students to be works in progress, and to be confident enough to believe that they can achieve and perform at truly high levels. They deserve educators who are committed to doing the same, argues Paul Freeman.
Education
Opinion
Most Examples of Deep Learning Are Not Deep Enough
Most examples of deep learning aren't going deep enough nor are they widespread enough, says guest blogger Michael Fullan.
Education
Opinion
The Unity of the Human Race: Our Precarious Future
Humans are not intrinsically good. Each of us is conflicted; sometimes selfish, other times committing to others and the common good. Guest blogger Michael Fullan believes that we are tipped to be good but only when certain conditions prevail.
Education
Opinion
What Is Collective Leader Efficacy?
Collective teacher efficacy happens when a group of teachers come together, co-construct a goal, learn how to implement it, and that goal has a positive impact on student learning. Can't leaders have a similar impact through collective leader efficacy?
Education
Opinion
Do Principals and Their Administrative Team Need Coaching Too?
So often, we look at coaching as a one-on-one relationship, but coaching administrative teams can have a powerful impact as well.
Education
Opinion
3 Areas to Consider When Faced With an Unwanted Twitter Debate
If you want to engage with other educators, and debating is not your thing, try these suggestions from guest blogger Jennifer Borgioli Binis, an online debater.
Education
Opinion
How Teaching in Extremely Poor Conditions Changed My Life
My girlfriend and I saved for years and then went on a nine-month adventure visiting countries we always dreamed about seeing, says guest blogger Charly Boerboom. However, one unexpected stop on our trip turned into a lifelong passion.
Education
Opinion
Grades Versus Comments: What Does the Research Really Tell Us?
In articles and presentations on student feedback, educators are admonished today to use "No grades, comments only!" Unfortunately, they do not seem to know the whole story, nor do they seem to know what the research really says, guest blogger Thomas R. Guskey, a senior research scholar at the University of Louisville.
Education
Opinion
Mindfulness: It's Time for a Digital Detox
Research shows that "The average number of times per day people check their phones is 47." Some of you may be thinking, "Really? I check my phone much more than that." Personally, I feel like I could double that number. It's time for a digital detox.
Education
Opinion
3 Reasons I Do Not Engage in Twitter Debates
Feel free to use social media in the way that you would like, but when people try to engage you in a debate on Twitter, take a step back, breath, and decide whether it's worth your time and energy. I rarely find that it's worth mine these days.
Education
Opinion
Three Ways School Leaders Can Undo Grading Inequities
Despite all this progress to chart education's future as a launch pad for an equitable and innovative society, we still see remnants of 19th-century practices in our day-to-day work in secondary settings, says guest blogger and public educator Eric Saibel.
Education
Opinion
Gay Kids Play Sports, Too. It's a Story That Needs to Be Shared
The reality is that gay kids play sports, too. The world of sports at all levels needs to be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, says guest blogger Phil Bildner.
Education
Opinion
How Can Mindfulness Teach Surface, Deep, and Transfer Learning?
Our students are constantly told to toughen up, but too often students turn to negative behaviors like binge drinking or drugs because of their inability to handle stress and anxiety. Perhaps mindfulness can help?
Education
Opinion
Does Instructional Leadership Have to Be So Complicated?
Instructional leadership is something district and building leaders, as well as instructional coaches and teacher leaders, have to learn about because they need to build credibility in the role in order to have a real impact with teachers and students.