Opinion Blog

Peter DeWitt's

Finding Common Ground

A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He can be found at www.petermdewitt.com. Read more from this blog.

A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, Peter DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He can be found at www.petermdewitt.com. He is on Twitter @PeterMDeWitt.

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Professional Development Opinion I Tried AI as a Virtual Coaching Assistant. Here's What Happened
Is using an artificial intelligence note-taking tool appropriate during leadership- coaching sessions? Here's what AI had to say.
Peter DeWitt, November 14, 2023
4 min read
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School & District Management Opinion Want to Drive Student Learning and Instruction? Pick 3 Priorities
By focusing on fewer objectives, schools can accomplish more and have a greater impact.
Peter DeWitt, November 12, 2023
4 min read
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School & District Management Opinion Want to Build Pathways for Women to Become Superintendents? Should It Start With Men?
When it comes to women in leadership roles, the conversation often turns to how women can support each other. That's not the whole story.
Michael Nelson, October 19, 2023
5 min read
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Social Studies Opinion Why Public Schools Must Bolster Civics Instruction
Our students are among the youngest voters in the country. Are they being targeted as pawns in an illicit political game?
Raymond Sanchez, September 28, 2023
6 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion Teacher Power Can Be the Force for Education. What Would That Look Like?
Teachers working in new and different ways with each other and their students could be the solution to learning that has evaded us.
Michael Fullan & Joanna Rizzotto, September 22, 2023
7 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The Answer to the Leadership Crisis Is Not a Principal Pipeline
School leaders are departing. There are many ideas for how to retain them and train those who aspire to the role.
Vince Bustamante & Tim Cusack, September 11, 2023
6 min read
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School & District Management Opinion 5 Strategies to Make Every Meeting a Model of 'Exquisite Instruction'
Too often, we focus on how teachers need to engage students without talking about how district leaders need to engage teachers.
Chris Beals, August 31, 2023
8 min read
The favorite drinks for participants awaits them on a conference table.
The favorite drinks for participants awaits them on a conference table.
Peter DeWitt
Professional Development Opinion To Improve the Professional Learning Experience, Create a Welcoming Environment
Showing school leaders hospitality can in turn encourage them to treat their staffs in a similar fashion.
Michael Nelson, August 23, 2023
4 min read
Mike Nelson facilitating a group of educators at a leadership conference
Mike Nelson facilitating a group of educators at a leadership conference
Peter DeWitt
Professional Development Opinion Educators Want to Connect With Colleagues. Learning Networks Offer That Opportunity
Educators need to up their learning, as well as connect with colleagues near and far. Here's how one group made that happen.
Peter DeWitt, August 17, 2023
5 min read
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Student Achievement Opinion Here's Why You Should Stop Using the Term 'Learning Acceleration'
Among other reasons, it puts a renewed emphasis on standardized-test scores.
Paul Emerich France, August 2, 2023
8 min read
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Student Achievement Opinion Educational Strategies and Student Outcomes Are Not in Sync. What You Need to Know
Teachers and school leaders are focused on different tasks, and none is tied to student results.
Lyle Kirtman & Sybil Knight-Burney, July 19, 2023
7 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The Simple Reason So Many Initiatives Fail
We often hear about initiative fatigue in education. What may be surprising is there's one reason why most fail.
James Marshall, July 5, 2023
5 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion How Teacher Confidence and Emotional Regulation Can Drive Student Success
Educators also need support for their own emotional development in order to sufficiently support their students.
Houston Kraft & Jenni Donohoo, June 25, 2023
5 min read
Retired superintendent Mike Nelson and school board member Nancy Merrill engage in a Q&A for community members.
Retired superintendent Mike Nelson and school board member Nancy Merrill engage in a Q&A for community members.
Britt Nelson
Professional Development Opinion How Superintendents Can Engage Board Members to Benefit Their Districts
Board members are often disconnected from the day-to-day learning needs of teachers and students. Here are strategies to change that.
Michael Nelson, June 20, 2023
6 min read