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
That Moment We Decide We Can't Teach a Student
There is a moment when we're teaching that a struggling student becomes the student we no longer think we can reach. It's different for all of us, and it depends on our self-efficacy (.63), the climate of the school in which we teach, and the accountability we face from our school leaders.
Education
Opinion
7 Areas to Consider When Deepening Your Impact
If leaders want to have a deeper impact they need to understand their current reality, which will help them understand where to start. Here are 7 areas to focus on.
Education
Opinion
Transgender Protections: Moral Purpose or Moral Judgment?
The Trump administration rescinded protections for transgender students but it doesn't mean that school leaders and teachers have to rescind the same protections. Educators have a moral obligation to protect all students.
Education
Opinion
11 Years Later, Would Sir Ken Robinson Find Creativity in Our Schools?
11 years later, would Sir Ken Robinson finally find creativity in our schools?
Education
Opinion
Mom, Can You Pleeeease Record Me?
If video works so well in teaching, could it be just as beneficial for students?
Education
Opinion
What Are 5 Priorities For Every School Principal?
After a series of blogs on leadership coaching, leaders filled out a survey asking them what priorities they would like to be coached through. Here are the five they suggested. Are they the same as yours?
Education
Opinion
How Lesson Imaging Brings Math and Science Instruction Into Focus
The world is changing rapidly as advances in technology reshape the ways in which humans communicate and reason in the workplace. Here are a few ways schools can change their math focus to help.
Education
Opinion
Three Positive Campaigns in Education You Need to Know About
Got a case of the Mondays every day of the week? Tired of the negative comments on social media that never seem to end? Check out these three campaigns in education that will no doubt help change your mindset.
Education
Opinion
4 Components Necessary for Leadership Coaching
Principals want to be coached. However, in order for leadership coaching to be effective and not just a one and done, they need these four necessary ingredients.
Education
Opinion
Will Secretary DeVos Just Be More of the Same?
As teachers and leaders, we have to ask ourselves why we are constantly in this place where we are fighting. Is it just politics are usual? And will Betsy Devos be worse...or just more of the same of what we have had?
Education
Opinion
Check Your 'Selfie' Advice From a 58-Year Veteran Teacher
"History is not about memorizing facts. This class is not about me telling you what you need to know. History is about learning from our past. This class is about empowerment. Remember, dates change. People don't." And from that Lisa Westman tells us what she has learned from veteran teacher Tom O'Brien.
Education
Opinion
5 Non-Negotiables of Project-Based Learning Professional Development
Project based learning is an effective format used for professional development. Here are 5 non-negotiable to make sure your PD goes well.
Education
Opinion
Post-Election Experience: Honoring the Voices of Those That Couldn't Vote
When a post-election protest broke out at her high school, Woodside Principal Diane Burbank did something amazing. She didn't shut it down, she gave students a voice.
Professional Development
Opinion
Which Coaching Is Best for You?
Just like teaching and leading there are so many different opinions on coaching that works. Which coaching is for you?