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
17 Critical Issues Facing Education in 2017
Education wasn't always the hottest topic of the presidential campaign. It took a backseat to Tweets, fake news and name calling. However, there will surely be changes in education because so much is bubbling to the top. Here are 17 critical issues facing education.
Education
Opinion
Should There Be a 5th C in the Partnership for 21st-Century Learning?
There is no doubt that the 4 C's are still very important even after they first came out so long ago. However, part of the problem is that we throw students into the deep end of the 4 C's and have never, or may have never, established a school climate that will help deeply support the students before they dive in. We can't do the 4 C's without fostering the important 5th C.
Education
Opinion
When It Comes to the 4 C's, Some Principals Aren't Making the Grade
After posting Teachers, 'What Feedback Would You Give Your Principals?' many teachers filled out a survey explaining that what their principal believes they are good at as a leader, is not necessarily true. Read the responses and think to yourself, "What can I learn from this?"
Education
Opinion
What? Principals Are in It for the Money?
A recent survey showed that teachers believe their principals went into administration for the money and financial goal accounts for their leaders' perceived lack of leadership. Unfortunately, that perspective isn't the reality for most leaders.
Education
Opinion
3 'Simple' Ideas Every Educator Should Work on in 2017
It's 2017 and we are all in the mood to have deeper relationships and make the year better than the one we had in 2016. The Big three strategies in this blog are sure to help deepen the relationships we have with others.
School & District Management
Opinion
8 Reasons Why School Secretaries Deserve More Credit
Don't wait for a special day to thank your school secretaries.
Education
Opinion
Instructional Coaching in 20 Seconds or Less
Instructional coaches should be able to explain their job in 20 seconds or less, but many are left wondering what their jobs actually entail.
Education
Opinion
7 Keys to Building a Successful Learning Environment for Students
There are 7 keys to building a positive learning environment in your classroom. Three of them as Classroom Expectations, Targeted Instruction and Positive Reinforcement. Click on this blog for the other four.
Education
Opinion
Teachers, What Feedback Would You Give Your Principal?
As a teacher, if you could really provide feedback to your school leader what feedback (positive or negative) would you give them? What do you really want them to know?
Education
Opinion
Maybe Instead of Finland, We Should Be More Like Massachusetts?
Although Finland is a great country to visit and learn from when it comes to education, it seems as though we really don't have to go that far to see educational greatness because we have it within our own country too.
Education
Opinion
Have Educators Been Bystanders for Too Long?
"Everybody knows that something is amiss, afoot, and adrift, and nobody seems to know what to do. This puts education in the forefront of figuring out the future of humankind." Are we prepared to do it?
Education
Opinion
Collaborative Reflection: How Do You Lead?
Building collective efficacy among staff has a high effect size and is a characteristic of a collaborative leader. Unfortunately, not every situation in leadership can be collaborative. There are 4 types of leadership styles. In this blog those 4 styles are explained and a reflective tool is offered as a way for leaders to see where they spend most of their time.
Education
Opinion
'Bad Moms' and Why Parents Need Professional Development, Too
Is the PTA outdated, or do more parents need professional development on what schools need?
Education
Opinion
7 Ways to Create a More Positive School Climate
We seem to be surrounded by negativity which can harm our school climate. Research shows that a happy school climate results in better engaged students. Here are 7 ways to make your school climate happier.