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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Feedback That Made Me a Better Education Leader
Paying attention to what others say can be eye-opening and foster improvements in how we teach and lead.
Professional Development
Opinion
Want to Strengthen Leadership Coaching? Try Collaborative Inquiry
Education leaders need to be a part of the inquiry process so that they, too, can grow.
School & District Management
Opinion
When It Comes to Leadership, Self-Awareness Matters. Here's Why
One leader learned she had a habit of shutting down others' ideas instead of inspiring them. Here's how she changed.
Student Achievement
Opinion
How Do We Measure Student Engagement? A School Created Its Own App to Find Out
The school-created app enables students to share their feedback on lessons and teachers to find out what students are saying.