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
Are Bad Ideas Making Us Miss the Good Ones?
Instructional coaching expert Jim Knight offers some great tools to help teachers improve, but in this era of accountability our focus on bad ideas may prevent us from seeing the good ones like Jim offers.
Education
Opinion
What Kind of Mind Trainer Are You?
In today's guest blog, Professor Guy Claxton asks teachers what kind of "Mind Trainer" they want to be with their students?
Education
Opinion
Do You Talk Too Much in Class?
In a recent speech in Denmark, John Hattie said that teachers ask around 250 questions a day while their students ask about 2 questions per week. Do you talk too much in class?
Education
Opinion
Becoming Connected: So What's Your Story?
In today's guest blog, Australian teacher Aaron Davis explores one of the biggest hurdles that he has found in connected learning, which is bridging the gap between those in the shadows, lurking in the background, to creating a more engaged community, which includes commenting and collaboration.
Education
Opinion
Teachers Are Not a Problem. They Are an Opportunity.
In today's guest blog, international leadership expert Andy Hargreaves lays out that when it comes to education, teachers are not the problem but an opportunity.
Education
Opinion
Teacher Leaders: Who Are the Best Ones?
Does the phrase "teacher leaders" mean innovative teachers who can help move their colleagues forward, or teachers who are there to agree with district changes?
Education
Opinion
Reimagining Schools: What Does That Mean?
When we talk about reimagining schools, what do we mean?
Education
Opinion
Transforming Teacher Preparation
Teacher preparation programs have been the object of much criticism lately. Elizabeth Hinde, Director of Teacher Preparation at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, points out that not all teacher prep programs deserve such criticism, and many have transformed the way they prepare teachers.
Education
Opinion
Peer Observation: Get Out of the Land of Nice
Peer observation doesn't always work well because teachers do not want to provide critical feedback, but given a supportive school leader, and a focus on professional growth, peer observation could offer enormous benefits.
Education
Opinion
A Great School Community Is Worth Its Weight in Gold
School communities are worth their weight in gold...I know mine is.
Education
Opinion
Professional Development Should Be Like a Runner's High
Professional development sessions leave many educators wondering what they are supposed to learn. Maybe the answer is in running?
Education
Opinion
State Education Departments: A Missed Opportunity?
Instead of focusing on politics and negativity, State Education Departments could be a model for educators by providing effective professional development, resources, and professional publications that help unite instead of divide.
Education
Opinion
Common Core: What Does It Mean for Boys?
In today's guest blog by Kelley King and Ralph Fletcher, they ask what the Common Core means for boys, and they offer some positive answers.
Education
Opinion
When We Say 'Accountability'
When we use the word accountability, we do not mean it in a positive sense. Accountability is used to describe how we, as educators, are not doing our jobs. There is a better way to move forward.