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
Find What Matters. Get Rid of What Doesn't. Your Mental Health Depends on It
COVID should have taught us what's important. Did you make any changes in your life or the life of your classroom in the last two years?
Professional Development
Opinion
How Video Has Improved Instructional Coaching
Letting teachers see inside each other’s classrooms and practices has helped teacher development and school culture.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Are Schools Too Inclusive? Some People Think So
Acceptance of all children is a central mission of public schools—places where there's no room for hatred and fear.
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
America's Obsessed With Guns and Violence. And Schools Are the Target
We don't just have a gun problem in this country. We have a violence problem.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
It's Time to Give Feedback Another Chance. Here Are 3 Ways to Get It Right
Teachers and school leaders have a love-hate relationship with feedback, but that's not feedback's fault. It's all in how we approach it.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
Tired of Uninformed School Board Candidates? Try Asking These Questions
Candidates who peddle fear mongering as the cornerstone of their platforms are often clueless about what really goes on in schools.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Mental Health Crises Are Bombarding Our Schools. Here's What We Can Do
Addressing these crises requires practical strategies. We need to make school a place that prioritizes community and healing.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
What Can Schools Do as Trauma Continues to Rear Its Ugly Head?
When a student displays unacceptable behavior, educators could first turn to conversation instead of resorting to traditional discipline.
School & District Management
Opinion
The World Is Always Uncertain. How Should Education Leaders Respond?
The pandemic is one example of the uncertainties our world has experienced, and it won't be the last. How will schools respond?
School & District Management
Opinion
Management vs. Instructional Leadership: Don't Get Caught Up in Dualistic Thinking
There is a constant debate focusing on instructional leadership vs. management. During this time, it's important to look beyond the debate.
Professional Development
Opinion
Education Might Be Awash in Jargon, But Don’t Ignore ‘Pracademia’
The term may help bridge the gap between research and its impact on student achievement.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Why We Can Feel More Optimistic About Learning
Michael Fullan believes we have reason to be more hopeful about education, even after the tough years we've had.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
5 Ways Rural School Leaders Can Create Workforce Opportunities for Students
The key to offering high-quality, work-based learning opportunities to students in rural areas is community building.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
What Educators Can Learn From Wordle's Success
It seems like the world is playing Wordle, and teachers can learn a lot from that. It's the perfect balance of challenge and progress.