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.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
Banning Books Is Not About Protecting Children. It's About Discrimination Against Others
Parents are pressuring schools to ban books. Is there anything more un-American?
Professional Development
Opinion
Can't Get Along? Here Are 5 Skills Needed for Every School-Based Team
Teachers often don’t know why they’re part of a PLC or school leadership team. Here’s how to change that.
School & District Management
Opinion
If You Can’t Maintain an Initiative, Maybe You Shouldn’t Do It
Schools are often really good at finding new initiatives to implement but aren't always good at maintaining. Here's a model to consider.
School & District Management
Opinion
A Principal's Assessment: 'We’re Not OK'
This school year is taking a toll. One principal explains why.
Professional Development
Opinion
Embracing the Power of Video Use in Teacher Evaluations
Learn how one district championed using video for teacher reviews with the full support of its teachers' union.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
How to Start Using Data to Achieve Equity for Students
Schools are awash with data but rarely do anything with it. One district started out by limiting the tools it uses.
School & District Management
Opinion
Why This Assistant Superintendent 'Jumped Into TikTok With Both Goofy, Size 14 Feet'
An assistant superintendent joined TikTok, and in the process, it gave him an outlet to achieve better mental health.
School & District Management
Opinion
Transformational vs. Instructional Leadership. Which Is Better?
Research has fomented a debate focusing on the impact of transformational vs. instructional leadership. Has COVID changed our minds?
Professional Development
Opinion
When School Leadership Actions Contradict the Work We Expect to See in Classrooms
Districts often want to engage in the latest work that will impact student learning. Unfortunately, their actions go against that work.
School & District Management
Opinion
Educators, It's Time to 'Declutter' Your Practice
Teaching people how to breathe is used to alleviate issues in school. Breathing is the start, but decluttering should be the next step.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
‘A Culture of Care’: How Schools Can Alleviate Educator Stress This Year
It takes more than deep breathing to alleviate the stress teachers feel. Here's how to get to the root cause.
Professional Development
Opinion
If You’re Conducting PD, Seek Engagement With Educators
Professional development can seem one-sided when the facilitator has all the power. Pre-engagement surveys can effectively turn that dynamic around.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Educators, Be Future-Ready, But Don’t Ignore the Present
Being ready for what lies ahead is important, but we also need to gain a better understanding of the here and now.
Professional Development
Opinion
Developing Success Criteria With PD Participants to Engage in Deeper Learning
Success criteria show educators how we believe they will be successful at the end of a lesson. Let's involve them in the process.