School & District Management Video

Walking in a Student’s Shoes

By Carmen Rojas — August 11, 2016 7:13

This spring, more than 1,300 school leaders from all 50 states and over 26 countries participated in the first Shadow a Student Challenge. The idea comes from a partnership between the Institute of Design at Stanford University and IDEO, a leading design firm that also works with schools.
Among those who accepted the challenge was Assistant Principal Karen Ritter of East Leyden High, outside Chicago. She put aside her walkie-talkie and follow one 9th grader through all of his classes—not to mention gym, the lunch line, and a full slate of homework.
What did she learn? Education Week reports in this video for PBS NewsHour.

Carmen Rojas
Carmen Rojas formerly was a Video Administration and Communications Assistant for Education Week.

This video also appeared on On Air: A Video Blog.

Video

School & District Management Video How This Principal Protects Her Teachers’ Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is possible for teachers. School and district leaders play a big role in making it happen.
4:12
Illustration of a diverse woman on a teeter board with a clock in one hand and a compass in the other.
iStock/Getty
Teaching Video Make Learning ‘Binge-Worthy’: Immersive Adventures in the Classroom
This district leader explains how teachers can increase student engagement by incorporating immersive adventures into their lessons.
Teacher Try This Maxlow Mallon lb 1140x960
Laura Baker/Education Week via Canva
Professional Development Video Teachers Go Underground to Enhance Their Science Lessons
This national parks program takes teachers deep underground.
2:18
082924 mammoth thumb BS
Sam Mallon/Education Week
Federal Video WATCH: 5 Key Education Moments From the Democratic National Convention
Calls to end gun violence, Tim Walz's background as a teacher, and Project 2025 all made for key K-12 moments at the 2024 convention.
7 min read
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. She alluded to proposals to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education during her acceptance speech.
Gabrielle Lurie/AP