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.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Difference Between Data and Evidence: What School Leaders Need to Know
Data collection alone won't improve student learning. Here are 7 ways to take action.
School & District Management
Opinion
What's the No. 1 Way to Retain Principals?
When it comes to the demands of the job, principals share common concerns, according to a recent survey.
School & District Management
Opinion
5 Education Leadership Lessons From Chef Ina Garten
"Less is more," "quality is everything," and more tips inspired by the art of cooking to build trust, connection in your school community.
Professional Development
Opinion
Why Educators Are Abandoning X to Join Bluesky
The rapidly growing social media platform offers connectedness and learning opportunities, all of which can be helpful to educators.
School & District Management
Opinion
How Education Leaders Can Engage With Teachers About Data
Data can help teachers and leaders understand which instructional moves to tackle now and which to use in the future.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Blind Spot More Educators Need to Recognize
A simple activity in a training session caused a chain reaction that strengthened an educator's leadership for decades to come.
School & District Management
Opinion
Education Leaders, You Can't Do Your Job in Isolation
An unusual way to begin a leadership team retreat leads to a deeper understanding of why teachers and leaders need to work together.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
3 Ways Educators Can Make Hard Conversations Easier
Conversations around hot-button topics can catch teachers and school leaders off guard. Avoidance isn't the answer.
School & District Management
Opinion
3 Ways School Leaders Can Build Collective Understanding
Initiatives will fail without school staff being included in these key conversations.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
What Makes an Inspiring and Passionate Teacher?
How one teacher inspired a young student to see himself as a reader, a learner, and a future educator.
School & District Management
Opinion
4 Things School Leaders Should Do Before Setting Priorities
Sweeping language doesn't offer a road map for the school community. Here's why.
Professional Development
Opinion
Why Are So Few Educators Aware of Research in Their Own Field?
Many educators lack the knowledge base built by important researchers, stalling progress in the field, writes Thomas R. Guskey.
Families & the Community
Opinion
What Student Impacted You Most as a Young Teacher?
Paying attention to students and their families can provide some of the most valuable lessons to teachers.
School & District Management
Opinion
8 Steps to Revolutionize Education
Artificial intelligence is just one of the ways that educators can create a system "breakthrough," explains Michael Fullan.