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
5 Reasons Why Education Leaders Avoid Controversial Topics
Understanding why we shy away from challenging conversations can be a path toward empathy and an opportunity for learning.
Science
Opinion
High-Quality Science Instruction Should Be 3-Dimensional. Here's What That Looks Like
Cookie-cutter lab assignments that ask students to follow explicit instructions to reach the "right" conclusion limit learning.
School & District Management
Opinion
How About an 'Un-Resolution'? 10 Low-Value Practices School Leaders Should Abandon
Educators seem to be better at adding to their workload instead of subtracting. Make this year one that focuses on de-implementation.
School & District Management
Opinion
Want to Become a More Agile School Leader? Try This
School leaders need a new way to address the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of the modern world.
School & District Management
Opinion
To Be a Great Educator and Leader, Emotional Intelligence Is Essential
Emotional intelligence might trigger an eye roll, but every leader needs it. Here's why.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
What Schools Can Do About Chronic Absenteeism, Mental Health, and Learning Loss
The drivers of change can have a positive impact on education's biggest issues. Here's how.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Emotional Intelligence and AI Together Can Help Lessen the Student Mental Health Crisis
Six out of 10 adolescents feel lonely and isolated. Here's how one large district is trying to combat the issue.
Mathematics
Opinion
Students' Math Outcomes Have Plummeted. Here's What to Do
Implementing a set of interconnected strategies can help students improve their mastery of math.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
You Think Social-Emotional Learning Is a Bad Idea. Maybe This Will Change Your Mind
Why are some educators and parents opposed to SEL, when it's about making students stronger?
Artificial Intelligence
Opinion
5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Using AI
Many educators may be nervous to use AI, but the reality is they are most likely using it already.
Artificial Intelligence
Opinion
I Tried AI as a Virtual Coaching Assistant. Here's What Happened
Is using an artificial intelligence note-taking tool appropriate during leadership- coaching sessions? Here's what AI had to say.
School & District Management
Opinion
Want to Drive Student Learning and Instruction? Pick 3 Priorities
By focusing on fewer objectives, schools can accomplish more and have a greater impact.
School & District Management
Opinion
Want to Build Pathways for Women to Become Superintendents? Should It Start With Men?
When it comes to women in leadership roles, the conversation often turns to how women can support each other. That's not the whole story.
Social Studies
Opinion
Why Public Schools Must Bolster Civics Instruction
Our students are among the youngest voters in the country. Are they being targeted as pawns in an illicit political game?