My counseling department is so strong because I give them what they need – and get out of their way.

As a first-generation college graduate, I make college readiness a priority for my students and families.

5 ways to build a school culture around future-readiness.

Beulah McLoyd is a former high school principal and now serves as executive director of Program Implementation, Midwest Region, for New Leaders. You can follow her on Twitter at @BeulahMcLoyd. When I first took on the principal role at a Chicago high school for the arts, I was charged with reopening a school that had […]

In the spring of 2020, when COVID-19 first prompted schools in the United States to shift to distance learning, our team was all in for kids. We connected with each family. We put together online resources. We copied paper packets. We made an “I miss you” video and organized a drive-thru car parade to wave […]

Before the pandemic hit, I was focusing on something exciting: Getting ready to open a new 6-12 school in my district, built around project-based learning and design thinking. I want to reimagine school so students play a larger role in mapping their own learning paths – and my goal is for every student to discover […]

This year is so hard for everyone, and our teachers are feeling it. They came into this work because they love kids, and distance and hybrid learning have changed what those connections feel like. For those teaching virtually, it’s challenging to teach to 30 boxes. Putting eyes on your students helps put things in perspective. […]

Martin Cisneros is a district director of technology in San Jose, CA. You can follow him on Twitter @TheTechProfe. I became a district director of technology because I’m passionate about edtech, and I wanted to have a hand in expanding blended learning practices. This school year, I’ve certainly gotten my wish. I’m amazed by what […]

This blog post is excerpted and adapted from “What if School Looked Like This? Centering Students in Virtual Learning Design,” from Community Design Partners. See the full 19-page publication for more detailed findings, more details about the Design Camp focus groups and guidelines and resources to help you invite students to the “design table” in […]

Anitra Cook is a middle school assistant principal in Farmville, NC. Follow her on Twitter at @ap_cookie. My school district is one of few in North Carolina that launched the school year in person, using a hybrid model. When the announcement was made that we would be working in the building rather than just virtually, […]