leaders Archives

What it takes to build teacher confidence in math: 4 lessons for district leaders

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 by Olivia Paris, Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19

$As teacher confidence grows, the way that math feels in the classroom begins to shift and evolves into a move positive experience.$

After 20 years teaching high school math, I thought I understood why students struggled. Then I sat in my first professional learning session focused on early math and…

AI in Education

From innovation to impact: Three ways school districts can build a sustainable AI framework

April 24, 2026 by Carl Hooker, Innovation & Digital Learning Leader, Matt Holley, Lubbock-Cooper ISD & Amy Liang, Los Gatos Union School District

School leaders must move beyond experimentation and build AI systems that prioritize governance, purpose, and data integrity.

AI is here, and it’s moving fast. For schools, that speed is both an opportunity and a risk: The right tools can transform learning, but the wrong ones…

Student Well-Being

District leaders must adapt to meet changing student mental health and behavioral needs

April 7, 2026 by Brandy Samuell, M. Ed., & Kay Kelly, eLuma

How school systems are building clear, connected ways to respond as student mental health needs and student well-being needs grow.

District leaders across the country are grappling with a deepening crisis: Student mental and behavioral health needs are growing more complex. In a recent national survey, 58 percent…

District Management

Sustainable change starts with educator voice

April 6, 2026 by Timothy Montalvo, Iona University & the College of Westchester

When educator voice helps shape the work of their schools, change becomes a shared commitment to better outcomes for students.

School leaders everywhere are working to implement change--new initiatives, new instructional frameworks, new technologies, new approaches to student support.

District Management

Don’t mistake staff voice for a problem

April 3, 2026 by Andy Szeto, Ed.D, Professor and District Administrator

School leaders must make space for staff to express concerns and offer suggestions, because staff voice is critical to district success.

As children, we play hide-and-seek. There is a kind of logic to it: If you cannot see me, then I cannot see you. As adults, and sometimes as…

Teaching Trends

The next wave of K-12 innovation: How educators are shaping the future of edtech

March 30, 2026 by Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, New Bedford Public Schools

Edtech innovation can come from teachers who remove learning guardrails and show students the joy and excitement in trying something new.

Every school year brings an influx of IT solutions designed to reinvent K-12 education. Schools are primed to jump on the latest technologies to address the issues most…

District Management

How to navigate historically high absenteeism

March 27, 2026 by ESchool News Staff

Truly successful chronic absenteeism solutions are those that focus on re-engaging students with their school communities.

Chronic absenteeism has stabilized at historically high levels, signaling a long-term engagement challenge rather than a short-term pandemic disruption, according to a new national white paper released by…

District Management

A superintendent’s view: Engagement, not enforcement, is the answer to absenteeism

March 17, 2026 by Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent, Ithaca City School District

Chronic absenteeism rarely begins with a student deciding to break a rule--more often, it reflects a gradual erosion of engagement.

Chronic student absenteeism has reached troubling new heights in the post-pandemic K-12 landscape, with one in four students in many systems now missing significant class time.

District Management

Key tips to help district leaders use data to improve attendance

March 11, 2026 by Dr. Kara Stern, SchoolStatus

Chronic absenteeism is predictable and preventable--if district leaders respond quickly enough to change the pattern.

Chronic absenteeism has become one of the most pressing challenges facing K-12 education today. According to the American Enterprise Institute, chronic absenteeism rates are leveling out at 23.5…

District Management

Strengthening the PK-12 leadership pipeline during a succession crisis

February 26, 2026 by Dr. Martin Yousef, LaFetra College of Education, University of La Verne

Without intentional investment, the PK-12 leadership pipeline will continue to narrow as retirements outpace preparation.

Across the country, districts are confronting a growing PK-12 leadership pipeline crisis. Veteran principals, assistant principals, and district administrators are retiring at increasing rates, yet there is not…

Emergency Planning & Response

How location precision enhances safety and reduces response times in emergencies

February 24, 2026 by Peter Crosbie, CENTEGIX

Effective responses during school emergencies depend on knowing how to get to the right place at the right time and with the right resources.

In emergencies, time is the most valuable resource--and it’s often the one in shortest supply. Whether a medical crisis, fire, or security threat, the difference between a quick…

Why Teachers Stay (and Why They Leave)

February 9, 2026February 5, 2026 by Vcarlson

Teacher turnover is nearing 22% nationwide — and even higher in urban districts. In this EdWeek panel, K-12 HR leaders ... Read more

IT Innovations

Connected campuses: Modernizing education communications for safety and simplicity

January 12, 2026 by Damon Covey, GoTo

Modernized education communication isn't just convenient, but functions to bolster safety and responsiveness.

Schools, colleges, and universities face growing challenges in keeping their communities informed, connected, and engaged.

Student Well-Being

The rise of remote psychoeducational testing: What school leaders need to know

January 6, 2026 by Stephanie Taylor, Ed.S., NCSP, Taylored Education Solutions

Remote testing isn’t just a novelty--it’s a practical, scalable solution that is rooted in evidence to help students with mental health.

Special education is at a breaking point. Across the country, more children than ever are being referred for evaluations to determine whether they qualify for special education services.

District Management

What K-20 leaders should know about building resilient campuses

January 5, 2026 by John Scott Mooring, Mooring USA

From smarter materials to proactive planning, these strategies help create resilient schools that stay open and prepared for what comes next.

When a school building fails, everything it supports comes to a halt. Learning stops. Families scramble. Community stability is shaken. And while fire drills and lockdown procedures prepare…

Literacy

From momentum to endurance: Scaling structured literacy with implementation science

December 1, 2025 by Kimberly Stockton, Ed.D.

When it comes to structured literacy, implementation science is a roadmap for translating the science of reading into instructional routines.

When districts adopt evidence-based practices like Structured Literacy, it’s often with a surge of excitement and momentum. Yet the real challenge lies not in the initial adoption, but…

K-12 Cybersecurity

10 reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a fix--it protects students, strengthens IT resilience, and equips classrooms for an AI-powered future

K-12 IT leaders are under pressure from all sides--rising cyberattacks, the end of Windows 10 support, and the need for powerful new learning tools.

K-12 Cybersecurity

How Windows 11 is powering the next generation of K-12 innovation

November 5, 2025October 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

K-12 leaders can strengthen cybersecurity, simplify IT management, and deliver inclusive, AI-driven learning experiences with Windows 11.

As school districts navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT and academic leaders face a growing list of challenges--from hybrid learning demands and complex device ecosystems to rising…

Internet Connectivity

Future-proof your district’s network: Smarter, faster, and more secure classroom connectivity

November 5, 2025October 21, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Innovative districts are modernizing and future-proofing district networks to power learning, safeguard data, and maximize E-rate funding.

As digital learning continues to evolve, K-12 districts are under pressure to deliver connectivity that’s as fast, secure, and flexible as the learning it supports.

School Management

Why education leaders must highlight their people

October 20, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

When education leaders illuminate their teams' achievements, they don't diminish their own leadership, but they enhance it.

When I asked my executive assistant to proof my first superintendent’s report for the public board packet, she came back and said that she was surprised that I…

Newsline

Four education innovators honored with the 2025 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

September 23, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Four leaders charting bold new paths in education will be celebrated as the 2025 recipients of the Harold W. McGraw, ... Read more

Literacy

Building a literacy framework that works: A district leader’s journey in Peoria

September 23, 2025 by Lindsay Bohm, Peoria (Ill.) Public Schools District 150

AI can be more than a tool--it can help every student reach their fullest potential, and teachers who are supported help students achieve.

When I stepped into the role of curriculum coordinator for Peoria Public Schools District 150 in 2021, I entered a landscape still reeling from the disruption of COVID-19.…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Districts eye proactive cyber threat protection as risks increase

September 22, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

CoSN recommendations help schools and district align cybersecurity priorities with areas of need to protect students and information.

Cybersecurity threats to K-12 schools are growing in frequency, sophistication, and cost, yet many school districts remain under-resourced and underprepared, according to the CoSN 2025 State of EdTech District…

Rethink the ordinary: 10 benefits of interactive solutions for education

September 18, 2025September 12, 2025 by Jeff Festa

In this era where technology influences nearly every aspect of life, education has an essential technology leadership role to ... Read more

2025 AI in Education – A Microsoft Special Report

September 17, 2025August 16, 2025 by Jeff Festa

To better understand the state of AI in education, Microsoft Education has conducted numerous studies and surveys and collaborated with ... Read more

College and Career Readiness

How to strengthen student workforce readiness with classroom and career connections

August 4, 2025 by Catherine Dunlop, Discovery Education

Educators and leaders must ensure the current education system meets students’ needs and blends academic learning with CTE.

Today’s workforce requires adaptable, skilled individuals with the confidence to creatively apply background knowledge to complex, real-world opportunities.

School Management

Navigating back-to-school anxiety: A K-12 success guide

July 24, 2025 by Dr. Jason Richardson, Garden City Elementary School & the International University of the Caribbean

Building strong support networks within the school community significantly reduces back-to-school anxiety levels.

As the 2025-2026 academic year approaches, experiencing anxiety about returning to the classroom is a natural response to change that affects everyone differently.

AI in Education

5 AI tools that offer more than hype

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

High-impact AI tools in education typically provide real-time feedback on student work and adapt instruction based on performance.

The term "AI-powered" is today's most popular buzzword--particularly in education. A growing number of edtech tools now claim to leverage AI, promising smarter, faster, and more personalized learning…

AI in Education

Educators: Lack of infrastructure and vision limit AI’s potential

July 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

AI, educator burnout, and the future of education are all top focus areas for educators in a recent PowerSchool survey.

AI tools to support and personalize student learning will have the most significant impact on students in the next few years, according to PowerSchool's 2025 National Educator Survey.

AI in Education

Common Sense Media releases AI toolkit for school districts

July 11, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Educators need practical, easy-to-use tools that support thoughtful AI planning, decision-making, and implementation in school districts.

Common Sense Media has released its first AI Toolkit for School Districts, which gives districts of all sizes a structured, action-oriented guide for implementing AI safely, responsibly, and effectively.

Teacher Professional Development

The Tennessee Educational Technology Association: A blueprint for success

July 9, 2025 by Simon Weller, UDT

For K-12 professional organizations, a commitment to professional growth and support benefits school districts as edtech evolves.

Since its official founding in 1994, the Tennessee Educational Technology Association (TETA) has been a driving force in uniting K-12 leaders across the state, championing the advancement of…

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: SMART Technologies debuts premium interactive display

June 30, 2025 by Laura Ascione

SMART Technologies is raising the bar on what affordable classroom technology can deliver—the all-new SMART Board GX Plus redefines entry-level interactivity ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

Showfloor News: Edlio’s new analytics dashboard boosts engagement

June 30, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Edlio, a provider of K–12 school communication solutions, announced significant enhancements to its Mass Communication system and mobile app. The ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTE+ASCD Reveals 2025 Honorees for Innovation and Excellence in Education

July 1, 2025June 23, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

ISTE+ASCD announced the recipients of the 2025 ISTE+ASCD Impact Award, Distinguished District Award, Distinguished Educator Preparation Program Award, and 20 ... Read more

District Management

8 tips for school leaders seeking to innovate

November 7, 2025June 12, 2025 by Michael B. Horn, Clayton Christensen Institute

How can school district leaders make practical innovation a daily part of their organizations and operations?

When school and district leaders read about innovation--defined as improvements for students and teachers that result in real progress, not anything that’s simply “new or different”--the changes can…

Teacher Professional Development

5 strategies to refine recruitment and help solve the teacher shortage

June 12, 2025 by Jason Odom, FlexPoint Virtual School

Research consistently shows that teacher quality is the single most important school-based factor influencing student achievement--more impactful than race, socioeconomic status, or prior academic performance.

Innovation Insights

Finding the Middle Ground

May 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Nancy Frey and Doug Fisher know their way around an education acronym. Both professors at San Diego State University and ... Read more

Teacher Professional Development

Only 1 in 8 elementary teacher prep programs adequately teach math

May 22, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

$Teacher prep programs must increase the time they spend on fundamental math concepts to develop great math teachers.$

Only one in eight elementary teacher preparation programs nationwide devote enough time to teaching fundamental math content topics (numbers & operations, algebraic thinking, geometry & measurement, and data…

Emergency Planning & Response

Empowering school staff with emergency response protocols

May 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

The right safety platform can help schools plan for emergencies, respond to crises, and accelerate emergency response protocols.

Safety response protocols are foundational to creating a culture of safety in schools. District leaders should adopt and implement response protocols that cover all types of emergencies.

E-rate Funding

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

May 13, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Key findings in a new report highlight expanding role of edtech leaders amid rising AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity challenges.

If the Supreme Court decides Universal Service/E-Rate is unconstitutional, losing E-rate funding would have a catastrophic impact on the vast majority of school districts, according to CoSN's 2025 State…

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