ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog

Opinion Blog

Peter DeWitt's

Finding Common Ground

A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, Peter DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. Former superintendent Michael Nelson is a frequent contributor. Read more from this blog.


Peter DeWitt is the founder and CEO of the . 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 and a former superintendent who has been an educator for more than 40 years.

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Professional Development Opinion How Education Leaders Can Build a Better Space for Collaborative Learning
School improvement often falls flat, and initiatives are easily abandoned. That can be changed.
Michael Nelson & Peter DeWitt, November 12, 2025
5 min read
ILC's in Alabama discuss a protocol developed by Michael Nelson.
ILC's in Alabama discuss a protocol developed by Michael Nelson.
Peter DeWitt
Professional Development Opinion Looking for a New Way to Approach Professional Learning? Try This
Instructional leadership collectives build cross-system networks for purposeful, impactful learning.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, October 13, 2025
5 min read
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion First Days of School at Any Age Never Lose Their Power
At 62, I started graduate school the same day my grandson began kindergarten, proof that curiosity and growth never retire.
Michael Nelson, September 25, 2025
3 min read
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Professional Development Opinion We Asked 100 Leaders for Their Top Challenges. Here's What We Learned
There are 10 major patterns to the problems in their schools.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, September 9, 2025
5 min read
Hans and Michael at Hans's leadership bbq in Washington state. 8/25
Hans and Michael at Hans's leadership bbq in Washington state. 8/25
Michael Nelson
School & District Management Opinion What I Learned About School Leadership at My Italian Nonna's Table
This principal's annual barbecue became a blueprint for building culture, community, and collective learning.
Michael Nelson, August 28, 2025
3 min read
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Peter DeWitt
Professional Development Opinion How Communities of Practice Can Drive School Improvement
Professional learning often feels like an event. Here's how to make it impactful and collaborative.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, July 16, 2025
4 min read
Opinion Licensed Not for Reuse Wait What FCG
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School & District Management Opinion The Stunning Resignation of UVA President Jim Ryan—and Why It Matters
The university president’s departure is more than just a headline. It’s a lesson in leadership.
2 min read
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School & District Management Opinion Data Can Be Intimidating to Educators. But It Doesn't Have to Be
An unexpected insight from a child offers teacher and leadership teams a way to appreciate a more nuanced use of evidence.
4 min read
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School & District Management Opinion What Principals Can Learn From Pope Leo XIV's Leadership Approach
Education leaders are under pressure to bring about positive results. Here are effective ways to go about it.
Michael Nelson & Peter DeWitt, June 24, 2025
4 min read
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School & District Management Opinion How Educators Can Escape Toxic Productivity
Tired of glorifying burnout? Discover how ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog can break free from toxic productivity and reclaim purpose and balance.
5 min read
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School & District Management Opinion Want to Be a Better Education Leader? Try These 5 Strategies
Teams should leave you feeling more connected, not drained and disengaged.
6 min read
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Professional Development Opinion Using Data With Purpose for Literacy Instruction
Instead of confining data to spreadsheets, use the information to drive equity, learning, and lasting change.
3 min read
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School & District Management Opinion How to Be a Focused Leader When There’s a Lot of Noise
Burnout, attrition, absenteeism, and disengagement are key issues for schools. Here's a path forward for ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog.
3 min read
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School & District Management Opinion 3 Mistakes New Leaders Should Avoid
Districts are searching for aspiring leaders. What does it take to succeed in the role?
Michael Nelson & Peter DeWitt, January 19, 2025
4 min read