ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog

Opinion Blog

Finding Common Ground

With Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson

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.

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
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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
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School & District Management Opinion 11 Critical Issues Facing Education at Home and Abroad in 2025
Global collaboration can turn obstacles into opportunities for students and ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog alike.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, January 5, 2025
5 min read
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School & District Management Opinion How to Be the Kind of Education Leader You Want to Be
Ask yourself these questions in order to trail blaze a path to supporting your school community.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, December 30, 2024
3 min read
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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.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, December 15, 2024
4 min read
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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.
Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson, December 10, 2024
5 min read