leadership Archives

The cure for the school attendance crisis? Family support and a sense of belonging

November 7, 2025May 21, 2025 by Dr. Shanna Downs, West Georgia RESA

The chronic absenteeism rate has increased post-pandemic--a clear indicator that the problem isn’t letting up any time soon.

Empty seats have become a common sight in our nation’s classrooms. Students are missing school at record-high rates--not because they don’t want to be there, but because significant…

District Management

The business (and busy-ness) of education

November 7, 2025May 15, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark, America & Ken Simon, Institute for Educational Leadership

Every employee in a people-first culture--schools or business--should feel respected and feel that the company cares for them individually.

We often hear we should run our schools more like a business. It is intended to mean that we become more efficient and that we streamline our efforts…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The pros and cons of DEI in education

May 13, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Middle School and William Howard Taft University

Positive DEI efforts in education include thoughtful and inclusive implementation strategies that promote equity and inclusion for all.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become integral to educational institutions across the United States. DEI aims to foster environments where all students can thrive regardless of…

Innovation Insights

InstructureCon 2025: Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy, Brings the Skinny

May 8, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

When the developers of Canvas, the world’s leading web-based learning management system (LMS) software, invite you to a party—July 22-24 ... Read more

Newsline

Kenneth C. Griffin Donates $2 Million to Nonprofit Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program to Strengthen South Florida’s Teacher Pipeline

May 8, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

Miami – Achieve Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to equalizing educational opportunities for students throughout Miami-Dade County, has received $2.4 million ... Read more

District Management

The dangers of attempting to ‘Instant Pot’ educational progress

November 7, 2025May 8, 2025 by Christy Hovanetz, ExcelinEd

Right now, K-12 needs a little more tough love--stronger expectations, accountability and leadership for students and their progress.

States aren’t happy with how their students are doing--not well, by all objective measures--but instead of focusing in on long-term solutions, they’re lowering expectations and sweeping those academic…

K-12 Cybersecurity

Edtech gone rogue? Tackling “Dirty Stream” attacks amidst uncontrolled app overloads

May 7, 2025 by Apu Pavithran, Hexnode

Safeguarding student data and securing the digital future of education is a joint venture to keep Android apps safe for schools.

In May 2024, Microsoft identified a critical vulnerability pattern targeting Android applications, ominously called “Dirty Stream.” This vulnerability allows malicious apps to overwrite files, potentially leading to arbitrary…

Teacher Professional Development

The math anxiety equation: How to solve for confidence in math class

May 5, 2025 by Brian Dean, UnboundEd

$To conquer math anxiety, we must first help students believe they are capable learners of mathematics--and that starts with the right PD.$

One of my first vivid memories of math is of timed tests. I still remember how visceral my panic felt--sweaty palms, heart pounding--as I scrambled to recall facts…

Newsline

Frontline Education Announces Chris Collins as New Chief Customer Officer

April 17, 2025April 15, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

Wayne, Pa. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Frontline Education, a leading provider of administration software purpose-built for educators in K-12, today announced that ... Read more

Student Data Security

Leadership is key to protecting student data privacy in 2025

April 14, 2025 by Linnette Attai, CoSN

For many school districts, successful implementation of a student data privacy program may require some form of organizational change.

In the year 2025, no one should have to be convinced that protecting data privacy matters. For education institutions, it’s really that simple of a priority--and that complicated.

Teacher Professional Development

Ethical PD: Doing right by the teachers who do right by the world

April 11, 2025 by Ben Talsma, Van Andel Institute for Education

Ethical PD is a philosophy that puts teachers and their needs front and center, for the benefit of students, communities, and the nation.

Teachers are superheroes. Every day, they rise to the challenge, pouring their hearts into shaping the future. They stay late to grade papers and show up early to…

District Management

Leading (again) in uncertainty

November 7, 2025April 11, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark

In uncertain times for school leaders, success can be found in moving away from rigid hierarchies to more flexible approaches.

We are again in uncertain times. We again find ourselves dealing with sudden changes and uncertainty. We seem to be in a state of constant change and ambiguity.

District Management

Preparing for the interview season

April 9, 2025 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

Readying for an interview for a new education position involves several key steps that can significantly impact the outcome.

Spring brings not only showers and flowers, but it also brings the opportunity to interview for new education positions. Preparing for an interview involves several key steps that…

District Management

6 ways tech simplifies school communication and engagement

November 7, 2025April 3, 2025 by Lisa Melashenko & Elena Clemente, Alisal Union School District

Districts often struggle with school communicat, but new platforms help ensure the right messages reach the right groups.

As technology trainers, we support teachers’ and administrators’ technology platform needs, training, and support in our district. We do in-class demos and share as much as we can…

District Management

How will schools replace devices bought during the pandemic?

November 7, 2025April 1, 2025 by Dennis Pierce

Edtech leaders are grappling with the question of replacing pandemic devices as millions of student devices near the end of their life cycle.

During the pandemic, thousands of school systems used emergency relief aid to buy laptops, Chromebooks, and other digital devices for students to use in remote learning.

COVID in Schools

Five years on: COVID’s impact on schools–and what’s next for education

March 27, 2025 by Dr. Megan Kuhfeld & Dr. Karyn Lewis, NWEA

Education's next 5 years will be crucial in determining whether we can prevent pandemic learning gaps from becoming permanent for students.

Five years ago this month, the World Health Organization officially labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic. In response, life as we knew it came to a halt, schools were…

Teacher Professional Development

Elevating principals, teachers, and students through shared purpose and leadership

March 25, 2025 by Jacqueline K. Haynes, Charleston County School District

By narrowing the focus, transforming professional development and getting buy-in from stakeholders, low-performing schools can improve.

In Charleston County, South Carolina, a school turnaround initiative designed to enhance teaching and learning at 10 schools on the state’s improvement list has seen remarkable success.

Student Data Security

Is your district safeguarding student data?

March 25, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

District edtech leaders offer an unprecedented look at gaps and opportunities in student data privacy across the nation.

Protecting student data is critical for school district IT leaders, but many cite leadership and training gaps, along with time and manpower, as obstacles in that pursuit, according…

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

The fight for educational equity in the face of federal rollbacks

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 by Dr. Patricia Burch & Dr. Royel Johnson, USC Rossier School of Education

Now is the time for bold and decisive leadership and action in setting the course for more edtech equity in the education system.

The federal government’s latest move to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education is not just an ideological shift--it’s a direct threat to decades of progress in…

District Management

K-12 student attendance improves, but interventions are still needed

November 7, 2025March 24, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

While younger students approach pre-pandemic attendance levels, high schoolers remain at risk of chronic absenteeism, according to a survey. student attendance

For the first half of the 2024-25 school year, overall K-12 student attendance rates have improved, continuing the progress seen over the past two years, according to a…

CoSN Corner

CoSN 2025: Humans in an AI world

March 21, 2025 by Laura Ascione

IT leaders, superintendents, and district teams are gathering in Seattle to explore the latest in innovative edtech and IT at CoSN 2025.

Like it or not, AI is evolving, and it is cementing its place in education. And the CoSN 2025 Conference is preparing attendees to meet the AI challenge…

Teacher Professional Development

Key questions that unleash powerful PLCs

March 18, 2025 by Douglas Fisher & Nancy Frey, San Diego State University and Health Sciences High and Middle College

Transforming PLCs for educators means moving beyond ‘What do we teach?” to focus on ‘How do we teach it effectively?’

With today’s clear academic standards, PLCs no longer need to spend precious time deciding what to teach. Instead, they can focus on other questions, starting with, “Where are…

District Management

Top female district leaders share do’s and don’ts of climbing the professional ladder in 2025

February 28, 2025 by Megan Scavuzzo, Presence

Female district leaders share valuable experience and insights into what it takes to achieve professional goals in 2025.

Professional growth is often at the top of New Year’s Resolution lists. As educators and education leaders plan for the year ahead, we asked some of the nation’s…

District Management

Transformational leadership: Safe harbors, or turbulent seas?

November 7, 2025February 27, 2025 by Dr. Phil Lambert, University of Sydney

Leaving the sanctuary of a safe harbor is necessary to undertake genuine transformational change in education.

Depending on the starting point, the challenges encountered in making required policy and practice changes can be considerable. Leadership in and for this context is not for the…

K-12 Cybersecurity

How schools can fight growing ransomware attacks

February 25, 2025 by Ian Milligan-Pate, Zscaler

Cyber criminals and ransomware are growing threats to schools and to students’ privacy, making data security and cybersecurity critical.

The education sector is facing a growing and multiplying menace: a surge in cyberattacks by ransomware groups that are leveraging generative artificial intelligence and other sophisticated tools.

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Only 27 percent of states plan to sustain K-12 digital access as federal programs end

February 19, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

SETDA's digital access report outlines strategies to prevent millions of students from losing internet access and further falling behind.

Only 27 percent of states have plans to sustain K-12 digital access as key federal programs expire, according to a new report from SETDA, the principal association representing…

District Management

Elevating family leadership to foster student success

November 7, 2025February 10, 2025 by Marcela Andrés, designEDengagement, PBC

Collaboration through family leadership turns schools into high-quality learning spaces that offer equitable opportunities to all students.

Meticulously scrubbing floors until they gleam, braving the scorching sun while securing heavy shingles atop a roof, or navigating the relentless chaos of a packed food line--these aren’t…

Advancing digital equity through teacher leadership

February 3, 2025 by Content Provided by Digital Promise

In today’s digital world, a teacher leader must have the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology to enhance student learning.

Meaningful opportunities for teachers to build expertise and leadership beyond their classroom add to a sense of professionalism and fulfillment. In an age when the role of technology…

Edtech Trends

Collaborate and celebrate at TCEA 2025

February 7, 2025January 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

At TCEA 2025, embark on a learning journey with your fellow educators and find inspiration with keynote speakers, sessions, and more.

Educators, IT leaders, tech professionals, and everyone in between will find inspiration and connection at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas.

Education Policy & Funding

Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

March 12, 2025January 28, 2025 by Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Bessemer City Schools & William Howard Taft University

Advocates for dismantling the Department of Education argue for local control and efficiency, while critics highlight risks to equity, access.

In light of Donald Trump assuming a second presidential term in 2025, conversations concerning dismantling the United States Department of Education have resurfaced.

K-12 Cybersecurity

Preparing for evolving ransomware threats in 2025

January 22, 2025 by Gary Barlet, Illumio

For ransomware threats, schools must embrace an "assume breach" mindset and strengthen internal defenses to avoid cyber disasters.

As ransomware evolves, so must the strategies used to combat it. Traditional perimeter defenses, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are no longer sufficient in an era of…

Newsline

Visix Celebrates 45 Years of Innovation and Leadership in Visual Communications

January 15, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

ATLANTA, GA – Visix, Inc., a leading provider of digital signage, wayfinding and space management solutions, is celebrating 45 years in ... Read more

District Management

Em-pathy, not un-pathy, in school leadership

January 15, 2025 by Sean Slade, BTS Spark

In school leadership, great leaders know what makes their colleagues and teams tick and how to motivate and spark them.

In one of his many great YouTube clips, Simon Sinek talks about what key and successful teams seek in their leaders. Performance and ability--sure. But even more important…

Digital Innovation

Here’s what will drive K-12 innovation in 2025

January 14, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

The annual research, with a full report coming in February of 2025, highlights transformative changes in K-12 innovation.

AI, learner agency, and digital equity are among a number of factors that can hinder or foster K-12 innovation, according to CoSN's annual Driving K-12 Innovation Top Topics.

Student Data Security

The advantages of edtech compliance for schools and vendors

January 9, 2025 by Mike DeKock, MJD Advisors

As schools continue to invest in technology, they’ll also continue to focus on edtech compliance and vet vendors to safeguard student privacy

Schools are increasingly adopting technological solutions that enhance learning outcomes and simplify administrative tasks--from eLearning platforms to teacher scheduling apps and parent communication tools.

Newsline

Incident IQ Welcomes Tech Innovator Bill Loller as Chief Product Officer

January 7, 2025 by Teach Strats Staff

Atlanta (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Incident IQ, the workflow management platform built exclusively for K-12, announced today that Bill Loller will ... Read more

Newsline

Gale and ConnectEDD Publishing Announce Partnership to Offer Jimmy Casas’ PD Resources on Gale eBooks Platform

December 23, 2024 by Teach Strats Staff

CHICAGO & FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Gale, part of Cengage Group and ConnectEDD Publishing, have partnered to bring the professional ... Read more

Newsline

The 36th Annual National Service-Learning Conference® Returns to Saint Paul, MN

December 20, 2024 by Teach Strats Staff

Saint Paul, MN – The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is proud to announce The 36th Annual National Service-Learning Conference, ... Read more

District Management

Female district leaders target back-to-school priorities

December 18, 2024 by Megan Scavuzzo, Presence

Female school leaders offer insights into the resources, practices, and actions that help them guide their districts.

As educators and administrators prepare to start the new year off strong, top former and current female district leaders share their go-to sources for advice, inspiration, and continued…

Teacher Professional Development

A look at one school’s innovative approach to PD

December 11, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A strong PD framework directly impacts teaching and learning, boosting teachers’ ability to differentiate and personalize their instruction.

In this Q&A, Teach Strats chats with Andi Morency, founder and executive director/principal of The Honors Academy of Literature in Reno, Nevada.

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