Instructional coaching has the power to transform teaching and learning, but its impact depends on how well it is structured and supported. In a conversation with coaching expert Diane Sweeney, we explored the key strategies that help coaches build strong partnerships, create intentional plans, and drive meaningful student growth.

In this episode of The Best of Us, Superintendent of Lancaster ISD Dr. AK Perera shares her journey to educational leadership and the differences between male and female superintendents’ experience. As we delve into the specific challenges women face in educational leadership, Dr. Perera also digs deep on empowering women into leadership roles, introvert/extrovert challenges, and the surprising ways superintendency is like a gumbo.

Texas district leaders are working to align professional learning, coaching, and evaluations in ways that drive real growth while meeting state and local priorities. In this webinar, we’ll explore how KickUp helps Texas districts bring clarity to their professional learning programs, measure impact, and make data-informed decisions that support and retain educators.

How can school leaders ensure that professional learning truly impacts student success? In a recent episode of The Best of Us, education expert Dr. Thomas Guskey shared his five-level evaluation model and key insights on how districts can design professional learning that drives meaningful change.

District leaders don’t need more initiatives—they need sharper focus, clearer communication, and consistent follow-through to drive real impact.

In this episode of The Best of Us, Jennifer Ahn of Lead By Learning delves into collaborative inquiry and professional learning as a critical tool for improving educational outcomes in marginalized populations. The conversation focuses on equity-centered teacher evaluation, which assesses the impact of classroom practices on vulnerable students, and the four “equity traps” Ahn identifies as common organizational pitfalls.

Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, believes that the most effective school improvement comes from empowering educators at every level. In a recent conversation, she shared how district leaders can foster bottom-up leadership by creating structures that amplify teacher voices and drive meaningful change.

In today's fast-paced education landscape, a robust coaching program can unlock teachers' potential and transform student outcomes. Jim Knight's seven essential factors offer a concise roadmap for building a coaching framework that truly makes a difference.

In this episode of The Best of Us, we’re proud to host researcher and educator Dr. Danica Brown to discuss the "hidden half" of educators—non-teaching staff like counselors, instructional coaches, and paraprofessionals. Dr. Brown shares insights from her research on college-going culture in New Orleans high schools, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration among all school staff to support students' higher education pursuits.

Equity in education isn’t just about diversifying the workforce—it’s about creating environments where all educators can thrive. Sharif El-Mekki and Lisa Lachlan dive into actionable strategies for school leaders to address systemic barriers and support educators of color. Here’s how you can start making a meaningful impact in your district.

The 2024 Learning Forward Conference brought together educators, administrators, and thought leaders from across the nation to explore the latest trends and innovations in K-12 professional learning. Let's dig into three key takeaways that are top-of-mind for the district leaders we spoke with.

Are you considering switching your district's PLMS, or moving beyond DIY spreadsheets? Download the guide now to start thinking critically about effective professional learning management systems, and how to pick the right one to maximize your district's educator growth.

It’s inarguable that teachers are experts on what their students need. So how can school administrators leverage that expertise to make professional learning collaborative rather than top-down?

Data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a tool to help educators ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions. Dr. Jim Knight shares how thinking like a data scientist can empower schools to uncover insights and create lasting change. Here’s how you can apply his advice with three actionable tips.

In this episode of The Best of Us, Jeremy and Jen Cheatham delve into Jen's course "Leaders of Learning" at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Cheatham is an expert on fostering adult learning and mindset change in educational settings, and shares a wealth of practical tips for education leaders seeking to transform their practice.