Administrators | Discovery Education

What Is a Learning Management System (LMS)? Examples, Types & Pros/Cons

Michael Healey — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:37:40 +0000

Key takeaways

A learning management system provides a centralized digital hub that supports instruction, organization, communication, and progress monitoring in schools.
Understanding what a learning management system is helps districts select an LMS that aligns with instructional goals and student needs.
The success of an LMS in education depends on intentional implementation, clear expectations, and strong leadership—not just the technology itself.

Digital tools are now part of everyday teaching in schools. Teachers use technology to share lessons, organize student work, and stay in touch with students and families. Students rely on these tools to access materials, complete assignments, and keep track of what they are learning. At the center of this work is the learning management system (LMS), which serves as the main platform for digital teaching and learning.

From a superintendent’s perspective, the LMS you choose matters. When the system supports district goals, classrooms feel more consistent, teachers spend less time managing various tools, and students know what to expect. When it doesn’t, even a well-designed LMS can create confusion. Making sense of what an LMS actually does—and how different approaches fit different districts—plays a big role in whether it helps or hinders learning.

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

A learning management system is a digital platform that organizes teaching and learning. It is a structured online environment where lessons, assignments, resources, feedback, and communication all come together. When districts talk about LMS meaning, they are describing a system that functions like a digital classroom and, in some cases, supports the structure of an entire school.

An LMS acts as a central online classroom. Students use it to find their lessons, turn in work, check messages, and see how they are doing. Teachers use the system to post materials, organize lessons, give feedback, and communicate with students and families. Having everything in one place reduces confusion and helps students know what to expect each day.

An LMS is also a platform for instructional delivery. Teachers can create lessons, upload files, embed videos, link materials, and design learning paths that guide students through units—often with a connected K-12 online learning platform that expands access to interactive content and digital experiences. Students follow these pathways at school, at home, or wherever they are. This is especially valuable for districts focused on blended learning or supporting students who need access beyond the traditional school day.

Beyond instruction, an LMS supports progress monitoring. Many systems let teachers see which students have completed assignments, identify who is struggling with specific concepts, and monitor participation in discussions or group activities. These insights help educators adjust instruction, identify gaps, and provide timely intervention.

Another key function is communication. Teachers can send reminders, make announcements, respond to student questions, or share updates with families—all within the same platform. This reduces reliance on multiple disconnected apps, allowing schools to unify their communication systems.

What Are Examples of a Learning Management System?

K–12 LMS platforms fall into several categories. These learning management system examples describe different types of systems, each with its own strengths depending on your district’s goals.

Classroom-Level LMS

A classroom-level LMS is designed for individual teachers or grade-level teams. These systems allow teachers to easily post assignments, collect student work, and provide feedback. They tend to focus on the day-to-day flow of classroom instruction. For many teachers, especially in the elementary grades, this type of LMS feels comfortable and intuitive because it mirrors traditional classroom routines in a digital format.

Students benefit from the simplicity, and families appreciate the straightforward access to class materials and updates.

Districtwide LMS

A districtwide LMS supports a more coordinated, broader approach across schools. These learning management systems are designed to support all students, teachers, and multiple school buildings through one LMS platform.

Districtwide LMS allows districts to create shared course templates, align content across grade levels, integrate with student information systems, and generate detailed analytics about learning trends. When a district’s goal is consistency and cohesion—ensuring that every student sees similar navigation patterns and organizational structures across classrooms—a districtwide LMS is often the best fit. These systems typically also support cross-building collaboration, professional development, and curriculum alignment efforts.

Portfolio-Based LMS for Early Learners

Portfolio-based systems provide primary-grade students with a way to demonstrate learning through photos, drawings, audio and video recordings, and short written responses. Teachers can capture snapshots of learning across time, creating digital portfolios that families can explore. This category emphasizes developmental appropriateness, authenticity of learning artifacts, and visual documentation rather than complex assignments or detailed learning modules. It is ideal for districts that value early literacy, student reflection, and family engagement.

Standards-Aligned LMS

Some LMS platforms are built specifically around mastery learning. These systems let teachers connect assignments and assessments to specific learning standards, track student mastery across units or grade levels, and identify learning gaps. When districts prioritize standards-based grading or want to improve alignment between curriculum and assessment, a standards-aligned LMS is extremely valuable. Instead of simply posting assignments, teachers use the platform to ensure that every task connects to a defined learning expectation.

Over time, districts can use the system’s reports to examine strengths and weaknesses across buildings and adjust curriculum accordingly.

Curriculum-Integrated Learning Systems

Certain systems combine instructional content with LMS-style features. While not true LMS platforms on their own, they provide structured digital lessons, interactive activities, digital resources, and assessments that integrate with an LMS.

Teachers often use these systems to supplement core instruction with videos, simulations, or digital explorations that enrich learning.

Synchronous Instruction Tools (LMS Support Systems)

Some tools support live teaching within the LMS environment. They allow teachers to meet with students virtually, host real-time discussions, or facilitate group discussions. While not full LMS platforms, they typically integrate with one and create opportunities for hybrid learning or virtual academy-type programs.

Districts that run remote learning programs or offer digital tutoring often rely on this category of LMS.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Learning Management System?

Implementing a learning management system comes with significant benefits but also requires careful, strategic planning.

Benefits of Using a Learning Management System

One of the most significant advantages of an LMS is the consistency it brings to instruction across classrooms and grade levels. When students enter a digital space that looks and functions similarly regardless of the teacher, they spend less time navigating and more time learning. This consistency especially helps students who struggle with organization or executive-function skills. Families also benefit because they do not need to learn new systems each year.

Organization is another significant benefit. Teachers can build units, post lessons, store resources, and structure long-term planning within the LMS. Students always know where to find assignments, due dates, learning materials, and teacher feedback. Instead of chasing missing work or searching through hundreds of emails, all information is centralized and easily accessible.

Family engagement increases significantly when an LMS is used effectively. Parents gain transparent access to what their child is learning, what assignments are due, and how their child is progressing. This visibility strengthens home–school communication and provides families with meaningful opportunities to support learning.

The LMS also streamlines teacher workflow. Instead of recreating the same assignments year after year, teachers can reuse templates or entire courses. Auto-grading tools save time on quizzes, while digital rubrics provide consistent feedback without extensive manual effort. Over time, this efficiency allows teachers to focus more deeply on instruction rather than administrative tasks.

Differentiating instruction becomes more manageable within an LMS. Teachers can assign enrichment tasks to advanced students, intervention supports to struggling learners, or alternative formats to students who need accommodations. Because the LMS can release content sequentially or by mastery, it provides an excellent structure for personalized learning.

Finally, data collection is a significant benefit. The LMS can show which students are completing tasks, how they are performing on assessments, and where specific learning gaps exist. Over time, these patterns help teachers and administrators see what’s working, where students are struggling, and how instruction can be adjusted.

Challenges of a Learning Management System

Despite its advantages, an LMS also presents challenges that districts must address. One major hurdle is the initial learning curve for staff and students. Without carefully planning training and ongoing support, teachers may feel overwhelmed, and students may struggle with navigation.

Access and equity are also concerns. Not all students have reliable internet access, sufficient devices, or quiet learning spaces outside the school. Districts must plan for lending programs, hotspots, and accessible design features so all students can participate fully.

Costs can pose another challenge. Learning management systems require financial investment in licensing, professional development, and technical support. Districts must budget for these ongoing expenses.

There is also the risk of over-reliance on digital tools. While the LMS is valuable, it should enhance—not replace—hands-on learning, collaboration, and classroom discussion. School leaders need to help teachers find that balance.

Lastly, without strong leadership, LMS usage can become inconsistent. If teachers adopt the system in different ways, students experience confusion, and families receive mixed messages. Clear expectations, shared templates, and routine professional development are all essential for districtwide success.

Types of Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems used in K–12 schools are better grouped by purpose rather than by specific features or instructional uses. Some platforms primarily serve as classroom tools, supporting basic learning organization through assignment management and simple communication. Others are designed as districtwide systems to support consistency, centralized administration, and shared instructional structures across schools.

Certain LMS platforms are developmentally focused, prioritizing documentation and student-created artifacts that show learning over time. These systems are commonly used where reflection and demonstration of growth matter more than traditional coursework. On the other hand, standards-driven LMS platforms are focused on alignment and mastery, organizing instruction around learning expectations and progress toward clearly defined outcomes.

Other learning management systems focus on instructional content and digital experiences and connect teachers and students to specific learning resources. Finally, some LMSs incorporate tools that support live instruction, enabling real-time interaction and synchronous learning when districts offer virtual or hybrid learning opportunities.

Understanding these LMS types helps districts evaluate platforms based on instructional intent, organizational needs, and long-term capacity—rather than individual features or brand names.

Choosing the Right LMS for Meaningful Learning

A learning management system has become a core part of how K–12 schools teach, organize learning, and communicate. When districts clearly understand what a learning management system is and carefully weigh both benefits and challenges, they are better positioned to choose a system that supports teachers, serves students, and strengthens family communication.

When implemented well, an LMS is more than a piece of technology. It provides structure, consistency, and access—helping instruction stay aligned, reducing barriers for students, and supporting success across classrooms and schools.

The post What Is a Learning Management System (LMS)? Examples, Types & Pros/Cons appeared first on Discovery Education.

5 Biggest K–12 Education Trends for 2026

Michael Healey — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:17:39 +0000

Key takeaways

The top tier trends in school education for 2026 are about balance—managing innovation, expectations, and budgets without losing focus on quality instruction.
Current trends in education show that AI and technology add value only when used intentionally and aligned with classroom needs.
Across all trends in education, student engagement is the clearest driver of learning and must guide decisions in 2026 and beyond.

As schools look toward 2026,education continues to shift in meaningful ways. Districts are navigating rapid technological advancements, challenges related to student engagement, and increasing pressure to deliver meaningful outcomes with limited resources. These trends in education are not isolated issues—they are connected to how teaching and learning happen every day in classrooms.

The top tier trends in school education for 2026 reflect the reality that many districts are facing: balancing innovation with day-to-day realities, meeting students where they are while maintaining high expectations, and navigating tighter budgets without sacrificing instructional quality. At the center of these conversations are AI, teacher workload, student engagement, fiscal realities, and the evolving role of classroom technology.

Insights from Education Insights 2025–2026: Fueling Learning Through Engagement reveals perspectives from superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students across the country. One clear theme emerges: engagement, relevance, and support matter more than ever for student success.

AI in Education

AI is one of the most visible trends in education today, and it continues to prompt important questions for school leaders.

AI tools are increasingly being used to support personalized learning, lesson creation, and instructional planning. Students report that AI helps them organize ideas, clarify concepts, and learn more efficiently. Educators are exploring AI to assist with tasks such as lesson planning, content preparation, and data analysis, creating opportunities to focus more time on instruction and building relationships.

Across schools, interest in AI continues to grow. Nearly all superintendents express excitement about AI’s potential to support teaching and learning, according to the 2025-2026 Education Insights Report. This optimism reflects a growing belief that AI may help address long-standing challenges related to differentiation and instructional demands.

At the same time, there are risks to consider. A concerning number of students acknowledge using AI on assignments without permission, while many teachers report catching students doing so. These concerns raise important questions around academic integrity, assessment design, and equitable access.

Views on AI differ across roles. While district leaders may see AI as an opportunity, classroom teachers—who manage distraction, plagiarism, and unclear policies every day—often approach it with more caution. Moving forward, success will depend on clear expectations, professional development, and consistent guidance. AI in schools is no longer optional; how it is used will determine whether it adds value or creates a distraction.

Teacher Burnout

Teacher burnout continues to shape some of the most important trends in education heading into 2026.

Educators consistently report being stretched thin by instructional demands, administrative responsibilities, and the growing need to individualize instruction. The issue is not a lack of commitment—it is a lack of time. Teachers overwhelmingly identify limited time for planning, professional growth, and collaboration as a major barrier to delivering engaging instruction.

The 2025-2026 Education Insights Report makes one thing very clear: many teachers don’t feel they have the time needed to improve their practice, even though they know what engages students. That gap creates real challenges for long-term sustainability.

Burnout impacts instructional quality, student relationships, and staff retention. When teachers are overwhelmed, innovation slows—and even promising tools like AI can feel like additional burdens rather than supports. As districts plan for 2026, addressing teacher workload and day-to-day demands will be as important as introducing new initiatives.

Cell Phone Use

Student cell phone use has become one of the most visible classroom challenges and a significant current trend in education.

Teachers report a sharp increase in phone use during instruction, especially at the secondary level. At the same time, many students acknowledge that phones disrupt their ability to stay focused.

According to the 2025-2026 Education Insights Report more than half of high school students admit to using their phones during class, while nearly 80 percent of teachers say they regularly compete with phones and social media for students’ attention.

As a result, many districts – including mine – have implemented stricter phone policies. While clear expectations are important, I’ve also realized that these policies alone are not enough. When lessons don’t capture students’ interest, they will always find a way to disconnect.

Research and classroom experience show us that students disengage less when instruction feels relevant, challenging, and meaningful. In many cases, phones are a symptom of disengagement – not the actual cause.

Schools seeing the greatest success are combining clear boundaries with classroom approaches that emphasize student engagement and real-world connections.

Budget Pressures

Financial pressure continues to influence nearly every decision districts make, making budgeting one of the most pressing top tier trends in school education.

Increasing operational costs, staffing shortages, and competing priorities have forced districts to be more selective than ever. Health care costs alone have risen at double-digit rates year after year in many districts, consuming a growing share of operating budgets and limiting what districts can spend in classrooms. As a result, superintendents consistently cite limited classroom resources as a major barrier to student engagement.

The Education Insights report shows strong agreement across all stakeholder groups—students, parents, teachers, principals, and superintendents—that limited resources make it harder to support engagement and learning. This shared view shows why spending decisions matter more than ever.

Looking ahead, districts will need to be more selective about what they purchase, focusing on tools that save time and support student engagement. Rather than adding new programs, the focus will need to be on strengthening what schools already have.

New Technology

Beyond AI, instructional technology continues to play a growing role in trends in education.

Interactive content, real-world simulations, and digital resources are being used more often to make learning more engaging and relevant. These tools align with one of the central findings of the Education Insights Report: students tend to work harder when lessons feel meaningful and connected to real life.

Technology works best when it supports engagement. A K-12 online learning platform can help teachers save time while making learning more interactive and relevant. Tools that align with curriculum goals—rather than adding extra steps—are most effective in supporting teachers and student learning.

Technology alone does not drive engagement. When poorly implemented, it can distract from learning. The most successful districts focus on alignment—making sure technology supports instructional goals, classroom priorities, and long-term needs.

Preparing Schools for 2026: Finding the Right Balance

As schools prepare for 2026, the most influential current trends in education are less about adopting every new idea and more about prioritizing what matters most.

Using AI in our classrooms has real potential, but only with clear guidance and support. Teacher burnout is a profession-wide problem and can’t be addressed by adding more initiatives. Cell phone usage points to the need for more engaging instruction and student opportunities. Budget pressures require careful spending. And technology should always support learning, not distract from it.

The findings in the Education Insights Report reinforce a critical message: student engagement matters the most and must guide our decisions in 2026 and beyond.

Districts that stay focused on these priorities will be better prepared for the next phase of K–12 education, while continuing to keep students at the center of their decisions.

The post 5 Biggest K–12 Education Trends for 2026 appeared first on Discovery Education.

The Pros and Cons of AI in Education: Benefits, Risks, and Real Examples

Michael Healey — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:04:32 +0000

Key takeaways

AI in education supports teaching, not replacing teachers. Its impact relies on quality instruction and thoughtful use.
Purposeful use of AI in schools allows teachers to spend less time on routine work and more time with students.
Using AI responsibly means setting clear expectations for privacy, accuracy, access, and professional development.

As a superintendent, I’ve watched AI in education move rapidly from an abstract conversation to a practical, daily tool used in classrooms and district offices.

I’ve watched AI help elementary students understand complex vocabulary, support multilingual students with instant translation, and give high school students instant feedback on a first draft of their essay. On the other hand, I’ve also heard from teachers who feel overwhelmed by the rapid adoption of AI, are uncertain about accuracy, or are unsure whether AI actually improves instruction.

Teachers are now using tools like chatbots and writing assistants, while principals and superintendents are developing policies to guide safe and appropriate use. The conversation has shifted from whether AI belongs in schools to how it should be used responsibly.

This mix of promise and concern mirrors what many district leaders across the country are experiencing. To understand the real impact of AI in schools, we have to look beyond the hype and beyond the claims and examine what’s actually happening—to teachers’ time, to instructional quality, and to student outcomes.

This balanced view reflects the real AI in schools pros and cons district leaders are weighing as these tools move from experimentation to everyday use.

Understanding the real impact of AI requires focusing on how it is changing classroom practice, teacher workload, and student learning.

What does AI in Education Mean?

Put simply, AI in education refers to digital tools that use algorithms and predictive modeling to assist with learning, planning, assessment, and instruction. These AI tools can analyze patterns, adjust content, generate feedback, or streamline routines that typically take educators hours to complete.

What are examples of AI in education?

Examples of AI in education currently include:

Adapting instruction as teachers see how students are responding in real time
Supporting writing and revision so teachers can give feedback more efficiently
Helping multilingual students access content alongside their peers
Identifying students who may need extra support earlier
Offering additional practice and explanations when students need them
Reducing the time it takes to create quizzes, rubrics, and reading materials

The key to understanding AI’s role in schools is this: it is not a replacement for teachers. It is a new level of support that is only effective when paired with strong instruction, human judgment, and careful oversight.

How AI Is Used in Schools Today

AI is no longer just a future idea—it is already being used in classrooms every day. From planning lessons to supporting students, schools are learning where these tools are helpful and where they need limits. Many districts are pairing AI tools with a K-12 online learning platform to bring together adaptive instruction, digital learning materials, and classroom-ready resources in one place.

From a superintendent’s perspective, the most effective uses of AI focus on improving instruction, saving time, and expanding access, this includes:

Personalizing Learning

Adaptive AI programs analyze student work and adjust difficulty instantly. For example, students are now working on math tasks where AI offers immediate hints to students who are struggling, while also adapting the same work for students who are already demonstrating mastery.

One student told me, “It keeps me from getting stuck too long,” while the teacher explained it gave her the ability to work with small groups without leaving anyone behind.

Giving Teachers Time Back

Ask almost any teacher what they need more of, and the answer is nearly always the same: time. Time to plan well, time to give meaningful feedback, and time to focus on students rather than paperwork.

Used thoughtfully, AI can help reclaim some of that lost time. Teachers are already using it to draft lesson outlines or assessments, create leveled texts on the same topic, spot patterns in student data, identify common writing errors, and generate practice questions or examples.

When AI handles these routine, time-consuming tasks, teachers gain something far more valuable—the flexibility to focus on instruction, relationships, and the needs of their students.

When used the right way, AI gives teachers hours back each day – creating initial drafts and eliminating planning tasks. Teachers can now focus on refining their lessons, adjusting their instruction, and meeting their students’ needs.

Supporting Early Intervention

AI tools help schools identify academic or behavioral concerns sooner by detecting patterns such as attendance issues, missing work, or common errors. This allows us to respond earlier, before these become bigger issues.

Using this information during data meetings helps us focus our discussions and make better-informed decisions about student support.

Expanding Access to Learning

AI tools help remove barriers for multilingual learners, struggling readers, and students with disabilities by providing supports such as translation, captioning, speech-to-text, read-aloud features, vocabulary support, and visual explanations.

This means students are now able to engage with grade-level content more independently, without instruction slowing down or drawing attention to the support they are receiving.

Improving Writing and Feedback

AI writing tools can also help students get started, organize their ideas, and revise drafts. Instead of correcting routine or minor errors, the time saved by using these tools lets teachers focus on instruction and student progress.

The Pros of AI in Education

AI is beginning to play a role in how schools plan instruction, support students, and manage daily work. It now helps teachers save time, expand access, and respond more effectively to student needs. The pros of using AI in education are already visible in many classrooms, including:

Enhanced Personalized Learning

AI automatically adjusts content, giving students targeted support and reducing the need for teachers to create multiple versions of the same assignments.

Reduced Teacher Workload

AI reduces planning time by generating drafts, questions, rubrics, summaries, and sample responses. Teachers remain in control of instructional quality, with AI reducing the work required on the front end.

One veteran teacher recently told me, “It gives me time back—time that I can spend working with kids instead of creating worksheets.”

Immediate Student Feedback

Students can revise their work and get feedback right away, rather than waiting until the next class. This helps them build confidence and take more responsibility for their own learning, while allowing teachers to step in when it matters most.

Increased Accessibility

AI removes barriers by offering translation, captioning, vocabulary support, and alternative formats. This helps more students access grade-level tasks without constant support.

Better Use of Data

AI helps schools sort through large amounts of data and highlight patterns that can be easy to miss day to day. This allows teachers and support teams to identify concerns earlier and plan targeted instruction more efficiently.

Increasing Student Engagement

When used correctly, AI-supported tools can draw students into learning in ways that feel active and purposeful. In many classrooms—particularly in STEM—students are designing, testing, and experimenting through simulations and interactive tasks rather than passively completing worksheets. The result is often higher interest, increased participation, and more active learning.

The Cons of AI in Education

As with any new instructional tool, AI brings both benefits and risks. School leaders must understand these concerns and plan for them. These issues are already present in many districts, including:

Protecting Student Data

Because AI tools rely heavily on student information, families need clear, straightforward assurances about what data is collected, how it is stored, who can access it, and whether it is used for purposes beyond education. As a superintendent, these are often the first questions families raise—and they are the right ones to ask.

Implementation Challenges

Even the most effective tools require time, training, and support. When implementation is rushed or unclear, it often creates confusion and frustration instead of helping. Providing clear guidance and high-quality, ongoing professional development is essential for the effective use of AI in schools.

Over-Reliance on Technology

Sometimes, using AI too quickly can actually interrupt learning rather than enhance it.

AI should be used to support learning, not replace the thinking and effort students need to develop on their own. Classrooms still require hands-on work, meaningful discussion, and time for students to solve problems independently.

Inaccurate or Misleading Outputs

AI tools can make mistakes and sometimes produce answers that sound convincing but are not correct. Students, teachers, and administrators need the skills to question and evaluate AI-generated information instead of taking it at face value.

Should AI Be Used in Schools?

Instead of asking whether AI is “good or bad,” district leaders should ask whether it serves an instructional purpose.

To determine whether AI in education is appropriate, leaders and teachers should consider:

Does this tool solve a real instructional or operational challenge?
Does it enhance—not replace—teacher judgment?
Does it protect student data and follow strict privacy requirements?
Is it accessible to all students?
Do teachers receive time and support to learn it?
Does it strengthen—not distract from—our core learning goals?

When the answer to these questions is yes, AI supports student learning and gives teachers more time to provide meaningful instruction and support students.

Using AI in Schools — With Purpose and Intention

AI is already changing how schools plan instruction, support students, and use data. When used correctly, it can help personalize learning, reduce teacher workload, and expand access for students. At the same time, concerns about privacy, accuracy, equity, and over-use must be addressed thoughtfully.

From a superintendent’s perspective, the best results happen when AI supports good teaching rather than replaces it. Clear expectations, transparency with families, and intentional implementation make the difference between AI in schools being a helpful tool and a distraction.

No matter how advanced technology becomes, schools succeed because of people. Strong relationships between teachers and students, trust with families, and leadership focused on student well-being will always matter more than any tool, including AI.

The post The Pros and Cons of AI in Education: Benefits, Risks, and Real Examples appeared first on Discovery Education.

Student Engagement: Signs to Watch and Strategies That Work

Michael Healey — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:12:54 +0000

Key takeaways

Student engagement is more than participation — it reflects how students think, feel, and behave during learning.
Measuring student engagement requires using multiple sources, including observations, student feedback, and academic indicators.
Positive relationships, meaningful lessons, and active learning strategies help improve student engagement in any classroom.

Student engagement drives every successful classroom. When students are interested and involved, learning improves. Teachers notice immediately—lessons run smoothly, discussions come alive, and students try harder. Yet for all its importance, student engagement remains one of the most frequently misunderstood concepts in education.

Some view engagement as simply paying attention. Others think of it as participation. Many educators describe it as a combination of motivation, effort, and curiosity. While each captures part of the idea, none reflects what student engagement really is.

According to the 2025-2026 Education Insights Report, nearly all students say engaging lessons make school more enjoyable, yet 8 in 10 report struggling with boredom at least once a week. This is a clear message that students want to engage, but their day-to-day classroom experience doesn’t always spark that connection.

To support students effectively, educators need to clearly understand what student engagement looks like and how to improve it. That understanding includes recognizing the signs of engagement, identifying ways to measure it, and using proven strategies that help students stay motivated and involved.

What is Student Engagement?

Student engagement describes the degree to which students are actively involved in and connected to the learning process. It’s more than looking at the board or completing homework. Engagement shows up in how students think, feel, and behave during learning.

Researchers generally agree that engagement has three interconnected components: behavioral, personal, and cognitive. All three are important, and together they give educators a more complete picture of how students experience learning.

Behavioral Engagement

Behavioral engagement is the visible part of engagement — what you can see as you walk into a classroom. It includes things like participating in discussions, collaborating with classmates, following routines, or staying on task. When students demonstrate behavioral engagement, they are actively doing the work of learning.

This doesn’t mean students are simply sitting quietly. A student who quietly stares at a worksheet for 30 minutes may look compliant but may not be truly engaged. On the other hand, a student who asks questions, takes notes, or explains how to solve a problem to a partner is demonstrating active behavioral engagement.

Personal Engagement

Personal engagement reflects how students feel about learning and the classroom environment. Students who have positive connections to school — who trust their teachers, feel comfortable sharing ideas, and believe they belong — are far more likely to participate in a meaningful way.

Even students who are capable may hold back if they feel disconnected. A supportive classroom helps students feel safe enough to take risks, try challenging work, and ask for help when they need it.

Cognitive Engagement

Cognitive engagement focuses on the thinking students put into their learning. Students who are cognitively engaged show curiosity, ask questions, make connections, and demonstrate persistence when tasks become challenging.

A cognitively engaged student doesn’t just get the right answer — they understand how they arrived there, can explain their reasoning, and often want to keep exploring.

When educators ask, “What is student engagement?”, the best answer is that it is a blend of the three – behavioral, personal, and cognitive engagement – that supports meaningful learning.

Examples of Student Engagement

Because engagement can look different across grade levels, subjects, and individual students, it helps to visualize what engaged learning looks like in everyday classrooms.

Examples of Behavioral Engagement

Students contribute ideas during whole-group or small-group discussions.
They take notes, reference materials, or ask clarifying questions.
Students stay focused during independent work and complete assignments on time.
They work together and share responsibilities during group work.

Examples of Personal Engagement

Students show enthusiasm or genuine interest in a topic.
They smile, interact positively with classmates, or express pride in their work.
Students feel comfortable asking for help or offering encouragement to peers.
They demonstrate confidence when tackling new material.

Examples of Cognitive Engagement

Students ask thoughtful, higher-order questions.
They revise their work to improve accuracy.
Students apply strategies independently and “stick with it” during difficult tasks.
They make connections between lessons or real-world situations.

These examples demonstrate that student engagement is not a single behavior; it’s a pattern of actions and habits that develop over time.

How Do You Measure Student Engagement?

Measuring student engagement is not always straightforward, but it is essential. Since engagement cannot be captured in a single data point or snapshot, educators often use multiple measures, including classroom observations, feedback, and a range of performance indicators, to better understand it.

Classroom Observations

Observations provide important insight into how students behave and interact during instruction. Administrators, academic coaches, or teachers themselves may look for:

Signs of attention and focus
The level of student ownership during tasks
Participation patterns across the class
Evidence of collaboration
How students use tools, resources, or strategies

Well-designed observation tools make it easier to consistently observe these behaviors.

Student Surveys and Feedback

Students are not only participants in learning — they’re also the best source of how engaged they feel. Student surveys and student feedback can reveal:

Whether lessons feel relevant
How confident or motivated students feel
Their sense of belonging
Which teaching approaches are most effective
How well they understand expectations

Notably, the 2025-2026 Education Insights Report shares that less than half of students believe their teachers know when they’re engaged—a clear indication that schools must be more intentional about gathering student feedback.

Academic Indicators

Although academic achievement doesn’t tell the full story, it can reveal important changes in student engagement. Useful academic indicators include:

Performance on formative assessments
How well students explain their thinking
Whether students revise work voluntarily
Growth over time

When these indicators are combined with other measurements, student engagement patterns often become clearer.

Behavioral Data

Behavioral data provides clear information that often relates to engagement levels, including:

Attendance
Assignment completion rates
Behavior referrals
Participation logs

For example, chronic absenteeism may reflect low personal engagement, while a sudden increase in incomplete assignments may indicate low cognitive engagement.

Evaluate Learning Through Student Work

Reviewing student work shows how well students understand the material and how well they stick with tasks. Student work samples can show:

How complex their thinking is
How effectively they use feedback
If they are comfortable revising their work
Signs of creativity or problem-solving skills

Looking at student work can reveal engagement trends that aren’t always visible from observing student behavior alone.

Learn From Conversations With Your Students

Talking with your students — in one-on-one or small-group situations — provides insights that data alone can’t. These conversations often help uncover:

What students are interested in
Barriers that affect their learning
What motivates them
How they view class activities

This information adds important context and helps teachers adjust instruction more effectively.

When all of this information is considered together, it becomes much easier to answer the question, “How do you measure student engagement?” in a reliable and practical way.

How to Increase Student Engagement

Educators often ask, “How do we increase student engagement?” Fortunately, there are clear strategies that address student motivation, focus, and effort. These strategies work across grade levels and subject areas and can be adapted to nearly any classroom. Many of them align with research-backed practices that have also been shown to increase student achievement.

The research also demonstrates the need for improved student engagement. Nearly all students value engaging lessons, but many struggle with boredom, overwhelm, or disconnection. These strategies help address those challenges directly.

Create Meaningful Connections With Your Students

Students tend to be more engaged when they feel connected to their teacher. Small, everyday actions can build trust and help students feel supported.

Strategies that support this include:

Learning your students’ names quickly
Greeting them at the door each morning
Checking in when a student seems off
Getting to know students beyond your classroom

A meaningful connection won’t fix every problem, but it can help students work through them.

Connect Your Lessons to What Matters to Students

When students understand why a lesson matters, they’re often more interested and willing to engage. Relevance can come from real-world examples, current events, or activities that connect to students’ experiences.

The data from Education Insights is clear: 90% of students, 97% of parents, and 95% of principals agree that students put in greater effort when lessons feel meaningful and relevant.

Some ways to build relevance in your classroom might include:

Creating projects that are tied to local issues
Integrating student interests into lessons
Connecting lessons to future career pathways
Designing tasks that solve practical, real-world problems

Even small adjustments can make lessons feel more meaningful to students.

Let Your Students Choose

Giving students the opportunity to choose can make them feel more invested in their own learning. Even small opportunities can make a big difference.

Examples include:

Multiple writing prompts or reading selections
Options for demonstrating learning (video, poster, podcast, essay, etc.)
Project topic choices
Decision-making within group tasks

When students feel that their voices matter, they are more likely to invest more effort and show stronger engagement.

Make Learning Active and Interactive

Active learning gets students up, talking, interacting, and problem-solving — all behaviors associated with higher engagement. To make learning in their classrooms active, teachers can incorporate:

Think-pair-share activities
Hands-on science investigations
Learning centers
Project-based learning experiences

In classrooms where active learning is routine, a high level of engagement becomes part of the culture.

Build Engagement Through Meaningful Feedback

Timely feedback keeps students engaged by guiding improvement and reinforcing their efforts. It helps students understand what they are doing well and where they need to improve.

Useful feedback can come in the form of:

Quick verbal conferences
Written comments
Exit tickets
Check-ins during independent work

The goal is not just correcting mistakes — it’s helping students grow.

Use Technology to Enhance Learning

When used intentionally, technology can boost engagement, support differentiation, and bring learning to life. A high-quality K-12 online learning platform allows teachers to effectively incorporate technology directly into their lessons.

Teachers can use technology for:

Interactive tools that let every student respond in real time
Short videos that reinforce key concepts
Digital learning platforms that adjust to each student’s skill level
Virtual reality labs, field trips, or other simulations that extend learning beyond the classroom

Technology should always enhance learning, not replace effective teaching.

Set High Expectations and Provide Support

Students engage more willingly when they believe their teacher expects them to succeed — and is willing to help them get there.

This support may include:

Modeling new skills
Providing sentence starters or graphic organizers
Offering guided practice before independent work
Celebrating progress rather than perfection

When you pair high expectations with the right level of support, you let your students know: “Even though this seems difficult, I know that you can do it.”

Recognize and Celebrate Student Progress

Celebration boosts confidence and reinforces effort. Students are more likely to stay engaged when they know their progress matters.

Teachers can celebrate growth through:

Quick verbal acknowledgments during class
“Spotlight student” features
End-of-week reflection notes
Student work displays

Recognizing student progress doesn’t need to be an elaborate production — it just needs to be genuine.

The Impact of Strong Student Engagement

When student engagement improves, everything else gets better. Teachers see fewer behavior issues, a more positive classroom environment, and students who are more motivated and connected. Student achievement increases because students put in more effort, and attendance improves as they feel a stronger sense of belonging. Most importantly, students begin to see themselves as capable learners.

Improving student engagement leads to better outcomes. With better measurement tools and intentional strategies, classrooms can become places where students feel motivated, challenged, and connected.

The post Student Engagement: Signs to Watch and Strategies That Work appeared first on Discovery Education.

Professional Development: The Key to Teacher and Student Success

Dr. Becky Cahill — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:17:15 +0000

Key takeaways

Effective professional development is ongoing, relevant, and collaborative.
Teacher voice and action-oriented outcomes are essential.
A school’s PD system directly impacts teacher satisfaction, retention, and student outcomes.

In any profession, continuous improvement is critical to success. For educators, this is especially true because students’ needs continue to change. A systematic approach to professional development, coupled with an effectively implemented plan, can enhance teacher practice, improve student outcomes across academic areas, and positively impact job satisfaction for educators.

When evaluating what makes professional development effective, one question should be considered before any others. Does professional development contribute to improvements in student success? If the answer is yes, the current approach to professional development is an element of overall school success. If the answer is no, teachers and leaders have a clear mandate for change.

What is professional development for teachers?

Professional development for teachers is a system of structures and procedures that provide educators with the time and space necessary to improve their practices. Professional development, often referred to as PD, is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing approach that can help teachers improve both their pedagogy and their content-specific knowledge.

Effective professional development requires an intentional framework to schedule time and provide resources to educators. Research shows that schools with robust systems to support teacher growth and development have an easier time retaining teachers. To provide successful professional development for teachers, there are elements that must be incorporated into any PD plan. These elements should be considered as the structures (i.e., scheduled sessions, coverage for teachers, purchased resources) and the procedures (i.e., collaboration, reflection, relevance) needed to build purposeful professional development.

The professional learning must be sustained throughout the school year
The professional learning must be relevant and job-embedded
Teachers must remain active in decision-making related to their own professional development
The outcome of professional development for teachers should be action-oriented
Each group of educators working as a team must consider whether they will focus on content or pedagogy
The professional development structure must be collaborative and allow for meaningful feedback

School leaders should partner with teachers to identify the current approach to professional development within the school. Any PD should be measured against the elements listed above. With that information in hand, changes can be made or new structures created to build a professional development system that supports teacher skills and job satisfaction, and as a result, improves student success.

Why is professional development important in education?

Professional development is important in education because it is the foundation of continuous improvement for both teachers and students. A school that does not have clear structures for professional development or relies on occasional ‘sit and get’ PD sessions will face stagnation and teacher burnout.

The most recognizable purpose of a robust professional development plan will be improvement in student outcomes. Teachers consistently working together to use educational resources and implement high-impact teaching strategies will change classroom outcomes. This student success is the product of the improvement that occurs with teacher growth and feelings of job satisfaction.

When educators are treated as professionals and allowed to collaborate with their colleagues, they report a higher level of satisfaction at work. Types of professional development for teachers that are relevant and will lead to direct action are perceived to be an effective use of time. Also, when PD is driven by teacher input, the topics and strategies will be timely and meaningful. The collegiality and feedback that can be shared among educational professionals will improve skills in knowledge in the areas that are most vital to the specific needs of schools.

What are the common types of professional development for teachers?

The success of a professional development plan will depend on the structures and procedures in place. There is not one prescribed professional development routine that will work for all schools. Each school will need to consider the types of professional development that will meet the unique needs of the teachers. It is important to remember that often the structures are the same for all teachers, but the procedures allow for differentiation for teacher groups based on their specific needs.

Professional Learning Communities (PLC)

A professional learning community (PLC) is an identified group of educators who work together throughout the year with an identified common goal. It is that goal that will impact conversations and decisions about student success at each team meeting.

Presentations

A presentation is a method for sharing knowledge with a group of teachers. It is important that the presentation is timely and that educators leave with materials or skills that can have an immediate impact on their classroom practices.

Conferences

A conference is an event that includes multiple sessions available to educators. In-person conferences are ideal for access to new ideas that are not yet published or in wide practice. It is not feasible to send the full staff to a conference, so it is important to identify teacher-leaders who can help share the practices they learn with their colleagues.

Microlearning

Microlearning is a newer method to deliver PD that focuses on a singular fixed topic in a short amount of time. The sessions are most often recorded to be accessed at the convenience of teachers. This is a great way to share a new idea and leave most of the time for teacher conversation and application to real-life practice.

Online Courses

An online course can be a helpful resource when more in-depth information is needed. This might be an overarching topic, with different lessons introducing new information and new strategies. School leaders must consider how to provide time for teachers to complete their coursework as part of their contract hours.

Book Studies

A book study is another type of professional development that can expose educators to a substantial amount of information about one topic. If the topic is foundational to a school setting, such as developing relationships or building a culture, a book study could be used with an entire staff. More often, book studies are appropriate for a smaller group of teachers with a shared goal or need.

School leaders and educators should be intentional when selecting the types of professional development for teachers. The key is to utilize any type of PD in a way that allows for ongoing collaboration, relevance, and feedback.

How to make professional development effective for your school?

To create an effective professional development plan for your school, you should work with a team of educators to consider the structures and procedures you will need to have in place.

School schedule – You will need to set aside time for ongoing PD during the school day. Once a week is ideal, but the minimum should be once a month.
Job-embedded – Regardless of the type of PD you select, it must be specifically related to the work of educators. Teachers will be the best source for a list of timely topics.
Teacher voice – The group of educators participating in the PD must play an active role in decision-making regarding the PD’s purpose and the outcomes of the sessions.
Collaboration – PD should not be a transactional event. There are times when explicit instruction is appropriate, but that should lead to time to discuss, process, and collaborate on the information that was shared.
Feedback – One of the most underutilized methods of communication in the school setting is feedback. Clear, constructive feedback on the use of skills and practices introduced in PDs will enable lasting change.
Content-focused or Pedagogy – Before any PD, the teachers or school leaders should decide if the topic will be content-focused or pedagogical. After the school year has begun, educators will most often select to focus on specific content. However, there are times when concentrating on a skill or strategy that transcends a grade level or content area can be impactful.
Actionable – An educator leaving a PD, whether it was 15 minutes or a conference over several days, should have concepts or strategies that will immediately impact their practice, and by extension, the success of their students.

The post Professional Development: The Key to Teacher and Student Success appeared first on Discovery Education.

Instructional Strategies: Simple and Effective Techniques for the Classroom

Michael Healey — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:59:40 +0000

Key takeaways

Effective instructional strategies help teachers reach all students and improve learning.
High-performing classrooms use a wide variety of techniques because students learn in different ways.
Teachers have the greatest impact when they intentionally match instructional strategies to student needs.

In today’s classrooms, effective teaching is not defined by a teacher’s personality, charisma, or even experience alone—it’s shaped by the intentional use of instructional strategies that help all students learn.

As a superintendent, I’ve visited countless classrooms across grade levels and districts. The most effective teachers aren’t just delivering content; they are using specific instructional strategies that promote thinking, discussion, practice, reflection, and learning.

Understanding what instructional strategies are—and how to use them proficiently—can transform classroom learning and create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

What Are Instructional Strategies?

Instructional strategies are methods, techniques, or approaches teachers use to help students learn more effectively. These strategies guide how teachers introduce content, build understanding, check for mastery, and support students as they apply what they have learned.

When people ask, What are instructional strategies?, the simplest answer is this: they are the tools teachers use to make learning more engaging and accessible. These strategies can be whole-class, small-group, or individual. They can also be discussion-based, hands-on, technology-driven, collaborative, or reflective. What makes them “instructional” is the intention behind them—each strategy is chosen with a purpose and aligned to a learning goal.

Instructional strategies also create consistency in the classroom. When students know what to expect—whether it’s modeling, guided practice, or small-group work—they can focus less on the routine and more on the learning. Over time, these predictable structures help students become more confident and independent learners.

Why Instructional Strategies Matter

Schools that focus on effective teaching practices achieve higher levels of student achievement, stronger student engagement, and more predictable classroom environments. In my experience, intentional instructional decision-making strengthens everything from daily interactions to long-term academic outcomes.

Effective instructional strategies matter because they:

Support all students. Every classroom includes students with varied backgrounds, strengths, and needs. Strategies such as differentiation, modeling, and scaffolding ensure that all students have access to appropriate grade-level content.
Increase student engagement. When students participate in structured conversations, hands-on tasks, or collaborative problem-solving, they are far more likely to stay engaged. This engagement is not accidental—it is the result of the teacher’s instructional choices.
Improve understanding and retention. Guided practice, visuals, and quick checks help students learn new ideas and remember them. These strategies make complex tasks easier and better reinforce key concepts.
Strengthen routines and classroom culture. Consistent use of instructional strategies creates a sense of safety and structure in classrooms. When students know what success looks like—and how to achieve it—behavior improves and classrooms run more smoothly.
Support Teacher Effectiveness. Strong instructional strategies reduce guesswork. Instead of relying on trial and error, teachers can use proven techniques that reliably increase understanding, engagement, and learning outcomes.

Research consistently shows that thoughtful instructional choices directly influence student achievement. When teachers select strategies that align with learning goals and student needs, academic growth improves, and classroom learning becomes more effective and meaningful.

What Are the Different Types of Instructional Strategies?

While there are countless ways to categorize instructional strategies, most fall within a few broad groups that help teachers decide when and why to use each approach. These include:

Direct Instruction

Direct instruction uses clear, explicit teaching to introduce new skills and ideas. The teacher models the skill, explains their thinking, and guides students through practice.

Examples of direct instruction include: modeling and think-alouds, guided practice, explicit vocabulary instruction, and mini-lessons.

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning tasks students with working together to solve problems, develop ideas, and deepen their understanding of a topic.

Examples include: Think-Pair-Share activities, literature circles, and group projects.

Inquiry-Based Learning

These strategies encourage students to explore ideas, ask questions, and discover answers on their own.

Examples of inquiry-based learning include: project-based learning, Socratic seminars, experiments, and research tasks.

Differentiated Instruction

Differentiation helps teachers meet diverse learning needs by adjusting content, tasks, or the way lessons are taught.

Examples include: tiered assignments, flexible grouping, choice boards, and scaffolded texts.

Assessment

While often overlooked, assessment is a critical part of instruction. Teachers use ongoing checks to guide their next steps.

Examples include: exit tickets, conferences, quick writes, and whiteboard responses.

What Are Examples of Instructional Strategies?

Teachers often ask, What are examples of instructional strategies? Here are several high-impact strategies that can be implemented in classrooms today:

Think-Pair-Share encourages every student to participate by thinking on their own, sharing with a partner, and then discussing with the class.
Cooperative learning approaches like Jigsaw ensure every student has a role and contributes to group learning.
Modeling and think-alouds show students the steps needed to approach a task or solve a problem.
Graphic organizers, such as Venn diagrams and mind maps, help students visualize relationships and organize information.
Sentence frames support academic discourse and structured writing.
Centers provide active learning opportunities and allow students to practice skills in multiple ways.
Retrieval practice strengthens memory and long-term retention.
Exit tickets provide quick checks for understanding at the end of a lesson.
Anchor charts offer ongoing visual reference points.
Digital resources within a high-quality K–12 online learning platform can enhance engagement and support mastery across content areas.

These examples show that strong instructional practice is not about one tool—it’s about selecting the right strategy for the right moment.

What Are the 5 Instructional Strategies?

Schools often define the five instructional strategies by using a common set of five standard approaches:

Direct Instruction: Explaining, modeling, and guiding practice.
Indirect Instruction: Learning through observation, inquiry, and connection-making.
Interactive Instruction: Learning by discussing and working with others.
Experiential Learning: Learning through hands-on activities and real-world experiences.
Independent Study: Students working on their own to build skills or explore topics.

How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Students

Choosing the right instructional strategies is about the teacher’s purpose, not their preferences. The most effective teachers intentionally consider what they want students to learn and select the approach that best supports that goal. When strategy selection becomes purposeful rather than habitual, instruction becomes clearer, more engaging, and more effective.

Start with the Learning Objective

Every strategy begins with a clear destination. Teachers should first identify what students must know or be able to do by the end of the lesson.

If the goal is to introduce new content, direct instruction or modeling may be appropriate. If the goal is application, problem-solving, or discussion, strategies like cooperative learning or inquiry tasks may be a better fit. The approach is successful when it directly supports the outcome you want students to reach.

Consider Student Needs

The students in front of you should shape your instructional choices. Their background knowledge, confidence, and learning preferences all influence which approach will work best.

Use modeling or guided practice when students need more clarity.
These strategies work well in subjects like math or writing, where students benefit from seeing an expert think through a problem.
Use cooperative learning when students need engagement or peer support.
This is effective in ELA discussions, science labs, and social studies tasks where multiple viewpoints enhance understanding.
Use inquiry tasks when students need deeper thinking and exploration.
Inquiry is ideal for STEM projects, research activities, and hands-on investigations that require questioning and discovery.

Matching the strategy to your students’ needs ensures they can access the lesson.

Use Data

Teachers make better instructional decisions when they use real-time information. Exit tickets, observations, student conversations, and quick formative checks all show you whether students are ready to move on or need more support.

In classrooms where teachers use data effectively, instruction becomes more responsive. Teachers can reteach when necessary, extend learning for students who are ready, and adjust the strategy before students become

Prioritize Consistency

A small set of well-executed strategies is more powerful than a long list used inconsistently. Students thrive when routines feel predictable—when they know how group work operates, what to expect during guided practice, or how reflection time will look.

Consistency doesn’t mean using the same strategy every day; it means using strategies often enough that students understand the structure and can focus on learning rather than directions.

Reflect and Adjust

Reflection strengthens every instructional decision. Effective teachers regularly ask themselves:

Which students understood the lesson?
Who needs more support?
Did the strategy help students reach the goal?

Reflection improves lessons over time and supports continuous growth.

Districts that prioritize these skills often experience higher teacher retention and more effective instructional practice, because teachers feel supported, confident, and prepared with instructional strategies that work.

Effective Instructional Strategies, More Effective Classrooms

Instructional excellence comes from using instructional strategies that meet students where they are and help them build deeper understanding. When teachers focus on what works, check student progress, and adjust as needed, the impact is immediate. Whether improving direct instruction, using collaborative approaches, or relying on formative assessment to guide your next steps, choosing the right instructional strategy can transform a classroom.

The post Instructional Strategies: Simple and Effective Techniques for the Classroom appeared first on Discovery Education.

10 Teacher Goals for 2026

Michael Healey — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:17:33 +0000

Key takeaways

Effective teacher goals should be clear, purposeful, and directly linked to student learning.
The strongest teacher goals for the school year focus on growth—not perfection—and help teachers build habits that improve over time.
Administrators must provide clarity, coaching, and consistent feedback to help teachers turn meaningful teacher goals examples into lasting, schoolwide improvement.

Early in my career as an assistant principal, I learned a valuable lesson: meaningful teacher goals come from honest conversations, reflection, and a commitment to growing in areas that directly impact students—not from checklists, directives, or evaluation rubrics. Setting strong teacher goals for the school year helps teachers to improve instructional practice, strengthen relationships, and build classrooms where all students can succeed.

As you consider possible areas for growth this year, review the essential goals below. Each is designed to create stronger classrooms and better student outcomes.

Goal 1: Strengthen the Classroom Environment with Clear Routines

A well-structured classroom environment is the foundation of effective teaching. It supports learning, reduces behavior issues, and helps students feel safe and connected. That’s why many high-quality teacher goals for the school year focus on routines and expectations.

A clear classroom environment goal could be:

“I will implement and reinforce three consistent routines (entry, transitions, and closure) to improve student engagement and reduce lost instructional time.”

When teachers establish effective routines, the payoff is almost immediate. Students know what to expect, transitions become smoother, and the classroom operates more efficiently. From my observations, teachers who invest in goals related to the classroom environment almost always regain instructional minutes each day—time that directly benefits student learning.

Goal 2: Strengthen Relationships with Students and Families

Building positive relationships is essential to effective teaching. When students feel seen, valued, and supported, they are more willing to engage, take risks, and meet classroom expectations.

A meaningful relationship-based goal might be:

“I will build stronger connections with students by greeting them daily, checking in with at least three students each week, and incorporating one relationship-building activity into my classroom each month.”

Relationships with your students and their families matter. In my experience, beginning teachers often see some of their biggest improvements by strengthening relationships and communication.

Investing in relationship-based goals improves classroom culture, supports better communication, and increases student connection to school.

Goal 3: Use Data to Inform Daily Instruction

Using data is one of the most effective teacher goals because it helps teachers understand what students know and what they still need to learn. Data-driven instruction isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about using quick, everyday checks to guide teaching. Exit tickets, short quizzes, student reflections, and other formative assessments all provide valuable information about what your students are learning.

A meaningful data-focused goal might be:

“I will review weekly exit tickets to plan targeted reteaching for students who have not yet mastered key concepts.”

When teachers consistently look at data, they can spot misunderstandings sooner, adjust lessons as needed, and provide better support. This leads to more responsive teaching, stronger student growth, and greater teacher confidence because decisions are based on evidence and research—not guesswork.

Goal 4: Increase the Use of High-Impact Instructional Strategies

High-impact strategies are those proven techniques that elevate student engagement and deepen understanding. These include checks for understanding, modeling, centers, cold-calling, and scaffolding.

An effective instructional strategy goal might look like this:

“I will implement at least two high-impact instructional strategies (such as think-pair-share and small group instruction ) in every lesson to increase my students’ participation.”

When teachers use these strategies intentionally and consistently, classrooms shift from teacher-centered to student-centered. When students’ engagement increases, more students participate, and learning improves.

These types of teacher goals are especially effective for teachers who want to boost classroom interaction without overwhelming themselves with new initiatives.

Goal 5: Improve Differentiation for Each Learner

From my perspective, differentiation is one of the most essential—and most challenging—components of effective teaching. Students come with a variety of strengths, needs, experiences, and learning styles. A differentiation goal ensures your students receive the right level of support while still being challenged throughout the school year.

A clearly worded goal about differentiation could be:

“I will plan at least two differentiated options for practice or assessment each week to support the varied learning needs of my students.”

Differentiation can include strategies such as using leveled texts, flexible grouping, choice boards, or modified activities. Regularly applying these strategies in the classroom promotes independence, confidence, and success among students.

These teacher goals for the school year are valuable because they help all students access learning at the level that’s right for them.

Goal 6: Improve Feedback to Drive Student Growth

Providing feedback is one of the most powerful ways to help students learn, especially when it’s delivered in a timely and specific way. Even veteran teachers often set goals to help them improve how they deliver feedback.

A feedback-focused goal could be:

“I will provide students with clear feedback within one week and create opportunities for them to revise or practice based on that feedback.”

Giving students meaningful feedback helps them to better understand expectations, improve their work, and grow more quickly.

These teacher goals for the school year directly support improved student learning.

Goal 7: Increase Student Ownership of Learning

Students learn best when they see themselves as active participants in their growth. That’s why goals related to student ownership are highly impactful.

A goal designed to increase student ownership might be:

“I will implement student goal-setting and reflection routines every two weeks to build student ownership and develop stronger reflection skills.”

Student ownership leads to stronger motivation, better self-regulation, and increased academic effort.

Teachers who set this type of goal often see significant improvements in classroom engagement and student independence.

Goal 8: Strengthen Content Knowledge and Teaching Skills

Professional development isn’t just a professional responsibility—it’s a great opportunity to strengthen your instructional practice.

Setting goals related to content knowledge or pedagogy helps teachers build confidence and expand their instructional toolbox.

One possible goal pertaining to content knowledge could be:

“I will complete a professional learning series related to literacy instruction and implement at least three newly learned strategies by semester’s end.”

From an administrative perspective, choosing the right professional development can be challenging. I’ve found that the best ideas often come directly from teachers who are comfortable sharing where they want to grow. Most teachers already have a sense of the skills or areas they would like to improve; sharing those ideas with your administrator often leads to more effective learning opportunities for you and your colleagues.

Goal 9: Increase Collaboration With Colleagues

Collaborating with other teachers builds a shared sense of purpose, improves instructional alignment, and supports schoolwide growth. When teachers collaborate, they exchange ideas, work through challenges, and build a stronger professional community that benefits everyone in the school.

A useful collaboration-centered goal could be:

“I will meet biweekly with my grade-level or content team to review data, share strategies, and plan upcoming lessons.”

Collaborative goals are especially powerful because they improve individual practice and build momentum across your school.

Goal 10: Use Technology to Enhance Learning

Technology plays a major role in today’s classrooms, but it’s most effective when it’s used intentionally. Many teachers explore digital tools through an educational resource or a district-supported learning platform to help them plan instruction.

An effective technology goal might be:

“I will integrate one meaningful digital tool per unit to increase engagement and provide a variety of practice or assessment options.”

Teachers who use technology purposefully can differentiate more easily, provide immediate feedback, and offer multiple ways for students to access content and learning. These teacher goals for the school year help teachers adapt to evolving instructional needs.

Bringing It All Together

Meaningful teacher goals are more than professional responsibilities—they are commitments to growth that shape teaching, learning, and classroom culture. Over the years, I’ve seen how intentional teacher goals for the school year elevate practice, improve student achievement, and strengthen relationships across a school community. When educators choose goals aligned with their strengths and students’ needs, they set the stage for continuous improvement and sustained success. Thoughtful goal-setting isn’t just beneficial for teachers; it ultimately transforms the entire learning environment.

The post 10 Teacher Goals for 2026 appeared first on Discovery Education.

School Leadership: What It Is and How to Be an Effective Leader

Michael Healey — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:19:51 +0000

Key takeaways

School leadership is fundamentally about people and purpose.
Strong leadership creates stability, trust, and direction.
Effective leaders rely on data, reflection, and collaboration to drive improvement.

Effective school leadership is one of the most influential factors in a school’s success. While no two leaders are exactly alike, the most effective ones share common practices that create stability, support strong teaching, and keep students at the center of every decision. Understanding what is educational leadership—and how it shapes daily school life—helps every leader strengthen their impact.

What Is School Leadership?

Many people ask, “What is educational leadership?” Educational leadership is about creating the conditions that allow students and staff to do their best learning and teaching.

School leadership, by definition, is the practice of guiding a school community toward shared goals that support teaching, learning, and student well-being. In practice, school leadership means visiting classrooms, listening to staff, and making decisions focused on what is best for students. Effective leaders set direction, manage resources, empower staff, and shape a positive school culture where everyone can thrive. They blend instructional expertise, operational management, communication, and relationship-building so that every action moves the school closer to its mission and vision. Effective leaders also know how to connect staff with the right educational resources to support teaching and learning.

Why School Leadership Matters

Leadership in schools is one of the most significant drivers of student success. In my experience, effective school leaders influence everything from teacher morale and instructional quality to safety, climate, and trust. When school leadership is clear, consistent, and collaborative, classrooms run smoothly, staff feel supported, and families gain confidence in the school. On the other hand, weak or unsteady leadership creates uncertainty and slows progress.

Leadership sets the tone for everything that happens in your school district—creating expectations, strengthening culture, and shaping an environment where students and staff can do their best work.

10 Ways to Be an Effective School Leader

Effective school leadership doesn’t come with a single blueprint. Leaders who make a consistent, positive impact often have different styles and approaches, but they share core principles that show up in high-functioning schools. I’ve found that these principles apply to all roles —whether you’re a department chair, building administrator, district leader, or an informal leader. Here are 10 ways to be an effective school leader:

1. Start with Trust

Effective leadership really starts with trust. You earn it by being present at school functions, visiting classrooms, and checking in after a tough meeting. Little by little, those interactions become the foundation that will carry your school through challenges.

Trust makes everything else we do possible.

2. Lead with Your Mission and Vision

A district without a clear mission and vision can quickly lose its focus. Effective school leaders turn to these statements when making decisions, considering if a choice reflects who we are as a district, whether a proposal supports our priorities, and what matters most when resources are tight.

Your school’s mission and vision provide you with direction, especially when things get challenging.

3. Communicate Clearly

Clear communication limits confusion and keeps people informed. Share your updates often. Be open about how you make decisions, and be honest when answers aren’t yet available.

While clear communication won’t solve every issue, it will build credibility and reduce uncertainty.

4. Put the Right People in the Right Positions

This is one of the most critical responsibilities of a school leader, especially in a time when many districts are focused on overcoming a shortage of qualified teachers. In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins put it best: “Get the right people on the bus, and the right people in the right seats.

In schools, this means hiring for character as much as for skill, placing staff in roles where their strengths make the biggest difference—not just where they’ve always been—and taking action when someone isn’t a good fit.

I’ll never forget moving a struggling classroom teacher into a reading intervention role. Within a few weeks, she was thriving. By midyear, she told me, “I finally feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.” Her students made tremendous growth—and that shift was only possible because we had built trust first.

A great school isn’t built by one exceptional leader—it’s built by many talented people working in the right roles toward a shared purpose.

5. Establish Clear Roles, Responsibilities, and Decision Pathways

Clarity brings calm. When people know who is responsible for what—and how decisions are made—schools run more smoothly.

Be clear about the difference between:

Input vs. authority
Collaboration vs. responsibility
Consensus-building vs. final decision-making

Even when staff disagree with an outcome, they will respect a clear and fair process.

6. Keep Your Board and Superintendent Informed

Maintaining clear lines of communication within your school hierarchy builds trust and avoids surprises. Surprises create anxiety. A board member once told me, “I don’t need every single detail, but I need to know the big ones before the school community does.” That simple message changed how I communicated.

Regular updates, quick calls or emails before major announcements, and early alerts about sensitive issues make the entire district feel like it’s more stable—because it truly is.

7. Use Data to Confront Reality and Guide Action

Effective leaders look at the real picture—even when it’s difficult—while staying optimistic. Tools that support data-informed decision-making help school leaders better understand what is actually happening—not just what they hope is happening. When discussions are grounded in data, decisions become clearer and progress easier to track.

Data doesn’t replace judgment— it sharpens it.

8. Control Your Controllables

School leadership is full of variables you can’t control—mandates, staffing shortages, budget cuts, unexpected crises, and public opinion. Effective leaders channel their energy toward what they can influence: preparation, communication, attitude, follow-through, and daily habits.

I often remind new leaders: You can’t calm every storm, but you can calm yourself while sailing through it.

When leaders stay grounded, the people around them do too.

9. Learn from the Past

Before changing a practice or tradition, consider what’s been tried, what people value, what worked, what didn’t, and why. Being a reflective leader means honoring past efforts without being bound by them. Innovation in schools happens when leaders are willing to adapt and refine—not start from scratch each time.

The most meaningful progress often comes from small, steady steps that build over time.

10. Lean on Early Adopters

Change happens when the right people help move it forward. Early adopters—those who naturally embrace progress—can shift culture faster than any mandate. Invite them in early, give them ownership, and make their successes visible.

When we piloted a new data-analysis system, many staff members were hesitant, but the early adopters made all the difference. They welcomed colleagues into their classrooms, modeled the new approach, and shared honest feedback. As others saw the benefits, momentum grew, and what began as a small pilot became a districtwide shift. Their leadership built the energy needed for the system to move more easily toward improvement.

Real change rarely comes from giving directives—it happens when trusted people lead by example.

FAQs about School Leadership

What Is School Leadership?

School leadership is about creating a school environment where students and staff can do their best learning and teaching. It involves setting direction, supporting staff, and making decisions that keep the school moving toward its goals.

Strong school leaders stay connected to the real work—visiting classrooms, listening to concerns, communicating clearly, and aligning decisions with the school’s mission and vision. They manage operations, develop staff, build culture, and navigate challenges while keeping students at the center.

Ultimately, school leadership brings clarity, stability, and purpose to a complex environment.

What Is the Role of Leadership in Schools?

The role of leadership is to create the conditions where strong teaching and meaningful learning happen every day. Leaders set direction, establish priorities, ensure staff have the support they need, and maintain alignment with the district’s mission and vision. Leadership also shapes culture more than any program or initiative ever could. Effective leaders model professionalism, build trust, communicate openly, and create stability even during difficult periods.

What Are the 7 Functions of Leadership?

The seven functions of school leadership describe the core responsibilities that help a district run smoothly and support strong teaching and learning. While every school and community is different, these seven core functions help school leaders stay focused on what matters most:

1. Setting Direction with Purpose

Leaders clarify the mission, vision, and priorities and ensure everyone understands them. When you provide a clear direction, your staff are better able to make decisions for students.

2. Systems and Planning

Effective leaders build systems that support learning. The best systems reduce confusion, minimize busywork, and allow teachers to focus on their instruction.

3. Clear and Consistent Communication

Communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. Regular updates and clear expectations help staff and families stay informed and engaged.

4. Motivating, Encouraging, and Inspiring Staff

A healthy school culture depends on leaders who recognize hard work, celebrate success, reinforce shared values, and support people through challenges.

5. Developing Talent Across the District

Leaders develop the talent within their school. They provide professional development, identify potential leaders, and support teachers in improving their practice.

6. Monitoring and Using Data Wisely

This practice allows you to make strong decisions. Analyzing student achievement, attendance, and behavior helps you to better understand what is working and what needs adjustment.

7. Strengthening School Culture and Community Trust

Culture is shaped by our daily interactions. Leaders build trust by modeling respect, promoting collaboration, and creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and aligned around a shared purpose.
Together, these functions give leaders a clear guide for keeping students at the center.

What Are the 4 P’s of Leadership?

The 4 P’s of Leadership—Purpose, People, Process, and Performance—provide a simple, clear way to guide a school.

1. Purpose

Purpose is the “why” behind the work. In schools, it always centers around learning, safety, and well-being.
Purpose keeps us focused.

2. People

Schools succeed because of the people in them. Strong leaders build relationships, listen carefully, and invest in relationships.
Strong leaders listen to those who know the work best.

3. Process

Schools need clear structures to support the work we do. Process refers to how decisions are made, how information flows, and how responsibilities are defined.
Strong processes create stability and allow staff to focus on students.

4. Performance

Effective leaders measure what matters in their schools. They set clear goals, review data regularly, celebrate progress, and communicate honestly about both strengths and areas for improvement.

The post School Leadership: What It Is and How to Be an Effective Leader appeared first on Discovery Education.

What is a School Improvement Plan?

Michael Healey — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:35:04 +0000

Key takeaways

A strong school improvement plan gives schools clarity, focus, and a shared direction for meaningful progress.
The best practices for school improvement planning include using data well, setting a small number of high-impact goals, and selecting strategies that directly support those goals.
A school improvement plan works best when progress is monitored regularly, and the plan is adjusted as needed to keep improvement moving forward.

Successful schools don’t improve on their own—they improve when clarity, focus, and a well-defined plan guide every decision. Over the years, both as a principal and a superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed school improvement plan becomes one of the most effective tools a school can use to strengthen teaching, learning, and school culture. When done right, it focuses your staff, clarifies district priorities, and turns goals into actions that improve student learning.

Much like your school’s mission and vision, a school improvement plan should guide every significant decision you make—not only when challenges arise.

What is a School Improvement Plan?

A school improvement plan—or SIP—is a strategic, data-driven guide a school uses to improve student achievement and strengthen its overall performance. While every district has its own format and style, the goal of an SIP remains the same: to identify what’s working, determine what needs improvement, and outline specific actionable steps, timelines, and measures of success.

In short, a school improvement plan is your school’s blueprint for progress.

What is the Purpose of a School Improvement Plan?

If many educators were asked, “What is a school improvement plan?”, they might reference state requirements or mandated accountability systems. While that might be true in some cases, it is not the true purpose of a SIP.

I’ve always believed that strong local school improvement efforts—when done well—are exactly what keep schools off the radar of federal or state accountability systems. The real purpose of a SIP is to align what a school values, how it allocates its resources, and how it supports students every day.

A school improvement plan ensures that:

Everyone knows the school’s goals and priorities.
Initiatives are connected and not competing with one another.
Staff can focus on a few high-leverage goals (rather than being overwhelmed by too many initiatives).
People understand their roles, responsibilities, and how progress will be measured.
The school follows a clear and structured approach to improvement.

How to Create a School Improvement Plan

Creating a meaningful school improvement plan in your district requires analysis, collaboration, and a clear structure. Throughout my career, I’ve seen that schools are most successful when they follow a structured approach, are data-driven, and stay focused on strategies that actually impact students.

Here are some of the best practices for school improvement planning:

1. Use Data to Establish a Baseline

The first step is to understand where your school currently stands. That starts with analyzing data from sources, including:

Student achievement data
Attendance and behavior data
Graduation rates
Student subgroup performance
School climate and culture survey results

While reviewing this information, look for patterns, gaps, and strengths. Share these findings with staff so everyone understands where your school or district currently stands. For school leaders working to strengthen their data practices, resources such as data-informed decision-making tools can support a deeper look at patterns and needs.

2. Identify the Goals That Matter Most

Effective school improvement plans focus on a small number of goals that will make a meaningful difference in student learning and strengthen the overall school environment.

Examples of these goals often include:

Strengthening math achievement across grade levels
Improving school climate and culture
Reducing chronic absenteeism
Creating opportunities for student engagement and participation

Make sure your goals are clearly defined, easily measurable, achievable within the school year, and written in language that staff and families can easily understand.

3. Establish Clear Ways to Monitor Progress

After your school’s goals are set, determine how you will measure success. Defining clear outcomes helps monitor progress and ensures the school can refine its approach when necessary. These measures usually reflect general indicators such as improvements in student learning, shifts in engagement or attendance, stronger school climate data, or growth in instructional practice—signals that the work is having the intended impact.

4. Choose Strategies That Work

This is where many school improvement plans run into trouble. A plan is only as effective as the strategies it includes, and those strategies need to be realistic, fit your school’s needs, and be supported by research and what we know works. Districts can benefit from reviewing research-backed instructional practices to ensure the strategies they select are evidence-based.

Examples of these strategies might include:

Implementing a high-quality math or literacy program
Using common formative assessments
Improving tiered intervention systems
Increasing student engagement opportunities

It’s important to select strategies that are clearly connected to the results you want to see.

5. Create Clear Action Steps, Timelines, and Roles

Once you’ve selected your strategies, break each down into clear, actionable steps. This includes identifying who is responsible for each task, when the work will be completed, and what resources or professional development may be required.

Having these details in place allows you to turn big ideas into organized, actionable work that staff can implement and your administrators can monitor.

6. Make Your School Improvement Plan Clear and Accessible

Families, staff, and community members all benefit from knowing the school’s priorities. Share your School Improvement Plan in clear, easy-to-understand language and communicate it through newsletters, meetings, and district communication channels. Many schools also use an educational resource or learning platform to keep the plan visible and accessible throughout the year. When everyone understands your school improvement plan, it becomes a shared effort.

7. Monitor and Adjust Progress

An effective school improvement plan is not written once and revisited at the end of the year.

Progress monitoring should be ongoing through:

Data review meetings
Walk-through observations
PLC discussions
Quarterly progress updates

If your strategies aren’t producing the results you expected, don’t hesitate to adjust them. Remember, revising your SIP isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a necessary part of the improvement process.

FAQs About School Improvement Plans

What is in a School Improvement Plan?

SIPs typically include several key components: a data summary outlining student achievement and school needs, two to four priority goals, and evidence-based strategies to support those goals. It also details the action steps, timelines, and staff responsibilities needed to carry out the work, along with professional development plans, progress-monitoring tools, measures of success tied to student outcomes, and any budget or resource considerations required for implementation.

In short, an effective school improvement plan includes everything a school needs to move from goals to results.

What are Some Good School Improvement Ideas?

Good ideas are always data-driven, practical, and connected to student needs. Some examples include:

Implementing structured literacy in early grades
Expanding tutoring or intervention blocks
Creating a teacher collaboration initiative to strengthen instruction and align classroom practices
Building a culture-focused initiative around belonging and relationships
Strengthening student attendance

The key is to choose a few ideas that make the biggest difference.

What are the Four Domains of SIP?

Different states and organizations use slightly different frameworks, but most SIPs focus on four essential domains:

Leadership – How school leaders guide the improvement process and support staff.
Instruction – The quality of teaching and learning happening in classrooms.
Culture and Climate – The overall environment that students and staff experience each day.
Student Supports – The systems and resources that help meet students’ academic and social needs.

These four domains ensure every part of the school community is considered and supported.

An effective school improvement plan creates focus and shared responsibility. It brings teachers, leaders, students, and families together around a shared vision for progress. When schools set aligned goals, use clear measures, and follow strong planning practices, they build the conditions for steady, meaningful growth.

The post What is a School Improvement Plan? appeared first on Discovery Education.

Benefits and Strategies for Teacher Collaboration

Michael Healey — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:11:40 +0000

Key takeaways

Strong schools rely on strong teams—and the strongest teams are built through meaningful teacher collaboration.
Working together builds trust, reduces isolation, and creates a more supportive school culture for staff.
Collaboration works best when leaders provide time, direction, and structures that make teamwork a natural part of the school day.

As a former principal and current superintendent, I’ve learned that teacher collaboration is essential to teaching and learning. When teachers work together, students benefit, and your staff feels more supported. Collaboration turns ideas into practice and helps schools navigate everything from curriculum shifts to behavioral trends to new district initiatives.

Understanding what teacher collaboration looks like in practice—and why it matters—helps districts build a culture where teacher collaboration becomes the norm and where effective collaboration with teachers strengthens instruction, encourages problem-solving, and leads to schoolwide improvement.

What Is Teacher Collaboration?

Let’s start by clarifying what teacher collaboration is not. It is not two adults standing in the same classroom or one person teaching while another monitors behavior. Genuine collaboration is far more intentional. It is the practice of educators working together to support student learning and strengthen instruction.

Effective collaboration with teachers happens when educators:

Plan together on a regular basis.
Analyze student data as a team.
Reflect collectively on instructional strategies.
Observe one another and share their feedback.
Align academic expectations across their classrooms.

At its core, teacher collaboration is a mindset—the belief that we are better together and that student success is a shared responsibility. In schools where teacher collaboration is embedded in the culture, no teacher is left isolated, and no student slips through the cracks.

Examples of collaborative teaching include Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), co-teaching, cross-grade team meetings, curriculum committees, and data discussions. No matter the format, the most important elements are consistency, trust, and purpose; when these are present, collaboration can transform instruction.

What Are the Benefits of Teacher Collaboration?

Over the last 20 years, watching teachers work in classrooms across different schools, I’ve come to see that teacher collaboration is one of the most meaningful practices we can invest in. Its benefits extend beyond instruction and help make schools better places to learn and work.

As districts strengthen their approach to collaboration, many also rely on an educational resource to support shared planning, instructional tools, and consistent access to high-quality materials across classrooms.

Better Results for Students

Schools with teachers collaborating effectively often see higher student achievement. Teachers align expectations, assessments, and instructional strategies, giving students a more consistent and supportive learning experience. Effective teacher collaboration ensures that strong strategies spread schoolwide—not just remain isolated to one effective teacher in one classroom.

More Effective Instruction

When educators share ideas, discuss best practices, and review data as a team, instruction improves. Teachers collaborating learn more from one another, can better identify what works well, and are able to continuously refine their practice.

Stronger School Culture

Collaboration strengthens relationships. When staff are connected, they work better as a team—supporting and challenging one another and creating a more positive and inclusive work environment. This culture of trust and collaboration with teachers naturally extends to students.

Higher Teacher Satisfaction and Retention

Teachers are far more likely to stay in schools where they feel supported. Collaboration with teachers provides that support—creating an internal professional learning network where teachers feel comfortable seeking advice, sharing frustrations, and celebrating success.

Increased Innovation and Problem-Solving

Schools face a variety of complex challenges: learning gaps, technology changes, shifting standards, and evolving student needs. When teachers collaborate, they bring together a wide range of perspectives, often resulting in more meaningful, creative, and innovative solutions for students.

Greater Consistency in Student Learning

Collaboration helps ensure students receive effective, consistent instruction regardless of which teacher they have. When collaborating teachers align expectations and share effective strategies, they create more meaningful learning opportunities for every student.

How to Foster Collaboration in Your School

As a school leader, your involvement is essential to fostering teacher collaboration in your district. We can’t just mandate collaboration—it requires intentionally designing opportunities for it to occur. Effective school leaders foster collaboration by:

Building Time into the Schedule

Time is the biggest barrier teachers face. Schools must do everything they can to build time for teacher collaboration into the schedule through:

Dedicated PLC blocks
Early-release or late-arrival days
Common planning periods
Monthly curriculum meetings

When collaboration with teachers is built into the school schedule, it communicates that this work matters.

Setting Clear Purpose and Expectations

Collaboration succeeds when teachers know:

The goals of collaboration
The expected work (data analysis, planning, reflection, etc.)
How the team will measure progress

Clear expectations turn meetings into meaningful, results-driven work rather than informal conversations.

Providing Access to High-Quality Data

Strong teacher collaboration requires access to high-quality data. Leaders should provide:

Assessment data
Student work samples
Engagement and attendance reports
Curriculum maps
Instructional frameworks

When teachers have meaningful data at their fingertips, collaboration becomes far more focused and productive.

Investing in Professional Development

Teachers need guidance on how to collaborate with other teachers effectively. Provide regular professional development opportunities on:

Running effective PLC meetings
Giving and receiving peer feedback
Analyzing data collaboratively
Navigating change as a team

When teachers feel confident, collaboration becomes more effective and easier to maintain.

Modeling Collaboration as a Leadership Team

Collaboration starts from the top. Teachers notice when administrators collaborate effectively—and when they don’t. When leaders model shared decision-making, open communication, and mutual respect, staff follow suit.

Start Small and Build Momentum

Trying to roll out teacher collaboration across an entire district all at once rarely works—it’s too overwhelming. It’s more effective to start with a small group of teachers who are ready and build on their momentum.

FAQs About Teacher Collaboration

What are the 4 C’s of collaboration?

Effective teacher collaboration is built on a few key practices that make the work teachers do together meaningful and productive.

The “4 C’s” of collaboration outline what teams need to work effectively in our schools:

Communication – Talking openly about ideas and feedback so everyone stays on the same page.
Cooperation – Ensuring everyone involved is working toward the same goals
Coordination – Aligning expectations, strategies, schedules, and resources
Contribution – Making sure each team member participates meaningfully

The more these four practices become the norm in your school, the more teacher collaboration will flourish.

What is an example of collaboration in teaching?

One of my favorite examples of collaborative teaching is a grade-level team analyzing student writing. This group of teachers shared writing samples, identified what students were doing well and where they struggled, and talked openly about what worked and what didn’t. Together, they adjusted their lessons, developed new instructional strategies, and created common rubrics.

Another example was two of my middle school teachers—a math teacher and a science teacher—co-planning a shared unit. One developed the instructional flow while the other created assessments and materials. After the lesson, they regrouped, evaluated student responses, and refined their plan. It wasn’t a simple process, but it strengthened instruction every time.

Teachers collaborating together aren’t just attending another meeting—they’re actively working to improve student engagement and student learning.

How to effectively collaborate with teachers?

Effective collaboration with teachers depends on a few key elements. It starts with respect and trust; teachers need to feel comfortable working together. Teachers benefit from clear goals and regular meetings to stay focused. Open, honest communication helps teachers better understand each other’s ideas, and shared leadership ensures everyone has a voice.

When these pieces are in place, collaboration becomes smoother and more meaningful.

What is the 80/20 rule of teacher talking time?

The 80/20 rule is simple: students—not teachers—should speak for roughly 80% of classroom instructional time. Teachers guide, prompt, and support learning, but students drive engagement. Teacher collaboration helps teams share strategies for increasing student talk and participation.

Teacher collaboration is the foundation of strong schools. When educators share expertise, align their efforts, and take collective responsibility for student learning, the entire system becomes stronger. As leaders, our role is to create the structures, time, and trust that allow teachers to collaborate and thrive—because when teachers succeed together, students succeed with them.

The post Benefits and Strategies for Teacher Collaboration appeared first on Discovery Education.

Administrators | Discovery Education

What Is a Learning Management System (LMS)? Examples, Types & Pros/Cons

Key takeaways

A learning management system provides a centralized digital hub that supports instruction, organization, communication, and progress monitoring in schools.

Understanding what a learning management system is helps districts select an LMS that aligns with instructional goals and student needs.

The success of an LMS in education depends on intentional implementation, clear expectations, and strong leadership—not just the technology itself.

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

What Are Examples of a Learning Management System?

Classroom-Level LMS

Districtwide LMS

Portfolio-Based LMS for Early Learners

Standards-Aligned LMS

Curriculum-Integrated Learning Systems

Synchronous Instruction Tools (LMS Support Systems)

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Learning Management System?

Benefits of Using a Learning Management System

Challenges of a Learning Management System

Types of Learning Management Systems

Choosing the Right LMS for Meaningful Learning

5 Biggest K–12 Education Trends for 2026

Key takeaways

The top tier trends in school education for 2026 are about balance—managing innovation, expectations, and budgets without losing focus on quality instruction.

Current trends in education show that AI and technology add value only when used intentionally and aligned with classroom needs.

Across all trends in education, student engagement is the clearest driver of learning and must guide decisions in 2026 and beyond.

AI in Education

Teacher Burnout

Cell Phone Use

Budget Pressures

New Technology

Preparing Schools for 2026: Finding the Right Balance

The Pros and Cons of AI in Education: Benefits, Risks, and Real Examples

Key takeaways

AI in education supports teaching, not replacing teachers. Its impact relies on quality instruction and thoughtful use.

Purposeful use of AI in schools allows teachers to spend less time on routine work and more time with students.

Using AI responsibly means setting clear expectations for privacy, accuracy, access, and professional development.

What does AI in Education Mean?

What are examples of AI in education?

How AI Is Used in Schools Today

Personalizing Learning

Giving Teachers Time Back

Supporting Early Intervention

Expanding Access to Learning

Improving Writing and Feedback

The Pros of AI in Education

Enhanced Personalized Learning

Reduced Teacher Workload

Immediate Student Feedback

Increased Accessibility

Better Use of Data

Increasing Student Engagement

The Cons of AI in Education

Protecting Student Data

Implementation Challenges

Over-Reliance on Technology

Inaccurate or Misleading Outputs

Should AI Be Used in Schools?

Using AI in Schools — With Purpose and Intention

Student Engagement: Signs to Watch and Strategies That Work

Key takeaways

Student engagement is more than participation — it reflects how students think, feel, and behave during learning.

Measuring student engagement requires using multiple sources, including observations, student feedback, and academic indicators.

Positive relationships, meaningful lessons, and active learning strategies help improve student engagement in any classroom.

What is Student Engagement?

Behavioral Engagement

Personal Engagement

Cognitive Engagement

Examples of Student Engagement

Examples of Behavioral Engagement

Examples of Personal Engagement

Examples of Cognitive Engagement

How Do You Measure Student Engagement?

Classroom Observations

Student Surveys and Feedback

Academic Indicators

Behavioral Data

Evaluate Learning Through Student Work

Learn From Conversations With Your Students

How to Increase Student Engagement

Create Meaningful Connections With Your Students

Connect Your Lessons to What Matters to Students