Education Insights: Empowering Leaders, Teachers, and Students

I received news recently about someone I went to college with, someone I spent a significant amount of time with during those formative years, who died by suicide. We had not spoken in more than twenty years, yet the news landed heavily. It was a reminder that time and distance do not erase connection. Some people remain part of your story whether you actively think about them or not. That moment led me to reflect, not just personally, but professionally. As leaders, we like to believe we are prepared. We plan, we organize, we anticipate challenges. We build systems and processes to guide our work. But there are moments that no system accounts for. Moments that interrupt everything. Moments that shift priorities instantly and permanently. Loss is one of those moments. In schools, in organizations, and in communities, loss shows up without invitation. It might be the death of a colleague, a student, a parent, or someone connected more loosely but still meaningfully to those around us...

Spending a day at the Minnesota Capitol reminds you that leadership often requires showing up where the conversations are happening. This week, I had the opportunity to spend time with colleagues from MASA’s Region 2 advocating for the schools and students in our districts. It was a valuable day of discussion, listening, and sharing perspectives about the challenges and opportunities facing public education in Minnesota. I am grateful that several legislators took the time to meet with us and talk openly about the issues our schools face. These conversations matter. They allow those who make policy decisions to hear directly from the educators responsible for implementing them. At the same time, they give school leaders the opportunity to better understand the broader context in which those decisions are made. When both sides are willing to listen and engage thoughtfully, it strengthens the work we are all trying to accomplish. Advocacy is an important part of educational leadership,...