Author: Wendy Zdeb

This year, I’ve been fortunate to visit schools across Michigan to learn about innovative practices that reimagine how students engage with learning. For me, innovation means improving existing practices —whether or not technology is involved. My recent visit to Forest Hills Northern High School perfectly captured this definition, showcasing programs that are personalized, hands-on, and deeply engaging for students. The innovation journey began several years ago when Jon Gregory, former Principal of…

The results of the election have brought out diverse emotions and questions across the nation, our state and our communities. In times of uncertainty and change, one thing remains clear: Our work as school leaders is vital to ensuring students are supported, valued and prepared to succeed in a complex world. Leadership in education is about remaining steadfast in our mission, regardless of external changes. By focusing on creating inclusive, equitable and…

It was as if I peered over a wall to see the future of education when I attended the ASU+GSV conference in San Diego in April. I was able to test drive Khanmigo to see how awesome the lesson planning features are and how the AI bot works alongside both teachers and learners. I put on Oculus goggles to see how history and biology lessons can be transformed with virtual reality. I visited a…

Wendy attended the ASU+GSV Conference in San Diego. During the event Wendy recorded three interviews with attendees and this is the second of the three. In today’s video Wendy talks with Christian Talbot, President and CEO of the Middle State Association. Middle States is a global leader in accreditation and school improvement. They developed RAIL which their website refers to as, “A comprehensive implementation framework for AI in schools and systems. It’s like accreditation for the adoption of AI.…

Strengthening Leaders – Coaching/Mentoring Educator pipeline issues do not just impact teachers in the classroom, we are also seeing a shortage of those interested in being school leaders. Not only is the applicant pool shallow for Assistant Principal and Principal positions but those stepping into the roles tend to have less experience than ever before. Under-resourced mentoring programs and coaching services have contributed to our state's struggle to attract, train and retain…

In 2013 Michigan passed its Teacher Evaluation Law to ensure that all districts were implementing a rigorous, transparent and fair evaluation system. It is hard to believe it has been more than 10 years since many administrators participated in 5D+ framework training. Studies show that without regular professional learning and calibration, "drift happens" within the evaluation system. Developing reliable evaluators of teachers is a key component to the success of any school…

This week I visited the Macomb ISD and provided the principals in the Macomb Area Conference with a legislative update. For me, this area always feels like home. I grew up in Sterling Heights and my first job in education was teaching at Warren, Fitzgerald High School. Following the MAC meeting I headed to Lake Shore High School to tour the building with Principal Dr. Janelle Bross, and to learn about the…

MASSP was saddened to learn of the passing of retired principal, John Toma. John was well-known as a leader primarily in Oakland County. His first position in public education was that of a teacher in the Clintondale Community Schools. He started in 1961 and taught there for five years, was the assistant middle school principal for three years, and the high school principal for five years. Mr. Toma joined the Troy School…