The isolation that has historically plagued the teaching profession has particularly harmful effects on novice teachers who need the guidance, wisdom, and encouragement of other educators. In recent years, however, social media tools have helped many teachers connect with colleagues and build robust professional learning networks (PLNs) beyond…

This article discusses how schools and school districts across the U.S. face a growing "leadership deficit." Accelerating retirements and reportedly shallow pools of applicants for administrative positions are raising alarms about future leadership. And all of this is happening just when schools will need the best leaders ever. Four…

The National Network for Educational Renewal is committed to cultivating and connecting all the essential components of a healthy teacher education enterprise: the partner schools (clinical or professional development schools); subject specializations of university arts and sciences departments; and the part of teacher education commonly provided…

A dual agenda of renewing schools and teacher education means that faculty members from both sides must join together as equal partners. The National Network for Educational Renewal engages three groups of faculty (in schools, university liberal arts departments, and colleges of education) in ongoing conversations about educational improvement and…

Adults participating in a Los Angeles "school family" network will be engaged for the next several years in the Annenberg Challenge--a national reform initiative aimed at improving student performance. Participation offers opportunities to develop a coherent K-12 education plan, access extra resources, and pursue collaborative…