Cheryl Cotton, the newly appointed superintendent of West Contra Costa Unified School District in California, brings deep community ties and extensive educational experience to her role. Facing significant challenges such as declining enrollment, budget deficits, and potential federal funding cuts, Cotton emphasizes the importance of open dialogue with unions and maintaining fiscal solvency without impacting students. Her 100-day plan focuses on building a stronger district through collaboration and transparency.

Managers and coaches in professional sports have shorter tenures than your average CEO, but according to McKinsey research, many of them have found the formula for building high-performing teams by establishing a culture of high standards, choosing members with diverse skills, codifying how work gets done and working to boost team confidence and abilities. "The great teams that I have been on, it's all about trust and accountability, with everyone working toward a common goal," former Notre Dame volleyball player Ella Sandt told McKinsey researchers.

Ashley Kannan, an eighth-grade American History and African American Studies teacher in Oak Park, Ill., highlights the financial struggles and lack of support that student teachers face, emphasizing the need for stipends and better mentorship. Kannan also points out that although recent legislation allows student teachers to be paid, more comprehensive support is needed to address these challenges and attract more diverse educators.

School public relations professionals are increasingly using AI for tasks such as brainstorming, content creation and translation, according to a National School Public Relations Association report. However, a lack of formal policies and training raises ethical concerns, with 69% of districts lacking AI policies and 64% of professionals reporting no training.

Educators in New York have reported significant improvements in student engagement and social interaction since implementing cellphone bans in schools. A new statewide policy beginning in the fall will introduce one of the strictest bans in the US, requiring schools to provide storage for personal devices. While public support is widespread for restricting phone use in schools, researchers say the impact on mental health is unclear and suggest more comprehensive measures outside of school are needed.

Jon Resendez, a civics teacher at Portola High School in Irvine, Calif., in this commentary emphasizes the importance of civic education in combating misinformation and political polarization. Resendez notes that only 55% of Californians believe their local schools prepare students to become engaged citizens, highlighting the need for a more immersive and relevant approach to civics education.

Behind every thriving school is a leader who is supported, not blamed. It’s time to shift the narrative about the principalship. Read more from Edward Owusu, executive director for the Montgomery County Association of Principals and Administrators (MCAAP) in Montgomery County, Maryland, in his new post on the ASCD Blog.

The Summer 2025 special digital issue of Educational Leadership explores how educators and leaders can bring the eight research-backed Transformational Learning Principles to life in schools and classrooms. Download this free issue today!