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Stephen Bigelow, PhD - Education Leadership
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Stephen Bigelow, PhD - Education Leadership


Disruptive Optimism and the Beautiful Mess of Becoming
A Wink from the Universe Some moments in life feel like more than coincidence—like winks from the universe nudging us to pay attention. I...
scbigelow
Apr 193 min read


Philosophy in K-12 Education: The Role of Classical Thought in a Modern World
Introduction A few weeks ago, I had a conversation that made me think about the role of the classical foundations of education—or, should...
scbigelow
Feb 163 min read


Testing Smarter, Not Harder
I understand the value of assessments. Testing can be a powerful tool for measuring student growth, diagnosing learning gaps, and...
scbigelow
Jan 62 min read


Student Voice
Student voice is often discussed in education but can look very different depending on your leadership role. Whether in the classroom,...
scbigelow
Jan 43 min read


From Reflection to Renewal: The Power of Lifelong Learning in 2025
Happy 2025, everyone! As I contemplate the gravity of this new year—significant to me as a product of 1975—I reflect on the milestones...
scbigelow
Jan 12 min read


21st Century Learning — A Quarter Past
As we transition into 2025, I grapple with a surreal realization: we’re officially a quarter of the way through the 21st century. The...
scbigelow
Dec 30, 20243 min read


Midterms and Grade Weighting
I am writing this while most students are on holiday break, which means a new semester will begin soon for most. For many, ending the...
scbigelow
Dec 29, 20244 min read


Snow Days?
As I write this, there's a dusting of new snow outside. While some areas in Michigan got hit harder than others, my local school district...
scbigelow
Dec 20, 20242 min read


School Calendars
The Traditional Calendar You've likely heard that the school calendar is based on our agricultural roots—no pun intended—but it reflects...
scbigelow
Dec 19, 20243 min read


Reimagining Parent-Teacher Conferences: Moving Beyond the Status Quo
Parent-teacher conferences have long been a part of the school experience. As a student, parent, teacher, assistant principal, principal,...
scbigelow
Dec 16, 20243 min read


The Strategic Planning Process in School Leadership
The very title of this article might bring some of you a sense of dread. Depending on your experiences, strategic planning can evoke...
scbigelow
Dec 13, 20243 min read


Empowering Students Through Financial Literacy
Schools increasingly emphasize financial literacy to prepare students for the “real world.” Currently, twenty-six states have personal...
scbigelow
Dec 11, 20241 min read


Global Competence in K-12 Education: Preparing Students for an Interconnected World
I read The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman sometime in the mid-2000s. While I had an appreciation for different cultures and a vague...
scbigelow
Dec 10, 20241 min read


The Paper Advantage: Why Physical Books Outperform Screens for Deep Learning
I recently saw on LinkedIn a repost by Tony Zeikle of Lightspeed of organizational psychologist and author Adam Grant : "We learn more...
scbigelow
Dec 9, 20242 min read


The Transformative Power of Mentoring
Mentoring has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding aspects of leadership. Just moments ago, I read a mentee’s final reflection...
scbigelow
Dec 8, 20242 min read


Rethinking Homework: What Research Says and What Educators Can Do
Homework sparks debates about its value and impact. How much is too much? Does it even work? Edutopia’s recent article, " The 10...
scbigelow
Dec 7, 20242 min read


From Student Attendance to Staff Wellness: A Conversation We Need to Have
A while back, I wrote about student attendance and its vital role in academic success. Today, I find myself on the other side of that...
scbigelow
Dec 6, 20243 min read


Collaborating Across the Divide: How Schools Can Work Together for Students’ Benefit
Education—whether public, private, or charter—frequently competes for students. Enrollment drives budgets, prestige attracts families,...
scbigelow
Dec 2, 20243 min read


Degrees of Difference: American and European University Systems
Recently, I was asked about the differences between the American and European university systems. While I could confidently discuss the...
scbigelow
Dec 1, 20244 min read


Harnessing the Power of Alumni Networks
Schools often overlook a powerful asset in their communities: their alumni. Active alumni networks create lasting positive impacts on...
scbigelow
Nov 24, 20242 min read
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