Micah Ward

Micah Ward is a District Administration staff writer. He recently earned his master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Alabama. He spent his time during graduate school working on his master’s thesis. He’s also a self-taught guitarist who loves playing folk-style music.

Now more than ever, students need an adult they can trust at school

More than three-fourths of students say their teachers don't make an effort to understand their lives outside of school, which is worse than pre-pandemic levels, according to new research.

Teachers love AI, but they need more guidance from schools

Only 29% of teachers know how to use AI detection tools to check students' work for plagiarism, new research attests. Here's how you could help.

Here are 5 strategies for improving chronic absenteeism

While chronic absenteeism saw modest improvements, it's still a significant challenge in schools nationwide, new research affirms.

Fewer schools are being targeted by ransomware, research shows

Only one job sector saw a decrease in ransomware attacks compared to 2023's figures compiled by Comparitech: education.

Strategic planning: A look at one superintendent’s new approach

‘We don’t know where we’re going to be’ in five years, says Woodstown-Pilesgrove Superintendent Christopher Meyrick. Let’s create shorter, manageable goals instead.

How this Superintendent of the Year inspires inclusivity

St. Cloud Area School District Superintendent Laurie Putnam relies on her exceptional team to focus on one of the district’s primary commitments: to create a culture of belonging.

What’s on this superintendent of the year’s bucket list?

Freeing up teachers' time during the workweek ranks high on Superintendent Scott Menzel's list of priorities. Here's why.

How to sync success with your school board, part two

Two district leaders address an issue that impacts school board relations nationwide: civility within the board. 

Teachers say they want these 2 technologies in their classrooms

If teachers had a say in what technologies belong in their classrooms, they'd ask for interactive displays with advanced features and platforms with ready-made lesson content, a new survey contends. 

How to ensure longevity in the superintendency

Superintendent Jim Nielsen, who has led Orchard View Schools for 10 years, is sharing his advice for longevity and winning your district's trust for the long haul.

Why introducing a smartphone ban worked for this leader

"We wished we had implemented it sooner," says Alabama's 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year, Charles Longshore, of Dothan Preparatory Academy's smartphone ban.

How to navigate Trump’s busy first week reshaping K12 education

Will the U.S. Department of Education be dismantled? Or does Trump's proposal ring hollow? Tune into this story as we provide updates in the months leading up to his first day in office.

How this district made a great leap in state rankings

Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Eric Bracy used ESSER dollars to pay for a high-quality, research-based curriculum, he says on the latest episode of the "Talking Out of School" podcast. Now, the move is paying off.

How instructional audio technology can reach more learners

In this school district, instructional audio "levels the playing field" for students, especially its English language learners.

How to sync success with your school board, part one

Too often, school board members point their fingers away from themselves, says this school board member. It's time for leadership to point the finger inward and ask, "What can we do better?"
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