Stephen Bigelow, PhD - Education Leadership

I have always appreciated student productions, but I deferred to those with more expertise in the drama and theater world when making production decisions. Highlighting my drama deficit, while researching for this article, I had to look up the difference between “scram” and “scrum” to jog my memory about a controversial purchase from a few years back, only to realize that the term I was searching for was actually “scrim.” For those curious, a scrim is a backdrop, although I acknowledge that the theater community might find my explanation too simplistic. My encounters with student theater have given me a newfound appreciation for the immense creativity and commitment to bringing these performances to life. Celebrating Student Performances I have had the privilege of witnessing some truly remarkable performances produced by our schools. These productions were not just displays of talent but also testaments to students’ and educators’ hard work, passion, and collaboration. Each performanc...

Students today are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. While these experiences are invaluable for personal growth, creativity, and skill development, finding the right balance is crucial to maintaining mental and physical health. Reflecting on my journey, I was fortunate to have several opportunities that shaped my personal and professional life, though they pale compared to the options available to students today. Participating in athletics like basketball and long-distance running and playing in the band taught me essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. These experiences provided invaluable lessons not found in the classroom. I started working at 14 as a dishwasher and held various less-than-glamorous jobs throughout high school and college. They opened my eyes to different realities and instilled a work ethic that has served me throughout my life. Today’s students have access to a more sophisticated array of options,...

With experience as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent in Michigan’s public education system, I have firsthand knowledge of its intricate workings. This article offers a glimpse into the varied landscape of public education in Michigan, exploring governance, recent initiatives, and the ongoing political factors at play. Local Boards of Education and Intermediate School Districts Local boards of education, as elected entities, play a vital role in shaping school operations by making critical decisions related to budgeting, curriculum choices, and policy formulation. Being a school board member entails a substantial responsibility, requiring balancing community needs with educational mandates. Successful board members actively engage with various community perspectives and cooperate in crafting policies that align with local priorities while meeting state regulations. Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) offer crucial services like special education, professional development, an...

In the early 2010s, I had the privilege of meeting Howard Gardner during a Project Zero event. This experience profoundly influenced my perspective on education. Project Zero, known for its focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and global thinking, provided a platform for exploring innovative teaching and learning approaches. Gardner's book, "Five Minds for the Future," offered a visionary framework that addressed the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world.  Disciplined Mind : Mastery of significant disciplines such as science, mathematics, and history, emphasizing depth and rigor in learning. Synthesizing Mind : The ability to integrate ideas from various disciplines into a coherent whole, crucial in our information-rich age. Creating Mind : Encourages innovation and the ability to think outside the box, generating new ideas and approaches. Respectful Mind : Focuses on understanding and appreciating differences among people, fostering to...

  Emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive education encompassing the humanities is crucial. While I highlighted the essential role of STEM disciplines in driving technological and scientific progress in Medium , it's equally important to recognize that the humanities are indispensable for nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability, which are fundamental for achieving personal and professional success. Enhancing Critical Thinking and Empathy Embracing fields like literature, history, philosophy, and the arts prompts students to interact with intricate texts and various viewpoints. This interaction nurtures critical thinking and the capacity to scrutinize and explain information. Through studying the humanities, students develop the skill to critically assess evidence and contemplate various facets of an argument, which are crucial abilities across all disciplines. The humanities cultivate empathy by enabling students to investigate diverse cultures, histories, a...

  In the ever-evolving landscape of education, professional development (PD) hopefully ensures that educators and school district employees remain equipped to meet the challenges of their roles. As a former school system leader, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that effective professional development can have on individual educators and the broader educational community. Despite its undeniable importance, implementing professional development presents a unique challenge that requires thoughtful consideration and innovative solutions. The Necessity of Professional Development Professional development ensures that educators are up-to-date with the latest educational research, teaching methodologies, and legislative changes. This is crucial not only for maintaining certification but also for fostering an environment where students can thrive. In a world where technology and educational standards are constantly changing, PD serves as a bridge that connects educators with ...

  In education, traditions are often the backbone of a school’s identity. They create a sense of continuity and community, weaving the past and present together. While valuable, traditions require a careful balance to maximize their benefits and minimize their drawbacks. The Benefits of Tradition School traditions can instill a sense of belonging and pride among students, staff, and alumni. They act as a bridge across generations, connecting each new cohort with the school’s history and values. Events like homecomings, annual plays, and graduation ceremonies are not just events; they are rituals that bolster school spirit and create cherished memories. Furthermore, traditions offer stability in the ever-evolving educational landscape. They provide predictability and comfort, which can be reassuring during uncertain times. By reinforcing a shared culture, traditions help to build a cohesive community where everyone feels supported and valued. The Challenges of Tradition Despite thei...

  Learning about the environment sparked a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for the world around me. Just yesterday, I came across a post that caught my attention. It mentioned that the University of Michigan, my alma mater, had the nation's first forestry program, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving our natural resources. The Universal Value of Environmental Education Environmental education is about instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility in students. It's about teaching them to appreciate and manage our natural resources wisely. This approach appeals to values many of us hold dear, such as stewardship, innovation, and community responsibility. Programs that engage students with local ecosystems and conservation practices help unite communities around the common goal of preserving the environment for future generations. Practical Programs and Initiatives Many educational programs integrate environmental studies into the K-12 curriculum in a ...

The Need for Comprehensive Health Supports A 2022 Pew Research Center survey revealed that only about half of U.S. public schools have adequate resources to meet students’ mental health needs. This gap highlights the urgent necessity for enhanced mental health services to address issues like anxiety and depression, which recent global events have exacerbated. Research has shown that comprehensive school-based mental health programs significantly benefit students. These programs improve mental health outcomes, enhance academic performance, and reduce behavioral issues. Schools implementing these programs often see reduced absenteeism and increased student engagement. In addition to mental health services, physical health support, such as school nurses, are essential. School nurses are vital in managing chronic conditions, providing emergency care, and promoting health education. Their presence ensures that students have immediate access to medical care, crucial for maintaining a healthy...