Stephen Bigelow, PhD - Education Leadership

  Mentoring has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding aspects of leadership. Just moments ago, I read a mentee’s final reflection paper with insights and personal growth and felt deeply inspired. Witnessing their transformation reminded me how much I grew alongside those I mentor. Over the years, I’ve guided individuals at various stages of their careers, particularly those stepping into or exploring leadership roles. Mentoring is more than a professional responsibility; it is a natural extension of teaching and a powerful partnership where mentor and mentee evolve. The benefits of mentoring are profound. For mentees, it provides a safe space to explore challenges, take risks, and discover new possibilities. A trusted mentor can help mentees envision their long-term potential beyond immediate hurdles. Time and again, I’ve seen how having a supportive thought partner—someone who believes in their abilities and pushes them to achieve more—can be transformative. The rewards ar...

  Homework sparks debates about its value and impact. How much is too much? Does it even work? Edutopia’s recent article, " The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2024 ," dives into these questions and more, offering several insights into modern educational dilemmas. Among the many topics it covers, the research on homework resonated with me. Reflecting on my K-12 experiences as a student in the 1980s and early 1990s, I can’t help but see the complexity of homework’s role in education. Among the highlighted studies, one compelling argument is shifting homework focus from quantity to quality. Thoughtfully designed assignments that allow for personalization, creativity, and real-world application are far more effective than rote, repetitive tasks. When homework connects with a student’s interests or helps them solve real-life problems, it becomes an opportunity for deeper engagement and learning. The research also emphasizes the need for flexibility. Tr...

  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 conversation — this time as an adult, navigating what feels like the granddaddy of all sinus infections. It took me a few days just to muster the strength to look at a computer screen. While I don’t have a classroom or office waiting for me, many educators don’t have that luxury. For them, the balancing act of health and professional responsibility is constant and complex. We know student attendance is critical, but what about staff attendance? How do we support the adults in our schools who show up every day, even when they might not be feeling their best? And how do we, as administrators, navigate the very real logistical and financial challenges of covering those inevitable absences? When Staff Are Out, Everyone Feels It When a teacher calls in sick, the ripple effects are immediate. Substitutes step in — and let’s be clear — they ca...

  Education—whether public, private, or charter—frequently competes for students. Enrollment drives budgets, prestige attracts families, and success stories fuel reputations. This competition can sometimes overshadow the primary goal: providing students with the best possible education. But what if we looked beyond the zero-sum game of enrollment numbers? What if schools — despite being competitors — saw opportunities to collaborate when it truly mattered? In many cases, partnerships between schools can unlock opportunities for students that would otherwise be impossible, particularly in specialized or advanced courses. The Challenge of Limited Offerings Advanced Placement (AP) and foreign language courses are prime examples. I’ve seen too many AP classes fail to launch because a school couldn’t find a qualified teacher or didn’t have enough students sign up to make the class viable. Meanwhile, a school just a few miles away might face the same issue, with students and resources th...

Recently, I was asked about the differences between the American and European university systems. While I could confidently discuss the intricacies of the U.S. system, my understanding of European universities was admittedly shallow. This question sparked my curiosity. What truly sets these systems apart, and how do they shape the students who navigate them? I decided to dig deeper, not just to answer the question but to explore how these systems reflect the cultures and values of the regions they serve. Here’s what I discovered. Background: Systems at a Glance The American university system is often celebrated for its flexibility and emphasis on personal growth. It has roots in the liberal arts tradition, encouraging students to explore a range of disciplines before committing to a major. As many Americans can attest, changing majors is common, often to the chagrin of their tuition bills. Universities in the U.S. are also known for their research prowess, with many institutions rankin...

  Schools often overlook a powerful asset in their communities: their alumni. Active alumni networks create lasting positive impacts on schools, students, and the broader community. These connections can provide students with mentorship opportunities, career advice, and real-world insights, bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce. Alumni also contribute significantly to scholarship fundraising and program support, ensuring future generations can access opportunities that shape their lives. As president of my local chapter of the University of Michigan Alumni Association, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of engaged alumni. We foster fellowship among graduates, raise scholarship funds, and support community initiatives. University alumni groups excel at building a sense of connection and pride among their members, showing how impactful organized efforts can be. Reflecting on my high school experience, I realize I haven’t returned since graduation — a fami...

Years ago, as a middle school principal, I led a district team to update our science curriculum. It was a pivotal time in education. The buzz around hands-on science kits was impossible to ignore. They promised active engagement and experiential learning, aligning with research that underscored the benefits of inquiry-based methods. Yet, many of us were still tethered to the familiarity of textbooks. Our district hesitated to embrace the kits, opting for a hybrid approach. Reflecting on that time, I realize the debate was not simply about tools but a paradigm shift in how we approached science education. And today, with the addition of technology, the conversation has only expanded. The Research Behind Hands-On Learning Decades of research support hands-on, inquiry-based learning to deepen students' understanding of science concepts. A study published by Science Education International (2018) found that students engaged in hands-on activities demonstrated significantly better pro...