WHY GREAT TEACHING STILL MATTERS MOST

Insights on leadership, AI, and what really matters in education

In a time when public education faces growing scrutiny, policy shifts, and the disruptive rise of AI, few voices cut through the noise like Dr. Todd Whitaker. A former teacher, principal, coach, and now one of the most sought-after education thought leaders in the country, Whitaker has written over 65 books, including the widely acclaimed “What Great Teachers Do Differently” and his latest, “How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers.”

We sat down with Todd for a candid conversation about the real state of education, what makes a great teacher, and why effective leadership—not politics or technology—is still the key to thriving schools. As always, he brings clarity, humor, and the kind of perspective that reminds us why this work matters.

What’s your take on the current K–12 landscape, given all the noise around politics, policy, and performance?

A lot of what you hear today—especially in politics and on social media—is made up. Schools are actually better than they’ve ever been. Educators are more skilled, more thoughtful. But people like to latch onto one bad story and pretend it’s normal. It’s not. You walk down the street, people hold doors, say thank you. That’s real life. But there’s power in making up problems that can’t be solved—it gives people something to yell about, even if it’s not true.

“Your culture is shaped by the worst behavior you’re willing to tolerate.”

-Todd Whitaker

What’s the biggest challenge for educators today?

Defending against things that aren’t real. Rumors like “there’s kitty litter in classrooms” are distractions. And teachers are stuck spending time and energy pushing back on nonsense instead of teaching. Meanwhile, effective people are doing the work—teaching, influencing, improving. Ineffective people love to gather in circles and complain. But the best teachers? They’re not talking about participation trophies or cell phones. They’re figuring out how to reach kids today with what they have.

“We’re one of the few professions that doesn’t just reflect society—we help shape it.”

-Todd Whitaker

What’s your view on AI in the classroom—and how should leaders approach it?

AI is a tool, just like calculators were. Back in the day, people said calculators would make us dumb. But if your architect gave you a square-foot estimate in their head, you’d ask them to use a calculator. Same thing here. AI can help if it’s used well. Will some students misuse it? Sure. But our job is to teach them how to use it right. Effective educators lean into change. They don’t deny it or fear it—they figure out how to use it to improve learning.

What’s the most important thing a school leader can do today?

Focus on what you can influence. Budgets may shrink, politics may get loud, but great teachers keep showing up. And if you’re a leader, your culture is shaped by the worst behavior you’re willing to tolerate. Take care of your best people—because if you don’t, someone else will. You can always attract exceptional people, but only if they see your school as a place where they’re valued and can thrive. That’s how you build momentum.

“Effective educators lean into change. They don’t deny it or fear it—they figure out how to use it to improve learning.”

-Todd Whitaker

Where do you see opportunity right now in K–12 education?

The opportunity is what it’s always been: to change lives. We’re one of the few professions that doesn’t just reflect society—we help shape it. Everyone remembers a great teacher, bus driver, or custodian. That tells you how powerful the role is. My latest book is “How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers.” Because that’s the key. In every school, someone’s figured it out. So don’t reinvent the wheel. Replicate what’s already working—and help others do the same.