Matt Zalaznick

Matt Zalaznick is the managing editor of District Administration and a life-long journalist. Prior to writing for District Administration he worked in daily news all over the country, from the NYC suburbs to the Rocky Mountains, Silicon Valley and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He's also in a band.

Where this superintendent developed a love of people and purpose

The Northstar of Superintendent Bill Runey's leadership is a strategic plan rooted in staff empowerment and igniting student curiosity.

Why your AI policies should read more like guidelines

"The most effective guidelines encourage critical thinking, center the human decision-making and allow for nuance," says Ken Shelton, an edtech thought leader and featured speaker at the 2026 Future of Education Technology Conference.

Seattle Public Schools picks its new leader from Michigan

Ben Shuldiner is moving on from the Lansing School District, which he has led since 2021. Superintendents in California and Illinois also found new homes.

Superintendent relies on the ones ‘who make it happen’

"Creating a culture where people feel like what they do matters is important," Superintendent Ana C. Riley says.

Why AI is now foundational—and why it needs humans

AI specialist Matthew Winters compares artificial intelligence to laptops and lightbulbs. They become something much bigger when humans "plug in."

This new network aims to help female leaders thrive

Female superintendents, principals and other educators are coming together to advance "leadhership" in K12 educations.

Why personalized learning now requires a culture shift

Today's educators must prioritize student voice and reward proficiency over seat time, says Nicki Slaugh, a principal of Weber School District's Innovation High in Utah.

These superintendents show how to redefine K12 success

The transformative efforts of several superintendents give the phrase "bold leadership" new meaning.

Tim Needles: How to instill ‘creative advocacy’ in your students

'Creative advocacy' means students choose projects that cover space travel, the arts, the environment and other "things they believe in," an FETC speaker says.

Ranking the best public universities—and more

U.S. News & World Report unveiled its 2026 Best Colleges ranking at a time when higher ed faces federal scrutiny.

How to guide students as tech evolves ‘every minute’

Middle school librarian Brandi Grant believes the library is a place where every student should feel seen, heard and empowered.

Superintendent Rosa Diaz is riding the ‘progress train’

How the leader of Carteret Public Schools transformed her district's culture and saw academic improvement.

FETC 2026: Amy Storer wants to make your education life easier

The instructional coach and featured speaker says AI can be that "little assistant we all wish that we had every day in our lives."

How to make time for self-care, communication and mentorship

Rachel Edoho-Eket, a Maryland principal, aims to help educators build some of their soft skills amid the edtech innovations at FETC 2026.

3 ways this superintendent makes his district stand out

Like most superintendents across the country, Matt Vance drives his district forward despite funding constraints caused by declining enrollment.