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.

Top EdTech Products: These are our winners for 2026!

Annual competition spotlights the most innovative solutions that help leaders meet the ever-evolving education technology needs of their districts and schools.

This superintendent strives to be a community hub

Respect for teachers and education is a hallmark of a rural, predominantly Hispanic district, Superintendent Dave Verdugo says.

A school locked down after AI flagged a gun. It was a clarinet.

A growing number of schools across the country use AI-powered surveillance to detect guns and contraband, all in the name of making schools safer.

Trump tackles state AI laws as schools juggle new tech

President Donald Trump wants to override state-by-state laws with a federal AI framework that would encourage "innovation."

Superintendents share solutions to their three big challenges

Superintendents are concerned about the stability of leadership pipelines in their districts, according to a District Administration Leadership Institute survey conducted this fall.

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.

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.