Micah Ward

Micah Ward is a District Administration staff writer. He recently earned his master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Alabama. He spent his time during graduate school working on his master’s thesis. He’s also a self-taught guitarist who loves playing folk-style music.

How to use AI to support learning differences

For starters, it's a good idea to utilize AI platforms that existed before the AI surge in 2022, says one expert.

4 ways to improve the work-life balance for teachers

Female teachers, specifically, spend on average 10 more hours than males caring for family outside of work. Here's some advice for leaders.

The top 3 reasons K12 ransomware attacks succeed in education

Phishing has become the most reported tactic for attacks. Here are some ways to strengthen your defenses.

Students now say AI’s potential comes at a price

AI is being used for more than instruction, including for romantic relationships with the technology, new research suggests.

Free AI tools this superintendent wants you to use

Masters guides us through some practical ways of leveraging Google's NotebookLM in ways that are human-centered and research-based to improve academic outcomes.

Special education takes massive hit in government shutdown

Hundreds of federal workers who oversee special education services have been laid off, according to multiple reports.

Cell phone bans are soaring in popularity, data shows

A first-of-its-kind study captures the prevalence of public school cell phone bans, and principals are overwhelmingly on board.

Do we need a change to school board elections?

New research suggests ideological disconnects between board members and the general public.

Ranking the nation’s best school districts

Illinois boasts three of the top five school districts in America, according to a new ranking released last week. Here's what makes these districts great.

This is what’s fueling teacher burnout

And here are some proven strategies—apart from hiring more staff—to boost job satisfaction, according to teachers themselves.

The federal push for charter schools just got more expensive

A historic $500 million will be awarded over the next five years to support the Trump Administration's push for charter school expansion.

Book bans are the new normal in public education

Florida led the nation with 2,304 instances of book bans last school year, following the passage of multiple laws and pressure from local groups and elected officials.

Digital literacy starts at home—but schools can help

A new and free curriculum helps schools and parents equip students with safe, effective online habits.

Why networking has become more valuable than a college degree

One-third of 2025 college graduates are unemployed and actively seeking work. Here's how college leaders can help.

A superintendent who sees himself as the ‘shepherd’ of his flock

La Porte ISD Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson lives by one leadership philosophy: Put the needs of others first.