Peter DeWitt is an elementary school principal in upstate New York who blogs for Education Week.
Whatever he writes is grounded in deep experience and respect for students, parents, and teachers.
Peter is especially concerned with the social and emotional well-being of his students.
That puts him out of the mainstream today, where the only thing that matters is test scores.
He sees the big issues from the perspective of how they affect students.
He cares too much about kids to command the attention of the powers that be.
That says a lot about where we are today.
We are fortunate to have someone with his wisdom regularly speaking out about the issues.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I agree, Diane. I faithfully read Peter’s pieces and find him to be a stalwart voice on behalf of teachers and against the inane policies proffered by pundits who haven’t a clue.
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Seconded (or thirded).
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Hallelujah. Peter is a thought and action leader for a vision of student-centered learning, the highest ideals of what we can do as educators to support and encourage children, and the most meaningful ways to engage edus and fams. He’s a true model IMO of the school leader as ‘lead learner…..’
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Thank you Diane and everyone for your kind words. It means a great deal. I work with a great staff and awesome kids and want the best for them.
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Changes that can make education better in classrooms, schools, and communities sometimes need to made at State and federal levels. Peter is the voice for that change to happen. I hope to see him on National TV soon!
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Not on CNN.
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I have the honor of working with Peter, and I will tell you he is a genuine and caring individual who always acts in the best interest of students. He is also an excellent writer who enables you to hear his real voice when he writes. We are lucky to have him working with our children.
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A well deserved compliment to a courageous and dedicated principal!
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I am a parent of one of Peter’s former students, I cannot express how grateful I am that my son had him for a elementary school principal. He is very concerned and caring to each and everyone of his students. He wants them to succeed on every level. He is just as caring for ALL of his staff, he is approachable to everyone he is in contact with. We will miss him very much!
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Peter studied education leadership at The College of Saint Rose and as an alum comes back every yearyear to speak with our students . We have worked for the past dozen years to prepare and inspire our alums to find their voice and their vision so that they too will lead like Peter does! Thank you for recognizing and supporting his work. I often share your remarks with my students but your support of Peter is exhilarating!
Perry Berkowitz, Ed. D.
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY
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