The end of the year invites us to pause and reflect on the ideas that shaped our teaching and learning. Throughout 2024, the ASCD Blog brought together voices from across education, sharing fresh perspectives on education's most critical topics, like making mathematics engaging for every student and helping learners take ownership of their growth.
Our blog authors wrote about building stronger attendance cultures, elevating instructional coaching, and creating welcoming spaces for multilingual learners. These posts sparked conversations and drove change. Let’s dive into the year’s most memorable moments!
The 2024 ASCD Blog By the Numbers
This year was packed with insightful content and meaningful connections:
- 72 thought-provoking blogs published
- Reaching educators in 216 countries (The United States, Canada, Philippines, India, and South Africa topped the list)
- Prime reading time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Lunch break learning was the name of the game!)
- The 8th and 24th of each month were our community's favorite days to dive into new ideas (Mid-month motivation and end-of-month inspiration!)
The Top 5 Most-Read Posts of 2024
These five posts rose to the top in 2024, capturing both the practical challenges educators face and the innovative solutions they're embracing.
5. "The Paradox of Administrator Burnout"—How can leaders address teachers’ needs when they themselves are burned out? In this timely exploration of leadership wellness, Elizabeth Dampf examines how school leaders can maintain their effectiveness while managing increasing demands on their time and energy.
4. "Make Classrooms, Not Hallways, the Heart of Belonging"—This popular post challenged traditional thinking about school spaces, offering practical strategies to transform classrooms into centers of community and connection. School leaders can navigate hallway disciplinary challenges by using Ronald James Jr.’s “inside out” approach.
3. "5 Things Abbott Elementary Gets Right About Public Education"—Educators Lynsey Burkins and Franki Sibberson’s analysis of this hit TV show resonated deeply, illustrating how popular media can highlight the complexities and challenges of the teaching profession, all while making us laugh.
2. "Designing Strategic Elementary Schedules"—Creating an optimal schedule requires thoughtful planning and coordination across staff. In this practical blog, David James shares tips for maximizing instructional time. It definitely struck a chord with educators seeking better balance.
1. “Attack of the Zombie Learning Theories!"—Science has proven many popular learning theories wrong, yet they continue to haunt our schools and classrooms. This myth-busting piece from ISTE+ASCD's CEO Richard Culatta captured our community's attention by challenging persistent but outdated teaching practices and offering evidence-based alternatives that work in today's classrooms.
Reader Personalities: Our Community's Reading Trends
Throughout 2024, several key themes emerged in our most-read content. We've curated these "reader personalities" based on the topics that resonated most with our education community. Which one reflects your professional learning journey?
The Well-Being Champion
Educator and student wellness took center stage this year, reflecting the ongoing need to prioritize mental health and sustainable practices in education.
Essential reads: "Self-Care Shouldn't Be an Emergency Measure," "5 Ways Music Can Improve Student Mental Health," and "4 Ways to Give Teachers the Gift of Time"
The Instructional Innovator
Teaching strategies evolved rapidly in 2024, with educators seeking fresh approaches to classroom instruction in the age of AI. This personality type embraces new methods and technologies to enhance student learning.
Favorite reads: "3 Strategies for Student Self-Assessment," "Teaching Smarter with AI," and "The Power of Habit Stacking"
The Literacy Leader
The science of reading dominated educational discussions this year, with educators seeking evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction across all grade levels.
Frequently explores: "Why Leaders Must Learn the Science of Reading," "To Improve Reading Skills, Teach Writing Skills," and "Improving Teens' Reading and Their Well-Being"
The Math Mindset Maker
2024 saw a surge in conversations about making mathematics more accessible and engaging for all students, challenging traditional notions of who can succeed in math.
Go-to reads: "Everyone Can Be 'A Math Person'" and "4 Ways to Boost Math Instruction"
The Attendance Advocate
Post-pandemic attendance challenges remained a critical focus this year, with educators sharing innovative approaches to keeping students engaged and present.
Key insights from: "Creating a Culture of Attendance" and "3 Novel Approaches to Reducing Absenteeism"
The Professional Growth Guide
Professional development emerged as a key theme in 2024, with educators seeking more effective ways to support teacher learning and progress.
Favorite content: "5 Ways to Sustain Instructional Coaching Momentum," "Turning Walkthroughs into Tools for Growth," and "4 Universal Principles for Effective Teacher PD"
Looking Ahead: What's Next in 2025
The conversation doesn't end here! We're excited to kick off 2025 with thought-provoking pieces from education luminaries like Douglas Reeves and Pam Allyn, alongside fresh voices from our newest ASCD authors. You'll find exclusive book excerpts, inspiring stories from educators sharing their New Year's resolutions, and deep dives into education's emerging trends.
Want to be part of the story? Share your voice with our community! Submit a blog post, join the conversation on LinkedIn and X, and network with fellow educators on Connect, ISTE+ASCD’s online community. We can't wait to learn together in 2025!
