Welcome to a new way of talking about leadership in education. Front & Central was created to bring education leaders the advice, experiences, strategies, research, and stories they need to make their lives easier.
Why “Front & Central” ?
We are dedicated to bringing educators advice, experiences, strategies, and research that inspire them to think of solutions beyond their own horizons. We are committed to telling the stories that develop on the front end of learning and from within the central office.
We didn’t come up with the idea for this site in a vacuum. We listened to dozens of educators —from teachers to chief academic officers and superintendents — talk about their struggles and their successes. We asked them what they actually wanted to read about online regarding their peers. What are others challenged by, and how did they overcome these challenges? Where can they find footing in the shifting sands of leadership directives?
There was a common thread among all of these stories — they weren’t being told. Front & Central is our answer to that problem.
What’s Your Story?
We’re a new site, with a fresh, focused direction, and we’re looking for new stories. Did your district leaders embark on an ambitious strategic plan, endure struggles, and emerge a stronger, more vital school system? Do you have advice on tactics that could help your peers? We are listening, and we would love to help bring your story to life.
You can reach Editor in Chief D. Frank Smith at frank_smith@frontandcentral.com.
Our Newsletter
Who has time to check their favorite sites every day? Sign up for our biweekly newsletter and have the best of Front & Central’s exclusive education leadership stories delivered straight to your inbox.
You can easily subscribe to the newsletter by following the directions at the bottom of the site.
Our Writers
Dr. Laura McKenna – An educator with 30 years of experience, and a Ph.D. in political science and education policy.
Dr. Scott McLeod – An associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado Denver.
Wayne D’Orio – An award-winning education editor and writer, having covered issues, leaders, and technology in K-12 for more than a decade.
Jeanette Edelstein — An educator with experience in and outside the classroom, having worked as a teacher, curriculum designer, and program developer.
Matt Renwick – An elementary principal with 17 years of experience in the classroom.
Elizabeth Trach – A professional writer and editor with 18 years of classroom teaching experience in both Spanish and English language arts.
Kelly Collins-McCarthy – A middle school mathematics teacher in Montgomery County, MD.
Robin Payes – a Maryland-based author, science writer, and consultant in social marketing specializing in health, science, and education.
Margaret Ferry – An experienced author who has written for trade associations and multi-lateral organizations focusing on education and child and adolescent development issues.