I usually start my Saturday mornings by reading blogs, articles, or newsletters I subscribe to. Some may think there are other ways I could begin my day, but for me, I carve out that time for learning and growth. With coffee in hand, it’s my way of sparking thinking for the week ahead and generating ideas for writing and reflection.

When I opened my friend George Couros’ weekly newsletter last week, it didn’t surprise me that he was doing what he does best…shining the light on others. He’s done this for me countless times. George continuously models and illuminates the idea that we must lift others up so they can be better for the students, colleagues, and communities they serve.

This quote struck me:

“When you have the spotlight shining on you as a leader, the best thing you can do is turn it around to shine that light on others.”

Think about that. You have the unique opportunity to recognize the gifts in others…gifts they may not see in themselves. This sentiment is written throughout my book, The Leader Inside. 

A few weeks ago, George did it again, he featured one of my blog posts on his own blog, the very blog that once inspired me to start and maintain my own. When I thanked him for making my day, he simply replied, “YOU made your day.”

Then, my friend Sean Gaillard, another person who lifts me up and shines the light on others so well shared that he had mentioned me to an author of a book I’m currently reading. She replied that she knew who I was and said I had a great blog. That comment made me pause. I was honestly shocked. At that moment, I was reminded that people are watching, even when you don’t realize it. Our impact may be wider and have more reach than we think.

That’s why I’m writing this post.

Now, I know what you might be thinking…aren’t blogs a thing of the past? With so much content flooding our feeds these days, from social media posts to podcasts, it can feel like everyone is creating something everywhere, all the time.

But for me, there’s something uniquely meaningful about blogging. It’s reflective. It’s personal. And for me, it offers a depth of thinking that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

That’s why I want to recommend educational blogs that continue to spark my thinking because the people behind them have helped me grow. And I want them, and others, to know it.

So first, I’d like to thank you for reading MY BLOG. I am truly grateful you’re here!

Below is a list of 20 blogs I read regularly, though I should mention, there are so many more that inspire me, it’s hard to list them all! I’d love to hear what you’re reading too. Feel free to drop a favorite blog in the comments so others can benefit as well.

Note: These blogs are in no particular order.

George Couros – The Principal of Change

George Couros is a former principal, sought-after speaker, author of The Innovator’s Mindset, and a global voice in education. His blog, The Principal of Change, is a trusted space for educators who want to reflect deeply, lead with empathy, and innovate with intention. George writes with vulnerability and conviction, weaving leadership lessons into personal stories that ignite action and spark meaningful change. His posts are a powerful reminder that transformational leadership begins with relationships—and with believing in the untapped potential of those we serve.

Website: georgecouros.com

Sean Gaillard – Principal Liner Notes

Sean Gaillard brings soul to school leadership. A principal, author of The Pepper Effect, podcaster, longtime champion of #CelebrateMonday, Sean’s blog, Principal Liner Notes is infused with music, meaning, and a deep appreciation for people. He draws beautiful parallels between leadership and mixtapes, reminding us to honor our influences, lift others up, and lead with rhythm and heart. His words feel like an open invitation to celebrate learning and connect through shared humanity.

Website: seangaillard.com

Meghan Lawson – Learner. Human. Joyologist

Meghan Lawson’s writing is a reflection of her leadership rooted in courage, clarity, and care. A district leader and author of Legacy of Learning, Meghan leads with a deeply human-centered approach. Her blog explores the inner work of leading, the complexity of change, and the emotional landscape of school life. Meghan brings vulnerability and strength to every post, always centering the people behind the work. She reminds us that leading well means seeing others fully, creating space for growth, and staying grounded in purpose.

Website: meghanlawson.com

Jennifer Gonzalez – Cult of Pedagogy

Jennifer Gonzalez’s Cult of Pedagogy is an essential resource for educators at every level. Her blog posts are smart, practical, and research-informed, covering everything from instructional strategies to classroom management to educational equity. Jennifer has a gift for making complex topics accessible and actionable. If you’re looking for ideas to immediately elevate your practice or just want to feel deeply understood as an educator – this is your spot.

Website: cultofpedagogy.com

Darrin Peppard – Road to Awesome

Darrin Peppard is a former principal and superintendent, author of Road to Awesome, and a passionate advocate for positive school culture. His blog lives up to its name, offering reflections on leadership, building people up, and celebrating the work of those in the trenches every day. Darrin’s tone is encouraging and deeply rooted in the belief that every educator and every school has the potential to be truly awesome. It’s the kind of blog that makes you want to lead boldly and with heart.

Website: roadtoawesome.net 

Zac Bauermaster – Zac Bauermaster Blog

Zac Bauermaster is the author of the newly released Day by Day and a school leader whose blog is clear, focused, and full of practical insights for fellow educators. Whether he’s sharing tips on prioritizing family, time management, or building a positive school culture, Zac’s posts are short enough to read quickly but packed with ideas that linger. He consistently centers student growth and reminds readers that intentional leadership makes all the difference.

Recently, Zac’s video content showing how he fist pumps and personally greets students each day went viral, capturing hearts across the country and even earning a feature in People magazine. His joyful approach to connection is a powerful reminder that simple, consistent gestures can build trust, community, and a culture where students feel seen and valued.

Website: zacbauermaster.com

Eric Sheninger – A Digital Principal’s Blog

Eric Sheninger is a former award-winning principal, thought leader, and author of Disruptive Thinking, and more. His award winning blog, A Principal’s Reflections, explores innovation, digital transformation, and student-centered learning. Eric challenges traditional thinking with evidence-based strategies that help educators lead meaningful change and create future-ready schools.

Website: ericsheninger.com

Katie Martin – Learner‑Centered Collaborative

Dr. Katie Martin is the Chief Impact Officer at Learner-Centered Collaborative and the author of  Evolving Education. Her collaborative blog with Learner-Centered Collaborative celebrates learner-centered systems, showcasing real-world examples and practical approaches for reimagining education. Katie writes with conviction and warmth, inviting leaders to create classrooms where student voice, agency, and authenticity are foundational, not optional.

Website: learnercentered.org

Catlin Tucker – CatlinTucker.com

Catlin Tucker is the author of Blended Learning in Action and more, a leading expert in blended learning, and her blog is a masterclass in instructional design and student engagement. A former high school teacher and author of several books, Catlin shares classroom strategies, lesson ideas, and reflections on technology integration that are always timely and teacher-friendly. Her posts empower educators to create learning environments that are flexible, personalized, and deeply connected to students’ needs.

Website: catlintucker.com

Allyson Apsey – Serendipity in Education

Allyson Apsey is a former principal and co-author of What Makes a Great Principal, known for bringing optimism, honesty, and heart to everything she writes. Her blog, Serendipity in Education, is a space where leadership meets vulnerability and where real growth begins. Allyson invites readers into her personal reflections on joy, resilience, and leading with purpose. Her posts remind us that serendipity isn’t just chance, it’s about being open to the unexpected lessons that make us better for our students and each other. At the end of many posts, she offers practical ideas school leaders can implement right away, making her reflections both inspiring and actionable.

Website: allysonapsey.com

Dave Burgess Consulting – Teach Like a PIRATE Blog

Dave Burgess, a New York Times bestselling author and former teacher-magician, leads Dave Burgess Consulting (DBC, Inc.), which publishes the Teach Like a PIRATE series and hosts a high-energy blog filled with leadership and engagement inspiration The blog features weekly educator-focused posts with human-centered guest voices, all delivered with Burgess’s trademark enthusiasm. This blog is a rich blend of motivational storytelling, creative strategies, and practical takeaways that remind leaders and educators that teaching can and should be extraordinary. At its heart, the blog reflects Burgess’s commitment to amplifying the voices of incredible educators and celebrating the impact they make every day.

Website: daveburgess.com

Elisabeth Bostwick – ElisabethBostwick.com

Elisabeth Bostwick is a passionate educator, speaker, and author of Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation. Her blog is a space where curiosity, creativity, and courage come together. Elisabeth writes about creating learning environments that empower both students and teachers to take risks and thrive. She centers student voice, authentic engagement, and the power of fostering a growth mindset. Her reflections invite educators to embrace possibility, reimagine classroom culture, and lead with intention.

Website: elisabethbostwick.com

Katie Novak – Novak Education

Katie Novak, Ed.D., is a former educator and Assistant Superintendent turned internationally recognized consultant, author, and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. Her blog, part of the Novak Education site, centers on inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Katie shares research-informed, strategy-rich posts—like implementing UDL, designing equitable assessments, and scaffolding learning in meaningful ways. Her writing is practical yet heartfelt, empowering educators to design learning that includes every student.

Website: novakeducation.com

Laura McDonnell – Pavement and Pages

Laura McDonnell is a passionate educator who writes with insight and care on her Pavement and Pages blog, where she blends her experiences in education with thoughtful reflections. Her writing often centers on thoughtful reflections about classroom innovation, literacy, educator wellness, demonstrating a deep appreciation for human connection, student agency, and social-emotional learning. Laura’s tone is inviting, reflective, and encouraging, making her blog a thoughtful resource for educators who value reading from an educator who is on the frontlines. 

Website: pavementandpages.blogspot.com

Matt Miller – Ditch That Textbook

Matt Miller is a former high school Spanish teacher, keynote speaker, and author of Tech Like a PIRATE. His blog is a go-to resource for educators looking to break free from traditional methods and embrace creative, student-centered learning. Matt shares practical tech tools, lesson ideas, and time-saving strategies that make learning more engaging and meaningful. His approachable style and classroom-tested ideas help teachers innovate without overwhelm.

Website: ditchthattextbook.com

Tisha Richmond – Make Learning Magical

Tisha Richmond lives up to the name of her blog—Make Learning Magical. She is a culinary teacher, tech coach and author of Make Learning Magical. Tisha blends creativity, joy, and innovation to transform the learning experience. Her blog is filled with ideas to gamify instruction, build student agency, and rekindle the wonder in teaching. Tisha reminds us that magic in education doesn’t come from tricks, it comes from purposefully designing experiences that connect, inspire, and empower.

A.J. Juliani – ajjuliani.com

A.J. Juliani is a former teacher, district leader, and author of Adaptable, known for championing student-centered, inquiry-driven learning. His blog offers practical, thought-provoking insights on project-based learning, creativity, and meaningful use of technology, especially AI. A.J. challenges educators to move beyond compliance and create learning experiences that spark curiosity, voice, and agency in students. His writing is grounded, forward-thinking, and always focused on what’s best for learners.

Website: ajjuliani.com

Tara Martin – Be REAL

Tara Martin is a former district administrator, national speaker, and author of Be REAL: Educate from the Heart. She currently works with DBC, Inc. (Dave Burgess Consulting) supporting authors and amplifying educator voices. On her blog, Tara encourages educators to lead with authenticity, embrace vulnerability, and “cannonball in” to meaningful change. Creator of #BookSnaps, she blends heartfelt storytelling with practical strategies that inspire educators to be relatable, approachable, and learning-driven.

Website: taramartin.com

Alice Keeler – Teacher Tech

Alice Keeler is a Google-certified educator, speaker, author, and mom to five, known as the “Queen of Spreadsheets.” Her blog, Teacher Tech, offers practical, research-backed strategies for integrating technology, especially Google tools into student-centered learning. Her posts show her commitment to helping educators design better learning (not just digitize worksheets). Alice’s writing is clear, no-nonsense, and brimming with actionable ideas teachers can implement immediately.

Website: alicekeeler.com

Elena Aguilar – Bright Morning Blog

Elena Aguilar is a renowned coach, speaker, and author of Arise and more. As founder and CEO of Bright Morning, she draws on her deep experience in Oakland public schools to support transformational school change Her blog offers robust insights into coaching, leadership, and resilience, weaving together actionable tools and emotional depth like her “mini‑earthquake” coaching questions or guidance on coaching through difficult conversations brightmorningteam.com. Elena writes with purpose and compassion, empowering educators and leaders to lean into equity, foster connection, and facilitate meaningful dialogue every day.

Website: brightmorningteam.com

Moving Forward

So, with coffee in hand and curiosity still brewing, I’ll keep reading, reflecting, and growing and I hope you will too. These blogs have challenged my thinking, affirmed my beliefs, and inspired me to lead with more heart and intention and reflect through my writing. I share them not just as a resource, but as a reminder of the incredible educators out there who continue to light the way for others.