Q: What initially drew you to education? Dr. Enfield: I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. From as early as age 7, I was “teaching” my stuffed animals and dolls. By the time I became a high school English teacher, I knew I was doing what I was put on...
Announcement
Welcoming Dr. Susan Enfield as CEL’s Next Executive Director
Apr 7, 2025
We are excited to share that Dr. Susan Enfield will be joining the team at the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) as our new Executive Director. A respected and visionary leader, Susan brings deep expertise in educational leadership, a...
The Power of Rural Leaders: Building Schools Where Students Thrive
Apr 2, 2025
We at UW CEL are excited to announce the launch of the Aspiring Leaders Project, a new three-year initiative supported by a generous grant from College Spark Washington. We’re partnering with Educational Service Districts (ESDs) to ensure that rural communities have...
Finding Inspiration During These Turbulent Times
Jan 31, 2025
We recognize that educators are leading through unprecedented challenges. Our hearts are heavy for the students, educators, families, and communities who have been impacted by the recent executive orders around immigration, equity, transgender rights, and more. We believe as firmly as ever that every student has the right to rigorous learning environments, schools where their agency is elevated, and classrooms where they belong and are respected.
[Happy New Year!] What unites us – A limitless future for all children
Jan 3, 2019
On behalf of all of us at the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership, I am writing to wish a happy and peaceful new year to all of our partners, peers and supporters. The past year has been an exciting one for us, and we expect an exciting one for...
Recent Posts
Building Authentic Student Partnership into Professional Learning
Apr 20, 2026
I am now thinking that just because I see something as positive doesn’t necessarily make it so. It’s critical to ensure that student voice remains at the center of visioning experience.While many leaders believe they are centering student voice, often, adults still...
Approaching Classroom Observations as a Coach
Mar 17, 2026
Principal supervisors play a key role in strengthening instructional leadership across a school system. Their primary responsibility is not to be a “super principal” but to build the capacity of principals. One powerful way to do this is by approaching classroom...
From Closed Doors to Collective Growth
Feb 19, 2026
For many educators, classroom visits carry emotional weight. Too often, being observed has meant being evaluated, corrected, or quietly judged. Walkthroughs have been experienced as punitive rather than as opportunities to learn together on behalf of students, but we...
CEL’s Top 10 Most-Accessed Tools & Resources 2025
Jan 15, 2026
The start of each new year offers an opportunity to take stock of what is working, name what needs attention, and clarify how to keep students at the center of instructional leadership practice. Over the past year, hundreds of educational leaders turned to our...
Helping Teachers Set Goals Grounded in Student Learning
Jan 5, 2026
In this current environment where goal-setting is central to professional learning, this post helps leaders work with teachers to set goals that are grounded in student learning and connected to instructional practice.