We live in exciting times as unprecedented access to knowledge, research, and effective strategies at our fingertips can assist educators in creating meaningful experiences for students that align with both needs and strengths. One thing is for certain: Learning is not linear. While a one-size-fits-all approach either worked for us or we just managed to get by, our connected world has shined a light on shifts that can be made to maximize students’ time in class. Herein lies the power of personalization. Moving away from the traditional models where all students are doing the same thing simultaneously in the same way, personalized learning offers a dynamic, student-centered approach. It ensures that all students receive what they need, when and where they need it, to optimize their learning. This is how we define personalization.

GRAPHIC BY ERIC SHENINGER

As student needs evolve and educators face increasing demands on their time, personalized learning emerges as an innovative and necessary solution. Change in this regard is not easy and requires a dramatic shift in leadership. Taking a leap of faith can be daunting, but it is often necessary to grow. Stagnation is the enemy of progress. In education, sticking solely to what’s comfortable hinders growth. Calculated risk-taking becomes crucial for improving practice. Sticking to the familiar routine feels safe, even if it means being perpetually stuck in neutral. For school leaders, embracing this model can transform not just individual classrooms but entire schools and districts.

Establish a Vision and Build a Culture

Creating a personalized learning environment begins with a clear, shared vision. As a school leader, articulate the importance and benefits of personalized learning for students. Foster a culture that values individuality, creativity, and critical thinking. Engage all stakeholders—teachers, students, parents, and the community—in developing this vision. Highlight success stories and exemplars where personalized learning has made a significant impact, providing a tangible sense of the possibilities and benefits.

Shift Practice With Feedback

One of the most powerful tools in professional growth is the use of feedback and conferencing between leaders and teachers. Instead of relying solely on formal evaluations, these interactions provide a richer, more meaningful approach to teacher development. One study on feedback orientation, feedback culture, and the longitudinal performance management process, demonstrates that a feedback-rich environment contributes to ongoing employee development and performance enhancement in organizational contexts. As leaders, it is critical to provide feedback that is timely, practical, and specific.

Learning walks provide valuable insights into teaching practices. Leaders and teachers can engage in reflective conversations, discussing specific instances and providing constructive feedback on personalization. This dialogue allows teachers to gain new perspectives and actionable advice. The process remains focused on professional growth, as the personalized discussions help teachers recognize their strengths and identify areas for improvement, creating an environment of continuous learning and development.

One of the most powerful tools in professional growth is the use of feedback and conferencing between leaders and teachers. 

By using recording technology such as a smartphone, tablet, or Swivl camera, teachers can self-reflect and assess their practice before meeting with their school leader. This approach not only enhances self-awareness but also encourages continuous improvement. These feedback sessions focus on professional growth, helping teachers understand their strengths and areas for improvement in a personalized manner. Research highlights the significant impact of self-assessment and self-reflection on student achievement. This supports the practice of using recordings, as it creates a reflective teaching culture, enhancing professional growth.

Empower Teachers Through Professional Learning

Teachers are the linchpin of personalized learning. Investing in their professional growth is crucial. Provide them with the necessary support to implement effective personalized learning strategies. Offer workshops, job-embedded coaching, and collaborative planning time focused on student agency (voice, choice, path, pace, and place as shown in the above graphic), data-enhanced teaching, and technology integration. Encourage teachers to experiment with new pedagogies, such as station rotation, choice activities (must-do/may-do, choice boards), playlists, or flipped lessons and share their experiences. By fostering a supportive professional learning community, you create an environment where teachers feel confident and capable of personalization.

Leverage Technology Effectively

Technology is a powerful tool for personalizing learning. The key is to make sure it is used in a purposeful way to support high-level thinking, relevant application, and high-agency strategies. Train teachers to use digital pedagogy, learning management systems, and data analytics tools to tailor instruction to each student’s needs. Technology facilitates self-paced learning, provides instant feedback, and offers various learning resources catering to different learning preferences. Artificial intelligence (AI) can further customize content, offer predictive analytics, and create adaptive learning paths for students.

Implement Flexible Curriculum and Assessment Models

Moving away from rigid curricula to ones that allow flexibility and choice is essential. Encourage project-based learning, competency-based assessments, and interdisciplinary studies. Allow students to choose how they demonstrate understanding, fostering deeper engagement. Develop assessment models focusing on mastery and growth rather than rote memorization and standardized testing. Use formative assessments to guide instruction and provide ongoing feedback, ensuring students remain engaged and motivated.

Create Personalized Learning Pathways

Recognize that each student’s learning journey is unique. Develop personalized learning pathways that allow students to progress at their own pace. Use real-time data to identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement, tailoring instruction accordingly. Implement tiered interventions and support systems to ensure all students receive the help they need to succeed. Personalized learning pathways can also include enrichment opportunities for students excelling in specific areas, ensuring that all students are challenged appropriately.

Foster Strong Relationships

Building strong, positive relationships is crucial in a personalized learning environment. Encourage teachers to get to know their students personally, understanding their interests, strengths, and challenges. Create opportunities for mentorship and peer collaboration. A supportive school culture where students feel valued and understood promotes engagement and academic success. Strong relationships between teachers and students can also help identify and address potential issues before they become significant barriers to learning.

Engage Students and Parents

Involve students in decision-making processes related to their learning. Give them a voice in setting goals, choosing learning activities, and reflecting on their progress. Similarly, engage parents by keeping them informed and involved in their child’s education. Regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops can help parents support personalized learning at home. As I’ve written elsewhere, engaging parents as partners in the learning process can enhance student outcomes and foster a supportive home environment for learning.

Evaluate and Reflect

Continuous improvement is key to success. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of personalized learning initiatives through surveys, feedback, learning walks, evidence collection, and academic performance data. Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment. Celebrate successes and learn from challenges. Encourage a culture of feedback among staff and students. School leaders can make informed decisions about necessary adjustments and improvements by regularly assessing the impact of personalized learning strategies.

Take the Leap

Building leadership capacity is essential to sustain personalized learning initiatives. School leaders should model the principles of personalized learning in their leadership practices. This involves being open to feedback, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and supporting innovative practices. Leaders should also prioritize professional development opportunities for aspiring leaders within their schools, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to champion personalized learning. Developing leadership capacity ensures that personalized learning becomes a sustainable, embedded practice rather than a passing trend. This involves mentoring new leaders, providing opportunities for leadership development, and creating a shared leadership model where responsibilities and decision-making are distributed.

Conclusion

Embracing personalized learning is a transformative journey that requires vision, commitment, and collaboration. It is important to note that there is no right or best way to personalize, and that is the beauty of this journey. School leaders can create a learning environment where every student can thrive by creating a supportive culture, empowering teachers, leveraging technology, and involving all stakeholders. The goal is to enhance academic achievement and foster a love for learning, preparing students for the complexities of the future. As a school leader, your bold steps toward personalized learning can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive educational landscape.

Eric Sheninger is a former principal of New Milford High School in New Milford, NJ, and a 2012 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year. Nicki Slaugh is the junior high principal of Quest Academy in West Haven, UT. They are the authors of Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners.

References

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Corwin.

London, M., & Smither, J. W. (2002, March). Feedback orientation, feedback culture, and the longitudinal performance management process. Human Resource Management Review, 12(1), 81–100. scribd.com/document/489228923/London-M-Smither-J-W-2002-Feedback-orientation-feedback-culture-and-the-longitudinal-performance-management-process.

Sheninger, E. (2019). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing Times. Corwin.