George Couros

What’s the secret to becoming a successful, inspiring school leader? Learning how to unlock and support greatness…in OTHERS. With apologies to the Navy Seals, professional sports coaches, and Fortune 500 CEOs: Your leadership advice doesn’t always apply to what's going on in education. Leading at school isn't like leading anywhere else. We should probably stop pretending that it is. At school, we must serve any and all clients (whether they pay or not), it's nearly impossible to fire our people (we love tenure but there are downsides to everything), and we are often supervised by elected officials (many of whom have never worked a day in our profession). Otherful will give you the tools to: Replace faculty complaining with proactive problem-solvingUndercut conflict through active listening and tactical reframingDo less work, get better results, and be respected more

Have you ever wondered if you could be a leader in your school or in your district? In ASPIRE to Lead, author and educational leader Joshua Stamper shares a guide for aspiring leaders to enhance their leadership capacity through active self-development and goal setting. Applying Joshua’s A.S.P.I.R.E. model, which is infused with his stories of past failures and successes, will guide the reader in actionable steps to enhance their leadership skills. Exploring Joshua’s voyage from artist to administrator, ASPIRE to Lead will push the boundaries on how to: ACTIVATE your journeyFind SUPPORT from other leadersPERSEVERE through challengesDiscover your IDENTITYGrow in your REFLECTIONAnd EXECUTE your vision!Winner of 2022 Firebird Leadership Book Award

You can develop the skills to meet the needs of learners in any learning environment. This approachable, in-depth guide unites the adaptability of Universal Design for Learning with the flexibility of blended learning, equipping educators with the tools they need to create relevant, authentic, and meaningful learning pathways to meet students where they're at, no matter the time and place or their pace and path. With step-by-step guidance and clear strategies, authors Katie Novak and Catlin Tucker empower teachers to implement these frameworks in the classroom, with a focus on cultivating community, building equity, and increasing accessibility for all learners. As we face increasing uncertainty and frequent disruption to traditional ways of living and learning, UDL and Blended Learning offers bold, innovative, inclusive solutions for navigating a range of learning landscapes, from the home to the classroom and all points in between, no matter what obstacles may lie ahead.

In this timely and thoughtful call to action, author and educator Starr Sackstein examines the critical intersection between assessment and social and emotional learning (SEL), particularly as it affects students of color and other marginalized groups. The book addresses the five SEL competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making—and explains how teaching students to develop their abilities in these areas can help them improve their learning and assessment experiences. Sackstein also raises important considerations for educators, urging them to * Examine their implicit biases to improve their relationships with students. * Deepen their understanding of the impact of grades and assessments on students' self-image and their ability to reach their full potential as learners. * Develop personalized assessment systems that ensure an accurate, fair, and equitable portrayal of what students know and can do. In addition to presenting the relevant research, Sackstein draws from personal experience and the reflections of students, teachers, and administrators to present a compelling case for approaching assessment through the SEL lens. Educators at all levels who have witnessed the devasting effects that testing can have on students' beliefs in themselves as learners will find Assessing with Respect to be an invaluable guide to ensuring better outcomes—and better emotional health—for all students.

The One-Minute Meeting: Creating Student Stakeholders in Schools teaches readers how to leverage a unique instructional practice called the One-Minute Meeting to authentically glean information from students. This valuable feedback can then be used to inform instructional practice, learning environment, and student achievement. The text provides detailed instructions for introducing, planning, implementing, and disaggregating the One-Minute Meeting in any learning environment. The book features in-depth explanations on the importance of each One-Minute Meeting component, from creating an informative needs assessment to maximizing transformational potential within a school to communicating with teacher leaders. Each chapter begins by explaining the origin of each One-Minute Meeting concept and then lays out the formal research that supports the concept within a school setting. Readers are provided with examples and templates throughout to support implementation at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Developed to inspire school and district leaders to fully engage with and empower their students, The One-Minute Meeting is an exceptional resource for courses in school leadership and administration. The text is also a valuable resource for in-service educators and administrators at K-12 institutions.

We're defined by our failures only if we let ourselves be. In today's stressful climate of education budget shortfalls, ever-evolving academic standards, and widespread cultural transformation, how can educators find the confidence to become the leaders they hope to be? Thrive through the Five helps school leaders navigate that challenging 5 percent of work (and life) when things are really, really hard. The goal of this book is to not just help readers survive through those moments, days, and seasons, but to lead through them and truly thrive. The superintendent of Gunter ISD, a growing school district an hour north of Dallas, Dr. Siler offers a refreshingly honest account of the challenges and pitfalls of leadership. Coupled with her infectious optimism, her wisdom and insight invite educational professionals to take the next best step and move confidently--even through the toughest times. "Thrive through the Five transforms challenges into positive opportunities and achievement. It's a must-read for school leaders." --Jon Gordon, New York Times best-selling author of The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership "In Thrive through the Five, Dr. Siler uses her own experiences and expertise to provide practical, relevant insights into how all school leaders can thrive in those difficult times. This should be required reading for anyone who dares to be a great leader." --Kevin Brown, EdD, executive director, Texas Association of School Administrators "Thrive through the Five is a great story of one leader's journey to find a way through the parts of our jobs that don't always bring us the most joy, but often take up the most time. The quotes will inspire and the process will clearly help you navigate the 5 percent that has such an impact on our world both emotionally and physically as leaders." --Joe Sanfelippo, PhD, superintendent, Fall Creek School District, and author of Hacking Leadership

ASCD bestseller! Baruti Kafele turns his attention to assistant principals in a book designed to spark reflection and clarify the influence of this often misunderstood role. You're an Assistant Principal. Whatever your status—the sole AP in your school, one of two or more APs in your school, a career AP, an AP aspiring to the principalship—yours is one of the most misunderstood and underutilized positions in education. Positioned between teachers and the principal, you are an instructional leader. However, you are not the leader of the school. Therefore, you must carefully navigate your way to ensure that you thrive in your role without "stepping on the toes" of your principal. In The Assistant Principal 50, award-winning, four-time principal Baruti Kafele presents reflective questions that encompass the breadth and depth of the assistant principalship—from finding your leadership "lane" to thriving and being an asset to your principal. Kafele infuses the book (which also includes guidance and insights for principals and aspiring assistant principals) from beginning to end with personal anecdotes and accounts of both failures and successes from his years as an assistant principal. He arms you with tools and insights that will drive you to view the assistant principalship as critical to the climate and culture of your school as well as to student achievement. You, assistant principal, play a critical role in your school's success. The questions that Kafele asks you to consider will aid you as you hone your leadership skills toward becoming an effective leader in your school.

The pace of change in our society is currently accelerating. Old concepts of authority and hierarchy have been challenged by the reality of a networked world, and bedrock ideas about what citizens need to know have been overturned by a constant drive to learn anew. For Devin Vodicka, the response to these challenges is both simple andall-encompassing: it is the learner who is constant in the new world, and therefore educators must empower the learner to drive their journey.In Learner-Centered Leadership, Vodicka offers a deeply researched and urgent blueprint for orienting education around the strengths, interests, and needs of individual learners. He makes a compelling argument for the wisdom in giving students the resources to draw their own learning paths and the power of reimagining schools as centers for the intellectual and social development of lifelong learners prepared for a rapidly changing world. Drawing from theories of the mind, change management, and organizational transformation as well as the author’s own experience leading a school district through change, this book serves as an important guide to creating a learner-centered approach to education.

As an educator, you have the power to leave a legacy by . . . In Personal & Authentic, Thomas C. Murray reveals the power of designing awe-inspiring experiences that are grounded in relationships and learner-centered by design. Inherently relevant and contextualized, it is this kind of learning that lasts a lifetime. Be bold. Be fearless. Be proud. Be you. Your story is not finished yet. "After you read this book, you will become a better teacher and leader-and if not, you might want to read it again!" -Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal, speaker, and author "One of the most helpful, heartfelt, and unassuming stories I've ever read." -Brad Gustafson, EdD, national distinguished principal and best-selling author "The story always wins. The most impactful learning has always been personal and authentic. Murray does a masterful job of weaving both the gripping story of educators and the opportunities for them to increase their impact on students." -Joe Sanfelippo, PhD, superintendent, author, and speaker "Teachers will finish this book feeling inspired and empowered to continue the important work we are called to do." -Luisa Palomo Hare, kindergarten teacher, 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Excellence and Impactful Leadership don't happen accidentallyExcellence is a journey where leaders discover who they are, what they value, and the principles that drive them. True excellence and impactful leadership require intentional strategies. Pursuers of excellence are able to see barriers as obstacles that they can overcome. It is those barriers and challenges that strengthen us in our pursuit of excellence. To Be Excellent on Purpose means avoiding excuses and making a plan for life and working the plan to make it a reality. Longtime teacher, author, presenter, and Principal of the Year Sanée Bell shares personal and professional stories and strategies that will make your own leadership both intentional and impactful. In the inaugural book in the Lead Forward Series, Bell introduces teachers, principals, school district leaders, and leaders in all spaces to a simple, but powerful, system that makes you more cognizant of your own leadership style and your journey to daily excellence. Inside Be Excellent on Purpose, you'll find dozens of stories and accompanying strategies that give you a unique approach to leadership and intentional daily excellence, while answering these critical questions: How do you find your Why?How do you meet the individual needs of all stakeholders?How do you as a leader transform learning, teaching, and professional growth?How do you inspire and energize your students and staff?How do you champion equity in your space?How do you promote and support innovation? Engage with the contentThe Lead Forward Series is designed to give you grassroots stories from people who are in the field, doing the work daily, while providing a space to interact with the content. Each chapter contains a LeadForward Journal, with guiding questions and sentence stems, which you can write on and share with friends and colleagues, encouraging them to Lead Forward and to Be Excellent on Purpose. Before you return to school or work ...read Be Excellent on Purpose, and bring the power of intentional excellence and impactful leadership to all of your shareholders every day.

What if education could be better--for students and for educators? Our changing world demands creative thinkers and collaborative problem solvers, but too often, schools stifle growth and discovery in favor of getting through the curriculum or preparing for "the test." Learning opportunities and teaching methods must evolve to match the ever-changing needs of today's learners. When we tell kids to complete an assignment, we get compliance. When we empower learners to explore and learn how to make an impact on the world, we inspire problem solvers and innovators. This required change in education involves more than providing training for administrators and teachers to implement new curriculum or programs and resources; it demands that we, as teachers and leaders, create an environment where learners at every level are empowered to take risks in pursuit of learning and growth rather than perfection. This book is for you if you are wondering . . . What if learners were valued for their diverse talents and not just our traditional model of "smart"? What if I could create new and better experiences for those I serve? What if I could inspire students to learn, to discover their passions, and to share their ideas with the world?