The Elements of Education for School Leaders

"Our principals face some of the toughest challenges of any profession. Pressed for time, and stretched to their limits, our leaders need a go-to guidebook that’s straight to the point and meets the moment – The Elements of Education for School Leaders is that book. Take it with you on your leadership journey." —Jean S. Desravines, CEO of New Leaders

"This book is a brilliant distillation of essential school leadership principles and skills that are critical for everyone interested in the field. It helps us tune out the noise and remain focused on building a collaborative, compassionate, student-centered learning environment. An incredibly useful must-have tool to get and remain leadership smart and sharp!"—Rhonda Perry, Principal, The Salk School of Science

"Leading a school well—whether public, private, or charter—has never been more challenging. Or essential. The best teachers are good storytellers, and this volume—like a well-versed mentor—offers sound, actionable guidance interspersed with tales of what daily leadership looks and feels like today, with its complexities, agendas, and hard-won successes. Though fictional, the challenges presented here are as familiar as tomorrow’s faculty meeting and as hard to ignore as the reporter outside the door. The Elements of Education for School Leaders can be a trusted and ready companion to any school leader."—Jeffrey C. Bradley, Director, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

"Just as Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style has been a constant companion throughout my academic and professional life, I will now also keep The Elements of Education for School Leaders close at hand. It is a fantastic reference covering a range of highly pertinent topics in a clear and succinct manner. The Elementsof Education for School Leaders has become my "go to" starting place when I need quick assistance and when I aspire to be more effective and inspiring as a leader. It’s like having an experienced consultant or coach in my office at all times."—David Perry, Director, American Embassy School, New Delhi

"The practical explanations of each of the extensive list of leadership concepts, coupled with the engaging case studies crafted to illustrate them, make TheElements of Education a must-read for all new and aspiring school leaders. The book’s structure cleverly allows the reader to do a comprehensive study of the concepts or just dip into those areas in which they feel they need to grow."—Sheena Nabholz, Director of School Relations, Search Associates (former Head of Lincoln Community School), Ghana

"This book is a great outline and overview to all the elements leaders must address in their difficult job of running a school. And what a list it is! Leadership positions are difficult and stressful—yet they are also the most rewarding. This book helps you navigate a wide variety of areas that all leaders must consider. The outline, which ranges from misconduct to community engagement and from admissions to crisis management, offers advice and case studies that help those in leadership positions examine the best path forward. It also recommends some outstanding resources. Kudos to Julia Chun, Tyler Tingley, and William Lidwell from Avenues, The World School-New York City for publishing this resource."—Laura Light, Executive Director, The Association for Advancement of International Education (AAIE)