Tag: books

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Learner-Centered Leadership: A Blueprint for Transformational Change in Learning Communities

 

How Can Education Respond to a Faster World?

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 and all-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.

An inspiring book by a visionary and courageous leader.

—Yong Zhao, author of World Class Learners

A fabulous resource and well worth the read!—Pamela Moran, retired superintendent and coauthor of Timeless Learning

A research-based, experientially grounded framework for educational leaders.—Thomas C. Murray, director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, DC

Click here to purchase Learner-Centered Leadership

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Take the L.E.A.P.

 




Take the L.E.A.P. to reimagine learning!

Our schools ought to be places where students explore, inquire, and unleash creative thinking within a supportive, collaborative environment. Too often, however, they feel more like factories that demand compliance and uniformity—a reality that stifles innovation and leaves students ill-equipped for their futures. The good news is that you can help change that when you reimagine learning by sparking curiosity, inspiring creativity, and promoting student agency.

Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation will inspire and support you as you to take steps to grow beyond traditional and self-imposed boundaries. Award-winning educator Elisabeth Bostwick shares stories and practical strategies to help you challenge conventional thinking and create the conditions that empower meaningful learning.

  • Luminous Culture—Shine a light on every individual’s creative potential.
  • Empowered Learning—Encourage students to take ownership of their education.
  • Authenticity in Learning—Tap into passions to create relevant learning experiences.
  • Potential Soars—Ignite a movement of inspired, confident learners.

Are you ready to L.E.A.P.?

“Elisabeth Bostwick wraps together a wonderful blend of inspirational stories, applicable research, and her rich educational experiences . . . . This book will be a gem in your collection and one you will refer back to often.”

—Todd Whitaker, professor of educational leadership, University of Missouri

“Take the L.E.A.P. will not only challenge your thinking but also provide direction on how to move toward the innovation economy.”

—Don Wettrick, founder and president of STARTedUP Foundation

“Anyone could easily take this book and transform their classroom to increase student empowerment and creative, divergent thinking.”

—Mandy Froehlich, author of The Fire Within and Divergent EDU

Take the L.E.A.P. is available on Amazon!  Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LEAPeffect and learn more at Elisabethbostwick.com.

 

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Reclaiming Our Calling

In Pursuit of Learning That Lasts . . .

This genre-busting book captures the heart, mind, and hope of education like no other. Through a series of interwoven stories, award-winning educator and principal Brad Gustafson reminds us of what we’ve known all along: Children are more than numbers, and we are called to teach and reach them accordingly.

Reclaiming Our Calling will empower you to . . .

  • Talk about learning that lasts in tangible terms
  • Teach on behalf of the whole learner by tapping into their strengths
  • Take steps toward meaningful change regardless of your role
  • Understand and lead with the 4 Passions of the Profession and invite others to do the same
  • —–

“ . . . an inspiring call to action.”
—John R. Ryan, president and CEO, Center for Creative Leadership

“ . . . powerful classroom stories, reflective-thinking opportunities, and practical strategies.”
—Donalyn Miller, author and literacy advocate

“ . . . a great resource for teachers to get back to the core of great teaching and learning.”
—Josh Stumpenhorst, teacher, librarian, author, and speaker

“Reclaiming Our Calling is a gift to all educators.”
—Jessica Cabeen, author, speaker, and nationally distinguished principal

“ . . . it’s a message many educators badly need right now.”
—Peter DeWitt, EdD, author/consultant, Finding Common Ground blog (Education Week)

“ . . . a physical manifestation of the heart and soul of education.”
—Dr. Tony Sinanis, educator, author, and speaker

“ . . . a rallying cry for all educators . . . and policy makers should take notice.”
—Gov. Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia

Reclaiming Our Calling is available on Amazon! Chat with Brad Gustafson on twitter @gustafsonbrad or check out his website for more information about Reclaiming our Calling.

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Unleash Talent

 

Students need teachers and school leaders who are at their best—

and being your best happens when you know your strengths
and boldly use them to empower others.  

Talent often hides in the most unlikely people and places. Hidden talents serve no one, but when you learn how to spot and release talent, you can make your school amazing for everyone. In Unleash Talent, educator and principal Kara Knollmeyer explains that by exploring the core elements of talent—passion, skills, and personality traits—you can uncover your gifts and help others do the same.

It doesn’t matter if you are a teacher, administrator, or custodian; your unique talents can make a powerful impact on your school community. Knollmeyer’s insightful guide walks you through a powerful process of self-discovery. She notes that scores, job satisfaction, happiness, and teacher retention improve when every member of the school community is encouraged to use their unique gifts. You’ll learn . . .

  • Why we should bring our passions to work
  • How to draw out and build on existing skills
  • Why we should embrace our unique and varied personality traits

All learners—children and adults alike—have special talents just waiting to be unleashed.

“Kara Knollmeyer provides tried and true strategies to bring out the best in all students and staff.”

—Beth Houf, principal and coauthor of Lead Like a PIRATE

“If you want to learn how to build better relationships with kids and adults and how to value the talent in our buildings, read this book immediately!”

—Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal, speaker, and author

“Written with sincerity and a commitment to lifting up and celebrating all educators, Unleash Talent is a must-add book for any teacher’s reading list!”

—Dr. Jennifer Williams, professor, education strategist, and global educator

“This is a book that will help readers bring out the best in themselves as well as their colleagues and their students.”

—Jeffrey Zoul, EdD, author, speaker, and president of ConnectEDD

 

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Empower

 

 

Kids begin their learning journey as curious problem solvers who ask questions and create solutions. As they go through school, something happens to many of our students, and they begin to play the game of school, eager to be compliant and follow a path instead of making their own. 

As teachers, leaders, and parents, we have the opportunity to be the guide in our kids’ education and unleash the creative potential of each and every student. In a world that is ever changing, our job is not to prepare students for something; instead, our role is to help students prepare themselves for anything.

In Empower, A.J. Juliani and John Spencer provide teachers, coaches, and administrators with a roadmap that will inspire innovation, authentic learning experiences, and practical ways to empower students to pursue their passions while in school.

Compliance is expecting students to pay attention. Engagement is getting students excited about our topics, interests, and curriculum. But when we empower students, they crave learning that is both meaningful and relevant to their life, now and in the future.

Empower is for you if …

  • You are a teacher eager to get students making, designing, and creating their own learning path in (and out of) the classroom
  • You are a superintendent, district administrator, or principal who is leading change and working to help your staff thrive in a twenty-first-century learning environment
  • You are a coach, staff developer, or teacher leader who is crafting professional learning experiences and wants to encourage colleagues to be the guide on the ride

Empower is focused not only on what happens when students own their learning but also on how to reach a place where that is possible in the midst of standards, set curriculum paths, and realities of school that we all have to deal with. Written by real educators who are still working in schools and with teachers, Empower will provide ways to overcome these challenges and turn them into opportunities for our learners to be unabashedly different and remarkable.

Empower is available on Amazon! Join the conversation online using the hashtag #EmpowerBook and learn more at EmpowerBook.co.