Bridge the gap between managing well and leading for impact. In this must-read guide for education leaders, Alan C. Jones expertly distinguishes between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs) by exploring the qualities that make select leaders truly exceptional. While AGJs focus on maintaining effective school operations, SSLs address the gaps within institutional systems to create environments that foster genuine learning and growth, balance institutional demands with innovative educational approaches, and align day-to-day operations with the deeper mission of schooling. You'll find chapter openers that contrast how SSLs and AGJs approach fundamental administrative functions and closing questions to support personal reflection and application of the concept at your school site. Additional features include: Vignettes that illustrate daily challenges faced by administrators and contrasting leadership responses SSL Tips to offer insights into how SSLs think differently about schooling goals End-of-Chapter Resources to deepen understanding of key concepts Jones empowers education leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate innovative practices into their roles. Whether you're a principal, department head, or district leader, this book provides the guidance needed to transition from managing to leading by fostering environments where both educators and students can thrive.
Dr. Alan C. Jones is an educational consultant specializing in curriculum, instruction, and instructional leadership. His teaching career includes teaching English at DuSable Upper Grade Center in Chicago, Illinois; social studies at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois; and school administration at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. He began his administrative career as an activity's director at Thornton Township High School and went in to become assistant principal at Bremen Township High School and served as principal of Community High School District 94 in West Chicago, Illinois, for seventeen years. Under his leadership, Community High School was awarded the Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence in 1993 and was recognized as a 1995 School of Excellence by HISPANIC magazine. His publications include articles in educational journals on instructional leadership and school reform, and five books: Students? Do not Push your Teacher Down the Stairs on Friday: A Teacher's Notebook (Quadrangle Books, 1972), Becoming a Strong Instructional Leader; Saying No to Business as Usual (Teachers College Press, 2012), Teaching Matters Most: A School Leader's Guide to Improving Classroom Instruction (Corwin Books, 2012), The First 100 Days in the Main Office: Transforming a School Culture (Information Age Press, 2018); Living Up to Your School Mission Statement: Reforming Schools from the Inside Out (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021).
Introduction Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies Chapter 3: What is a Good School? Chapter 4: The Academic Mind Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths Chapter 6: Self-Authoring Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems Chapter 11: Tools Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling References
Standout School Leaders: Challenging What It Means to Lead details the difference between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs). Jones provides a true contrast between the two leadership approaches, acknowledging the risks one must take in order to transition from being good to being great. The text is thought-provoking and reflective, connecting the academic with praxis. -- Lela A. Bridges-Webb * Flossmoor, Illinois * In the crowded market of school leadership literature, this book stands out by offering a distinctive perspective that addresses contemporary challenges with fresh insights. It is poised to significantly enhance administrators' efficacy by offering a comprehensive toolkit of practical strategies and insightful perspectives. Administrators will be able to apply these concepts effectively in their daily work, fostering a more dynamic and impactful leadership style. -- Sammie Cervantes * Pismo Beach, California * Jones provides a thoughtful exploration of school leadership, emphasizing the importance of aligning daily practices with mission-driven goals. This book offers practical insights and strategies that will resonate with educators striving to make a meaningful impact on their schools and communities. -- Josh Chambers * Glen Ellyn, Illinois * Jones has captured the essence of effective, dynamic, and unique school leadership based on first-hand experiences, observations, and reflections. This book contains a comprehensive wealth of information that every current and aspiring school administrator can learn and benefit from! -- Dana Salles Trevethan * Turlock, California * Jones insightfully depicts the realities of school leaders and shares reflective frustrations and successes of what standout school leadership can look like. He provides hope for what school leadership could become. This is a must-read for school leaders who have faced the realities of our current school systems. -- Kristopher Kwiatek Standout School Leaders (SSLs) break the mold of the traditional managerial leader. This text highlights those strengths and skills that principals can cultivate to shepherd our next generation of learners and leaders. A great read for the complexities we are navigating. -- Jill Gildea * Park City, Utah * Standout School Leaders is a road map from someone who has done it! Starting my career as a teacher working with Jones, I've been applying these lessons my whole career. It is fantastic to see them in book form. The specificity, nuance, and real-world examples make this book required reading. -- Steven Kellner * Alameda, California *
