"The ultimate for those who promote teacher leadership and those who would be teacher leaders." -Roland S. Barth, Educational Consultant Author, Lessons Learned "Katzenmeyer and Moller usher in a new age of teacher leadership, an age of mutuality in learning and leading, broad-based participation, and shared responsibility. Their work is based on the powerful assumption that all of us-especially teachers-have the right, capacity, and responsibility to lead." -Linda Lambert, Professor Emeritus California State University, Hayward "This seminal text left me nothing short of energized when I first picked it up almost ten years ago. Filled with new surveys, tools, and suggestions for today's teacher leader, the newest edition is simply a must-read for anyone driving meaningful change in the classrooms of our country." -Bill Ferriter, Senior Fellow Teacher Leaders Network Empower teachers as leaders to improve student learning and performance! This third edition of a bestseller draws on the authors' two decades of experience in studying and observing the work of teacher leaders. Marilyn Katzenmeyer and Gayle Moller expand on the definition of leadership and its importance to improving outcomes in schools, and cover the career-long development of teacher leaders from preservice preparation programs through ongoing support for veteran teacher leaders. This exceptional, teacher-focused resource discusses three factors critical to stepping into a leadership role: sustaining teacher leadership relationships between adults in the school, organizational structures, and the actions of the principal. The authors discuss the challenges that many teacher leaders face, including: Deciding to accept a leadership role Building principal-teacher leader relationships Working with peers Facilitating professional learning for themselves and others With the latest research from the teacher leadership literature and new teacher inventories and surveys, this updated edition of Awakening the Sleeping Giant demonstrates the benefits of investing in teachers and their learning to sustain meaningful change in today's schools.
"This book reflects a true understanding of the different personalities administrators face and clearly outlines what each leader can do to establish a positive environment for their employees and students. This is one book no administrator should be without." -Patricia Bowman, Retired Principal, Los Angeles Unified School District Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles Proven solutions for toxic behaviors! Unconstructive staff behaviors can disrupt a thriving school environment. School leaders need positive, generative communication strategies that can defuse negativity and inspire teachers to change their behavior and become contributing members of the learning community. From Difficult Teachers...to Dynamic Teamwork examines the underlying basis of problematic behaviors and provides proactive, proven strategies for building teamwork and a positive school culture. Leaders will discover strategies for enhancing their interpersonal skills, determining if their own behavior is contributing to the problem, and encouraging behavior change in teachers and staff. Based on interviews with more than 50 experienced principals, this valuable resource connects content to practice via: Key tools, practical resources, organizational charts, and behavior assessment forms Sage advice and quotations from experienced educators Sample dialogues to help identify behavior challenges "Take Action" sections for specific implementation strategies Maximize the effectiveness of your staff by building a culture of shared leadership, collegiality, and teamwork!
"An excellent tool for aspiring principals as well as those who find it uplifting to be reassured that they are doing the right thing." -Gerard Dery, Principal Nessacus Regional Middle School, Dalton, MA "This book serves as a valuable tool for districts seeking to enhance the skill level of their principals and would be ideal for professional development." -Carolyn Banks, Regional Director of Teacher Education University of La Verne A comprehensive guide to building successful relationships with all school personnel! Inspiring faculty and support staff to perform their best is a key factor in developing a school culture that helps students thrive. This resource provides principals with the policies, procedures, and techniques to lead and manage school personnel and create an effective work environment. The authors provide real-world scenarios and practical strategies to help define the principal's leadership role and strengthen personnel management skills. The book also offers reflective exercises in each chapter to assist administrators in evaluating their own schools and practices. Based on ISLLC and ELCC standards for school leadership, this book covers: Shaping school culture to promote shared ownership of the school's vision Recruiting, selecting, and retaining qualified personnel Effective communication and conflict resolution Handling challenging situations such as supervising marginal employees and addressing grievances The Principal's Guide to Managing School Personnel is an indispensable reference for managing one of your school's most important resources: your staff.
A Resource Guide for Entry-Year Principals and Mentors
'The book is full of strategies and tips. Principals, those wanting to be principals, and those mentoring principals will find this book very useful' -Nancy M. Moga, Principal Callaghan Elementary School, Covington, VA 'First-year principals need a mentor, and if one is not readily available, then this book helps fulfill the need. I found myself answering the questions, filling in the blanks, or considering how a scenario played out' -Ann Porter, Principal Lewis and Clark Elementary School, Grand Forks, SD A focused, organized approach to help first-year school leaders succeed and grow on the job! Based on more than 40 years of experience as an educator, principal, and principal mentor, Frederick Lindley defines the role of a successful school principal as an effective leader with strong management skills. Written in a conversational style, this portable guide helps entry-level principals and their mentors navigate through the first days and months of a principalship. Designed around the nine-month school year, this book incorporates the revised 2008 ISLLC standards and emphasizes organization, communication, nurturing the mentoring relationship, and using a balanced approach to leading and managing. Readers will also find information on short-term and long-term administrative responsibilities and help in planning for the second year as principal. This second edition includes: - Ten core characteristics of successful strategies for improving student achievement - New "A-to-Z tips" on topics such as delegating, equity and fairness, grace under pressure, time management, and NCLB - Recommended reading resources for extended learning in each chapter - A chapter focused on support for the principal-mentor The second edition of The Portable Mentor is an ideal professional growth resource that is always conveniently at hand to help school leaders successfully meet the challenges of their jobs.
Lessons From the Field for Classroom, School, and District Leaders
"This is the book for administrators who want to retain their novice teachers and strengthen their pedagogical abilities to ensure student success. Blank and Kershaw provide the complete guide to planning, initiating, managing, and solving the dilemmas associated with mentoring." -Dave F. Brown, Coauthor, What Every Middle School Teacher Should Know "Blank and Kershaw have put together a handbook that should be on the desktop of anyone managing an induction program, preparing mentors, or serving in a mentoring role themselves." -Kenneth R. Howey, Research Professor University of Cincinnati Transform intermittent one-on-one teacher mentoring into systematic, school-based new teacher support! High-quality mentoring can have a direct, positive impact on instructional and student success when school-based teams of administrators and teacher leaders work together to promote shared ownership for new teacher success. Mentoring as Collaboration shows school and district leaders how to develop a collaborative, team-based mentoring program that helps retain new teachers, improve student achievement, and boost school performance. Mary Ann Blank and Cheryl A. Kershaw present a practical, field-tested model that clearly defines roles, expectations, and experiences for new teachers, mentors, and school leaders and builds on the research on effective teaching, leadership, and organizational development. Administrators and teacher leaders in any school or district can use this comprehensive how-to guide to: Develop, assess, and sustain mentoring programs Attract and retain talented teachers Develop teacher leaders Create energized learning communities With step-by-step guidelines and real-world scenarios, this resource provides all the structures, policies, and practices that school and district leaders need to establish a systematic mentoring program to help beginning teachers develop confidence, competence, and professional skills.
Lessons From the Field for Classroom, School, and District Leaders
"This is the book for administrators who want to retain their novice teachers and strengthen their pedagogical abilities to ensure student success. Blank and Kershaw provide the complete guide to planning, initiating, managing, and solving the dilemmas associated with mentoring." -Dave F. Brown, Coauthor, What Every Middle School Teacher Should Know "Blank and Kershaw have put together a handbook that should be on the desktop of anyone managing an induction program, preparing mentors, or serving in a mentoring role themselves." -Kenneth R. Howey, Research Professor University of Cincinnati Transform intermittent one-on-one teacher mentoring into systematic, school-based new teacher support! High-quality mentoring can have a direct, positive impact on instructional and student success when school-based teams of administrators and teacher leaders work together to promote shared ownership for new teacher success. Mentoring as Collaboration shows school and district leaders how to develop a collaborative, team-based mentoring program that helps retain new teachers, improve student achievement, and boost school performance. Mary Ann Blank and Cheryl A. Kershaw present a practical, field-tested model that clearly defines roles, expectations, and experiences for new teachers, mentors, and school leaders and builds on the research on effective teaching, leadership, and organizational development. Administrators and teacher leaders in any school or district can use this comprehensive how-to guide to: Develop, assess, and sustain mentoring programs Attract and retain talented teachers Develop teacher leaders Create energized learning communities With step-by-step guidelines and real-world scenarios, this resource provides all the structures, policies, and practices that school and district leaders need to establish a systematic mentoring program to help beginning teachers develop confidence, competence, and professional skills.