"This is an insightful analysis on how to cultivate and empower teachers to become genuine leaders in their schools and classrooms, and an invaluable guide for any school district trying to implement genuine, sustainable reform." -Pedro Noguera, Professor New York University "The beauty of this book is the authenticity of the voices. The fact that struggles and conflicts are included make the teachers' stories believable, fresh, and inspiring." -Pamela S. Hankins, Staff Development Specialist Springfield Public Schools, MO "Krovetz and Arriaza go directly to the source in this insightful look at the challenges, successes, and professional/personal transformations when teachers engage in collaborative leadership roles in the schools. A great read!" -Robert Topf, Principal Parkview Elementary School, San Jose, CA "Reading about the field experiences of other teacher leaders will inspire and guide the reader towards making a positive impact on student achievement. This is a must-have book for any current or future teacher leader." -Mike Greenwood, District Teacher Leader Windsor Public Schools, CT Who better to illustrate the challenges and rewards of teacher leadership than teachers themselves? As the pressure of external accountability has intensified, teachers are being asked to play increasingly important leadership roles. Yet few teachers are prepared to accept this daunting responsibility without first building their leadership capacity. By placing teachers' voices and stories at the center of this book, authors Martin L. Krovetz and Gilberto Arriaza reveal how approaches like collaboration, the use of data, a focus on equity, and job-embedded professional development have been incorporated into real-world settings to lead and manage change successfully. Ideal for group study, this practical resource includes Reflective questions to help apply teacher stories to specific situations Dozens of first-person narratives representing a wide range of voices Strategies for documenting and sustaining growth as a teacher leader Based on the authors' work with hundreds of teacher leaders, this essential guide is ideal for teachers, administrators, leadership teams, and school improvement teams to achieve the goal of every school-maximizing student learning.
"I couldn't stop reading this book! It masterfully pinpoints how language plays a critical, fundamental role in our daily lives as educators. Most important, it shows us how our deepest thoughts are manifested in language and how we can deal with them in our continued efforts to dismantle gender, racial, and class prejudice." -Susan Roberta Katz, Professor and Chair of International & Multicultural Education University of San Francisco "The authors show that by thinking critically about how we interact with others and by making the necessary changes in our own behavior, leaders can model respectful and collaborative ways of addressing and responding to others and gradually change the norms of the whole community." -Gordon Wells, Professor of Education University of California, Santa Cruz "Any chapter is enough for a year's worth of conversation, and occasionally a good argument-among students, staff, and families. The book is an invitation to dialogue with one's peers, but it also prompts dialogue with oneself. A must-read." -Deborah W. Meier, Educational Reformer, Writer, and Activist Unlock the power of language to promote equity in your school! This enlightening book shows how everyday speech can be a transforming force in today's schools, creating a more equitable environment for people of all backgrounds. Written by experts on language and diversity, this resource combines research-validated tools and real-world insights for addressing verbal communication issues within the classroom and schoolwide. Readers will find: Case studies and vignettes that show how language contributes to school change and shapes community relationships Thought-provoking exercises that strengthen language awareness and leadership skills Guidance on effectively coaching students and colleagues on equity issues and the use of appropriate language By using language to overcome barriers, foster collaboration, and promote respect, leaders can make a significant difference in the quality of life and work in schools.
"I couldn't stop reading this book! It masterfully pinpoints how language plays a critical, fundamental role in our daily lives as educators. Most important, it shows us how our deepest thoughts are manifested in language and how we can deal with them in our continued efforts to dismantle gender, racial, and class prejudice." -Susan Roberta Katz, Professor and Chair of International & Multicultural Education University of San Francisco "The authors show that by thinking critically about how we interact with others and by making the necessary changes in our own behavior, leaders can model respectful and collaborative ways of addressing and responding to others and gradually change the norms of the whole community." -Gordon Wells, Professor of Education University of California, Santa Cruz "Any chapter is enough for a year's worth of conversation, and occasionally a good argument-among students, staff, and families. The book is an invitation to dialogue with one's peers, but it also prompts dialogue with oneself. A must-read." -Deborah W. Meier, Educational Reformer, Writer, and Activist Unlock the power of language to promote equity in your school! This enlightening book shows how everyday speech can be a transforming force in today's schools, creating a more equitable environment for people of all backgrounds. Written by experts on language and diversity, this resource combines research-validated tools and real-world insights for addressing verbal communication issues within the classroom and schoolwide. Readers will find: Case studies and vignettes that show how language contributes to school change and shapes community relationships Thought-provoking exercises that strengthen language awareness and leadership skills Guidance on effectively coaching students and colleagues on equity issues and the use of appropriate language By using language to overcome barriers, foster collaboration, and promote respect, leaders can make a significant difference in the quality of life and work in schools.