Our public school systems must be transformed in order to help every child achieve his or her potential. However, transformational leadership can be intense, complex, and often chaotic, producing storms of resistance, controversy, and pressure. To survive such storms, author Scott Thompson contends that educators must learn to lead with peace and clarity. In this book, Thompson aims to make new connections within the education reform movement, unleash new energies among leaders, and open new perspectives. Through research and in-depth interviews with seventeen educational leaders, the author explores new developments in the area of spiritual leadership for the systemic improvement of public schools. Topics of discussion include: · Core values · Moral purpose · Building shared trust · Ownership, and · Vision These and other dimensions of spiritual leadership are given grounding with practical examples and tangible results. For superintendents, central office directors, school board members, principals, teacher leaders, and those who facilitate or provide technical assistance on systemic educational improvement.

"Scott Thompson writes about something that needs to be read." - Teachers College Record

"Scott explores dimensions of spiritual leadership for whole-system educational transformation. He first defines educational transformation, then describes the role of spiritual leadership in transforming organizational culture as a foundation for whole-system educational improvement, illustrating concepts with the real-life experiences of leaders." - Reference and Research Book News

"Losing some of the idealism that led you into caring about children's education? The anecdotes, quotes, and lyrical prose in this book might help you recapture it by nurturing your spiritual side." - American School Board Journal