Routledge Becoming a Transformative Leader: A Guide to Creating Equitable Schools

This exciting book explores the concept of transformative leadership and how leaders can create learning environments that are academically excellent, equitable, inclusive, and socially just. Grounded in research and real examples, Dr. Carolyn Shields presents an approach to leadership that is engaged, authentic, courageous, and effective in addressing the needs of today’s diverse student bodies. Featuring examples from schools and leaders, questions for reflection, downloadable eResources, and links to useful websites, Becoming a Transformative Leader is an invaluable and practical guide for school administrators, teacher leaders, and district leaders concerned about the uneven educational playing field for students in our schools. Review "If you are struggling to engage in dialogue with your staff to address equity, justice, and inclusion, this is your practical guide to frame the discourse. Becoming a Transformative Leader is a must read for school-based practitioners and should be required reading for all district leadership staff. Channel your energy through the eight tenets and leave a generational legacy."―David E. Lawrence, Teacher, Principal, Chief Academic Officer "This book provides a pragmatic glimpse into the application of Transformative Leadership Theory – from Shields’ deep experiential perspective, as well as from the lived experience of a first-time principal. Throughout the reading of this text, the reader gains a deeper understanding of why transformative leadership is important by examining the eight tenets of transformative leadership, supported by exercises from which to construct meaning. This book would be an excellent text for any leadership preparation program whose mission is to prepare equity-focused, socially just leaders who are prepared to lead change and improvement."―Kristina A. Hesbol, Assistant Professor, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, USA "(Shields) unpacks what conditions could be when school leaders promote equity, ensure social justice and incorporate in their schools inclusive and restorative practices that promote democracy. Most importantly, she articulates a path to transform schools that incorporates critiquing, deconstructing and working to transform the structural and societal inequities present in some schools.This work will not be easy. But if you and your staff are ready and have the moral courage to move decisively to create schools as safe and caring places in which all students feel welcome, included and respected, this book is for you."―Ronald S. Thomas,  Towson University,  School Administrator About the Author Carolyn M. Shields is Professor of Educational Leadership in the College of Education at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.