Doing the Right Thing for Children: Eight Qualities of Leadership

Maurice Sykes has made advocating for and advancing high-quality early childhood education his life’s work. Through mentorships, presentations, and personal example, Maurice challenges and inspires educators to become effective leaders who make a difference in children’s lives. He does the same in this book as he shares stories of the hills and valleys of his personal and professional journeys throughout the presentation of eight core leadership values: human potential, knowledge, social justice, competence, fun and enjoyment, personal renewal, perseverance, and courage.

Use this book to develop the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind you need to be a successful leader—and do the right thing for children, whether you serve at the individual, organizational, or classroom level.

Maurice Sykes directs the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia's National Center for Urban Education.

Maurice Sykes: Maurice Sykes, director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia’s National Center for Urban Education, has spent his career advancing high-quality early childhood education and advocating for educational reform and teacher professional development. Maurice formerly served in the District of Columbia Public School System as deputy superintendent for the Center for Systemic Educational Change and director of Early Childhood Programs. Sykes has also advised the U.S. Department of Education on educational policy and programs related to urban school improvement. Sykes has served as teacher, teacher trainer, and curriculum developer. He has also directed the Education Policy Fellowship Program at the Institute for Educational Leadership where he trained mid-career leaders. He was profiled as an Early Childhood Champion in a national study released in 1997 by the National Association of State Boards of Education and in 1999 was elected to the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Maurice has written for numerous publications and has traveled nationwide inspiring and challenging schools and communities to do the right thing for children.