The Leader Reader: Narratives of Experiences

Griffiths, Lowrey and Cassar have assembled the narratives of school leaders from around the globe, who share their experiences and musings about the lived emotions and mindset of their life’s work. For those entering the field or those with many years under their belt, this book is a wonderful reminder as to why we choose this path.

Darrin Griffiths has worked as an educator in urban elementary schools for more than 25 years in the roles of teacher, vice-principal, and principal. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Niagara University and an in-demand conference speaker and session facilitator. Griffiths earned his Doctorate in Education from OISE/University of Toronto with a specific focus on urban school leadership and inclusion. His first book, The Principals of Inclusion: Practical Strategies to Grow Inclusion in Urban Schools, is used in many schools and districts as a foundational piece in the quest for genuine inclusion of all students. He has also co-authored and edited several books that relate directly to issues of equity and social justice in education. Griffiths lives with his family in Burlington, Ontario, and he is the principal of an elementary school in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Scott Lowrey, EdD, is a former Elementary School Principal residing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and currently an Assistant Professor (Limited Duties) at Western University (London, Ontario). He received Canada's Outstanding Principal (COP) recognition in 2005, the inaugural year of the program, for his work on early literacy and the creation of a multigenerational continuum of community partnerships encompassing society's youngest to most senior. Scott is also an annual participant with the COP Academy (COPA) Executive Leadership Development Program (Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto). Scott holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, and was nominated for the Canadian Association for the Study of Educational Administration (CASEA) Thomas B. Greenfield Dissertation Award. To relax, Scott enjoys the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Canadian music (i.e., Trent Severn, Blue Rodeo, Lee Harvey Osmond, Whitehorse, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian Thomas, and Kathleen Edwards). He is the co-editor, with Darrin Griffiths, of The Principal Reader: Narratives of Experience. Scott was inducted into McMaster University's Alumni Gallery in 2014 and received a Western University Alumni Award of Merit for Professional Achievement in 2018.

Mark Cassar graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, with his Master in Education in School Leadership. He is a dedicated Elementary Catholic School Principal, currently of St. Alphonsa Catholic Elementary School in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Having taught various grades for some 13 years, Mark led nine schools as an administrator, the last four in the role of principal. Mark believes in the vocation of his role. He is a staunch promoter, defender, and cheerleader of Catholic Education and infuses the teachings of Jesus into his school culture at all levels. From working with his School Council, to engaging his incredible staff in professional development, to motivating his students to always demonstrate respect and do as Jesus would do, Mark is on the cutting edge of curriculum practice and school management. Most of all, Mark believes and trusts in the relationships built around him. Collaborative leadership helps Mark to pioneer tremendous movement in the students and people he works with. Mark is known for pushing students and staff out of their comfort zones and engaging them in reflective practice, always cheering them on to be their best. His curriculum passions include helping teachers and students develop a growth mindset and love for math, along with infusing technology into learning opportunities in meaningful ways. His kids first approach leaves no doubt where his priorities lie. You can always find students visiting Mark's office to show him their accomplishments. Mark was nominated twice for the Toronto Star's Teacher of the Year Award and he was the recipient of the 2013 Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence. Mark can be reached at mark.cassar21@rogers.com.