Learning from the Best : Lessons from Award-winning Superintendents

"Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris′ book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job."
―Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

"An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn′t wait to implement immediately."
―Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent
South Seneca Central School District, NY

Words of wisdom for achieving effective district leadership!

In today′s challenging educational environment, superintendents need proven strategies that will help them lead their schools and districts successfully. This topical resource offers a collection of proven best practices from award-winning superintendents.

Representing school districts with diverse populations, school sizes, and communities, 22 current and former superintendents from around the country detail in their own words the practices that have been central to their professional and districtwide success. Readers can learn from the wisdom and experience of these outstanding leaders on topics such as:

• Transformational leadership that provides direction for the district
• Community building, outreach, and effective partnerships
• Responding to changing times, changing standards, and student needs
• Developing strategies for overcoming barriers to effective reform

Learning From the Best is a valuable resource for new and experienced superintendents seeking to steer their districts through today′s most pressing educational issues.

Sandra Harris is currently associate professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches classes in social justice, action research, and other administrator preparation courses in the doctoral program. Formerly, Harris served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation, K-12 peer harassment, and building relationship-oriented, socially just school environments. Harris publishes and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these topics.