The Mechanics of Leadership: Lessons in Leadership from Dad the Mechanic & Wwii Veteran

How do you create an environment that inspires and motivates teachers and other types of employees to do their jobs? If you know the answer to that question, you may not need to read this book. If you already know the key ingredients of leading people in work environments, you may not want to read this book. If you are not interested in creating a work environment that fosters respect, collaboration, ownership, increased productivity, and quality products, do not read this book. If, on the other hand, you want a school, a district, or other work environment that does those things, and learn leadership concepts passed down from a person who survived the Great Depression and four years of service in World War II, you may want to read this book.

Don Jefferies is first a family man. He and his wife Linda have been married 46 years. He is the father of 4 grown children, all with professional careers. He has 5 wonderful grandchildren. His professional life has been devoted to public education for over 45 years. He has a BS in history and English from Stephen F. Austin State University and a MA in history from The University of Houston Clear Lake. He taught secondary education for 12 years and evening college classes for 3 years. He spent 3 years as an assistant principal, 10 years as a high school principal, 7 years as an assistant superintendent, and 13 years as a superintendent. He also taught Cognitive Intervention for 1 1/2 years to inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. His highest awards have come from appreciative students, parents, teachers, and school boards. In addition, he earned the "Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Region IV Outstanding High School Principal Award in 1990". In 2016, he was recognized by the Texas Association of School Boards as the "ESC 8 Regional Superintendent of the Year". He was also recognized by Discovery Education with the "2016 Lifetime Innovative Educator" award.