Lead Like A Pirate

This book explains how to design classroom experiences that encourage students to take risks and explore their passions in a stimulating, motivating, and supportive environment where improvement, rather than grades, is the focus.

Teach kids peer collaboration, improvement-focused learning, responsibility, active learning, twenty-first century skills, and empowerment.

In this book you'll learn how to: tap into your passion as a teacher - even when you're less than excited about the subject; develop creative presentations that capture your students' interest; establish rapport and a sense of camaraderie in your classroom; transform your class into a life-changing experience for your students. --from back cover.

Sets tips for effective team leadership in the age of pirates, focusing on captain, crew, mission, strategy, and treasure.

A practical guide to instructional rounds for educators Isolation is a pervasive characteristic of life for a teacher in a modern school. Teachers meet in professional learning communities, attend trainings, and are even observed by administrators while they teach, but they rarely get the chance to see what other teachers do in the classroom. When the bell rings, they find themselves alone with their students. Instructional rounds can counter that isolation. The idea itself--centered around teachers observing and providing feedback on each others' teaching--is relatively simple, but as Vicki Wilson shows, the effects are profound: Observing educators pick up new ideas. Observed teachers experience a confidence boost. New school-wide instructional initiatives can be adopted more quickly. And broader school-improvement goals can be supported with concrete examples. Most important of all, instructional rounds rescue teachers from isolation by fostering a shared sense of mission and growing trust between fellow educators, who realize they have a team that supports and values them. Wilson's willingness to be honest about the process she implemented in her own school--the moments of doubt, the ups and downs, the mistakes and successes--transforms this practical book into something inspiring. "A powerhouse guide for all educators. Wilson fills a gap in the field with this brilliant, practical godsend of a book that can be implemented at your school starting right now." --Rick Jetter, PhD, author, keynote speaker, and cofounder of Pushing Boundaries "Lead with Instructional Rounds offers the what, why, and how to bring teachers within a building together to learn from one another in a safe and positive environment." --Connie Hamilton, author of Hacking Questions and curriculum director in Saranac Community Schools "In Lead with Instructional Rounds, Vicki Wilson eloquently shares her vast experiences and provides a blueprint for getting educators into each others' classrooms, all while being intentional and hyperfocused on high-quality instruction throughout the process." --Thomas C. Murray, author of Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime and director of innovation for Future Ready Schools

Through real-life stories and by sharing insightful research, this book equips school leaders with the practical knowledge and emotional tools necessary to survive discrimination, bad politics, revenge, and ego-driven coworkers.

In this Lead Like a PIRATE Guide, Jay Billy explains that making school a place where students and staff want to be starts with culture. You'll be inspired by this principal's practical ideas for creating a sense of unity-even in the most diverse communities.

Are You a Treasure Seeker? Pirates are on a constant quest for riches, but PIRATE Leaders seek even greater rewards: amazing schools, engaged students, and empowered educators who know they are making a difference. In Lead Like a PIRATE, education leaders Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf map out the character traits necessary to captain a school or district. You'll learn where to find the treasure that's already in your classrooms and schools--and how to bring out the very best in your educators. What does it take to be a PIRATE Leader? Passion--both professional and personal A willingness to Immerse yourself in your work Good Rapport with your staff, students and community The courage to Ask questions and Analyze what is and isn't working The determination to seek positive Transformation And the kind of Enthusiasm that gets others excited about education The ultimate goal for any education leader is to create schools and districts where students and staff are knocking down the doors to get in rather than out. This book will equip and encourage you to be relentless in your quest to make school amazing for your students, staff, parents, and communities. Are you ready to set sail