While Teach addressed teacher empowerment, Lead seems to try to cover the gambit. Granted, it is a book for administrators and not for teachers, but the authors try too hard to drive in both lanes, speaking in places about trusting teachers and letting them use professional judgment, but then also spewing all of the current trends of administration (which limit and stifle the creative teaching process). Our own district has done this in times past, shackling teachers to single teaching methods and fully contracting with a single "expert" to dictate teaching styles. I know that is not the balance that this book seeks to establish, but that is often the way administrators are perceived when they try to walk both ways at the same time. |
PIRATE leaders know they have it within them to help make miracles happen for kids, so they work to make the kinds of schools where teachers are encouraged and supported to design the amazing learning experiences kids deserve - experiences that are both rich in content and wildly engaging. They are intentional about transforming schools into extraordinary places where students and staff are willing to go the extra mile because they feel safe, valued, and supported by leaders who believe in their ability to create magic in the classroom. Because of that belief, PIRATE leaders value and tap into unique talents and gifts of every crew member; they collaborate and aren't afraid to have others take the helm, PIRATE leaders embrace the notion that their primary role is culture first, culture next, and culture always.