Lyle Kirtman not only has deep experience in many facets of education, but he also has a unique ability to think both quantitatively and qualitatively. In Shaping the Future, Kirtman provides actionable strategies to for creating sustainable student success and empowered educational teams.

Peter DeWitt, Author, Facilitator, Coach, Instructional Leadership Collective

Shaping the Future is a powerful guide for educators seeking to create a culture of high expectations. By focusing on individual student needs, fostering a supportive environment, and building community partnerships, Kirtman provides a practical and inspiring roadmap. This book is a must-read for education leaders committed to student success.

Tom Vander Ark, CEO, Getting Smart

Shaping the Future provides educational leaders with sound and practical advice on how to shift their work so that they can meet the needs of their students and staff and stay relevant. For leaders who seek to lead rather than react to change, this book is essential reading.

Pedro A. Noguera, Dean, Rossier School of Education Distinguished Professor of Education

Kirtman makes the thoughtful and crucial case for shifting our thinking and practice for the good of all students. It is not for a lack of trying that American public education has not moved the needle on student success - but we need a new north star and this book is a great beginning.

David P. Driscoll, Former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education

Kirtman cuts through the noise of the times, providing us with very relevant, practical, researched-based steps to help lead and shape the futures of those we serve. He captures the moment we are in and gives us a roadmap to rediscover our north star, thereby guiding us to lead our schools through these rough seas to safer shores.

Kevin Brown, Executive Director, Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)

Kirtman focuses on two things that matter the most to educators, simplifying the work and empowering, collaborative leadership. This book is an excellent resource for school leaders seeking a path to success. By pivoting as he suggests, everyone wins.

Kate Dias, President, Connecticut Education Association

Shaping the Future challenges us to rethink what effective leadership looks like and who we trust to lead. By uncovering biases that limit innovation and emphasizing traits like persistence, flexibility, and intrinsic accountability, Kirtman offers a bold framework to align leadership with student success. This book isn’t just a guide—it’s a wake-up call to build schools where everyone rises.

Sherida Britt, Education Strategists

Kirtman is a genius. He gets inside the weeds of organizational change. Not only does he extricate us from the constraints for change, he liberates us from the daily grind. If you want novel, high leverage levers for changing cultures using existing hidden forces this is the book for you.

Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, Author of The New Meaning of Educational Change, V 6, 2025, Teachers College Press

Shaping the Future empowers educational leaders with practical and equity-driven guidance to transform their work in ways that address the diverse needs of students and staff. The insights offered are both compelling and actionable, reflecting Kirtman’s deep understanding that effective leadership requires clarity, preparation, and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches.

Sinthia Sone-Moyano, Deputy Commissioner, Educational Supports and Wellness, Connecticut State Department of Education