Standout School Leaders

Challenging What It Means to Lead
Alan C. Jones - Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL, USA
Standout School Leaders
March 2025 | 200 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9781071980439
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781071964323
Available from January 0001

Description

Bridge the gap between managing well and leading for impact.

In this must-read guide for education leaders, Alan C. Jones expertly distinguishes between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs) by exploring the qualities that make select leaders truly exceptional. While AGJs focus on maintaining effective school operations, SSLs address the gaps within institutional systems to create environments that foster genuine learning and growth, balance institutional demands with innovative educational approaches, and align day-to-day operations with the deeper mission of schooling.

You’ll find chapter openers that contrast how SSLs and AGJs approach fundamental administrative functions and closing questions to support personal reflection and application of the concept at your school site. Additional features include:

  • Vignettes that illustrate daily challenges faced by administrators and contrasting leadership responses
  • SSL Tips to offer insights into how SSLs think differently about schooling goals
  • End-of-Chapter Resources to deepen understanding of key concepts

Jones empowers education leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate innovative practices into their roles. Whether you're a principal, department head, or district leader, this book provides the guidance needed to transition from managing to leading by fostering environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job

Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job

Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies

Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies

Chapter 3: What is a Good School?

Chapter 3: What is a Good School?

Chapter 4: The Academic Mind

Chapter 4: The Academic Mind

Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths

Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths

Chapter 6: Self-Authoring

Chapter 6: Self-Authoring

Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots

Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots

Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent

Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent

Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives

Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives

Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems

Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems

Chapter 11: Tools

Chapter 11: Tools

Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony

Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony

Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling

Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling

Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling

Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling

References

References

Additional materials

Description

Bridge the gap between managing well and leading for impact.

In this must-read guide for education leaders, Alan C. Jones expertly distinguishes between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs) by exploring the qualities that make select leaders truly exceptional. While AGJs focus on maintaining effective school operations, SSLs address the gaps within institutional systems to create environments that foster genuine learning and growth, balance institutional demands with innovative educational approaches, and align day-to-day operations with the deeper mission of schooling.

You’ll find chapter openers that contrast how SSLs and AGJs approach fundamental administrative functions and closing questions to support personal reflection and application of the concept at your school site. Additional features include:

  • Vignettes that illustrate daily challenges faced by administrators and contrasting leadership responses
  • SSL Tips to offer insights into how SSLs think differently about schooling goals
  • End-of-Chapter Resources to deepen understanding of key concepts

Jones empowers education leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate innovative practices into their roles. Whether you're a principal, department head, or district leader, this book provides the guidance needed to transition from managing to leading by fostering environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job

Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job

Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies

Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies

Chapter 3: What is a Good School?

Chapter 3: What is a Good School?

Chapter 4: The Academic Mind

Chapter 4: The Academic Mind

Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths

Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths

Chapter 6: Self-Authoring

Chapter 6: Self-Authoring

Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots

Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots

Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent

Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent

Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives

Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives

Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems

Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems

Chapter 11: Tools

Chapter 11: Tools

Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony

Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony

Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling

Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling

Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling

Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling

References

References

Additional materials

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Standout School Leaders

Challenging What It Means to Lead


March 2025 | 200 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 17/09/2024 9781071964323 $37.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781071980439 $35.00

Bridge the gap between managing well and leading for impact.

In this must-read guide for education leaders, Alan C. Jones expertly distinguishes between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs) by exploring the qualities that make select leaders truly exceptional. While AGJs focus on maintaining effective school operations, SSLs address the gaps within institutional systems to create environments that foster genuine learning and growth, balance institutional demands with innovative educational approaches, and align day-to-day operations with the deeper mission of schooling.

You’ll find chapter openers that contrast how SSLs and AGJs approach fundamental administrative functions and closing questions to support personal reflection and application of the concept at your school site. Additional features include:

  • Vignettes that illustrate daily challenges faced by administrators and contrasting leadership responses
  • SSL Tips to offer insights into how SSLs think differently about schooling goals
  • End-of-Chapter Resources to deepen understanding of key concepts

Jones empowers education leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate innovative practices into their roles. Whether you're a principal, department head, or district leader, this book provides the guidance needed to transition from managing to leading by fostering environments where both educators and students can thrive.


Table Of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Being Good at the Job
  • Chapter 2: Friendly Enemies
  • Chapter 3: What is a Good School?
  • Chapter 4: The Academic Mind
  • Chapter 5: Beyond Managerial Truths
  • Chapter 6: Self-Authoring
  • Chapter 7: Connecting the Dots
  • Chapter 8: Disciplined Talent
  • Chapter 9: Controlling Narratives
  • Chapter 10: Cracks in the Systems
  • Chapter 11: Tools
  • Chapter 12: Views From the Balcony
  • Chapter 13: The Realities of Schooling
  • Chapter 14: Standout School Leadership: The Hope of Schooling
  • References

Recent Product Reviews:

Standout School Leaders: Challenging What It Means to Lead details the difference between Administrators Good at their Jobs (AGJs) and Standout School Leaders (SSLs). Jones provides a true contrast between the two leadership approaches, acknowledging the risks one must take in order to transition from being good to being great. The text is thought-provoking and reflective, connecting the academic with praxis.
Lela A. Bridges-Webb
In the crowded market of school leadership literature, this book stands out by offering a distinctive perspective that addresses contemporary challenges with fresh insights. It is poised to significantly enhance administrators’ efficacy by offering a comprehensive toolkit of practical strategies and insightful perspectives. Administrators will be able to apply these concepts effectively in their daily work, fostering a more dynamic and impactful leadership style.
Sammie Cervantes, Nipomo High School
Jones provides a thoughtful exploration of school leadership, emphasizing the importance of aligning daily practices with mission-driven goals. This book offers practical insights and strategies that will resonate with educators striving to make a meaningful impact on their schools and communities.
Josh Chambers, Glenbard High School District 87
Jones has captured the essence of effective, dynamic, and unique school leadership based on first-hand experiences, observations, and reflections. This book contains a comprehensive wealth of information that every current and aspiring school administrator can learn and benefit from!
Dana Salles Trevethan, Turlock Unified School District
Jones insightfully depicts the realities of school leaders and shares reflective frustrations and successes of what standout school leadership can look like. He provides hope for what school leadership could become. This is a must-read for school leaders who have faced the realities of our current school systems.
Kristopher Kwiatek, Bob Hope Elementary School

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