We all have our own ‘Jimmys’—students whose stories stay with us. DeWitt and Nelson blend heartfelt storytelling, practical tools, and research-backed strategies to help school and district teams evaluate and amplify their collective impact. This is a book you’ll not only learn from— you’ll enjoy reading it too. It doesn’t just talk about leadership; it lives it.

John Hattie, University of Melbourne

This book offers a candid look at the systemic barriers that persist in education and models the kind of courageous, principle-centered leadership our schools need. It is essential reading for aspiring school leaders committed to centering humanity, context, and hope in all they do.

Allison Drago, Pacific Lutheran University

Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson once again provide educational leaders with a must-read resource. The thoughtful blend of theory, case studies, and reflective opportunities throughout the book provides change makers with a strong foundation to create lasting impact on student outcomes.

Sammie Cervantez, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education

This book is a great resource for school leaders striving to create a shared vision, engage in purposeful collaboration, and stay focused on what truly matters. Peter and Michael break down big ideas into clear steps that teams can put into action right away. This is a must-read for any leadership team dedicated to professional growth, improving its collective impact, and driving lasting change.

Chantale Cloutier, Bliss Carman Middle School

In Lead Collectively, the authors make a case for collective leader efficacy through this collection of protocols and activities to support leader and team reflections focused on school improvement planning. Each chapter could be a stand-alone workshop.

Lisa Pryor, University of Oklahoma

In Lead Collectively, Peter and Michael reframe education as a world health issue, urging leadership teams to engage in joint work and shared understanding. Using the Collaborative Inquiry Cycle Placemat, they guide teams from identifying problems of practice to analyzing impact. This book offers a powerful roadmap for transforming practice through data-informed decisions.

Suzanne M. Rogers, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Alumni

Lead Collectively is the perfect blend of theory, playbook, and reflective activities for educational leaders passionate about collaboration as the vehicle to improve student learning. The authors create a compelling vision for leaders to emulate with each chapter’s style and cadence. Readers dive into theory and current leadership examples, and engage in meaningful post-activities designed to encourage readers to take the next step in fostering collective leader efficacy.

Barb Corbett, Connaught Street School

As school leaders, we often wonder if our daily decisions truly impact our school community. After reading Lead Collectively and working with Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson, I now have clarity. By engaging in joint work, building shared understanding, and using tools like the Frayer Model, our school has a clear focus. We are united in the belief that we can make a meaningful difference in student outcomes.

Ian Knox, Principal, Hamagrael Elementary

There’s no shortage of books on values-driven, mission- and vision-oriented leadership—but few deliver practical, actionable strategies the way this one does. Whether you’re leading a campus or an entire district, this book provides a clear roadmap for turning leadership ideals into impactful results across every department.

Saundra Mouton, Fort Bend ISD

Lead Collectively is a powerful and practical guide for leadership teams committed to keeping students at the center of their work. Peter and Mike bring authenticity and humility to every chapter, grounding their insights into personal stories and lived experiences from their time as teachers and leaders. What sets this book apart is its practical focus on building an ‘evidence mindset,’ especially in the final chapter, where leaders are guided to create their own theory of action. This book is more than a professional read—it’s an invitation to grow, lead with integrity, and bring about meaningful change in our schools.

Piedad Kaye, Mannheim District 83

Peter and Michael’s work has helped Arkansas Leadership Academy participants unify the hard data sets that often inform decisions with the intangibles of a classroom and school to create mission- and vision-guided work. Building momentum through collective action and informed leadership with these tools has helped us identify gaps in educator understanding and improve outcomes for students across our state.

Bradley Webber, Arkansas Leadership Academy

Peter and Michael have crafted a compelling literary experience that immerses readers in a rich tapestry of stories, thought-provoking questions, and meaningful reflections, all firmly rooted in research. It’s a must-read for anyone passionate about empowering students and staff in K–12 education, offering practical strategies, innovative tools, and powerful insights to help every learner thrive.

Lesleigh Dye, District School Board Ontario North East

Peter and Mike clearly articulate and unpack the values, skills, and culture that underpins high-quality, impactful student-centered leadership in education. This book is a must-read for all educators.

Aaron Johnston, Mr J’s Learning Space

Lead Collectively is a timely and useful resource for leadership teams seeking to transform their impact. By emphasizing collective responsibility, continuous learning, and evidence-informed action, it provides a much needed bridge between theory and practice. Educators and school leaders will find in it not just a call to action, but a map for how to walk the talk—together.

Helen Butler