best books educational leadership

Peter DeWitt's

Finding common ground.

A former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach, DeWitt provides insights and advice for education leaders. He can be found at www.petermdewitt.com . Read more from this blog .

12 Books You Need on Your Leadership Bookshelf

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Every so often I love when I get into a space of learning where I can sit down, read a book, and take multiple notes because the book inspires me to read, reflect, and write. Sometimes it’s due to writing a new book or blog, so it’s a part of the research that I’m doing. Other times it may be that I want to give a presentation a makeover, and I’m looking for fresh perspectives to cite during a workshop or keynote.

Recently, I have become acquainted with some books that have not been out for long, and reacquainted with a few that I have read several times before. To be honest, I started this list with six books and then it quickly doubled. The books in the list are meant for anyone in a leadership position who is looking to put a focus on learning, build on collective ideas within their school, or are new to leadership and they’re worried or insecure about their decisions.

Why These Books? Books are meant to teach us, inspire us, and sometimes bring us together as a group because they challenge our thinking and we have to find commonalities together. The authors in the list do just that, and I believe if readers want to try something new in their position, they could find fresh ideas in one of these books, even though some of them are several years old.

This is a list of books that I believe would be helpful for any school leader or someone in a leadership position. If you have a book that you believe would be equally as helpful, please feel free to add it to the comment section. I believe we should all be able to share our opinions about books. Especially those books that will help us in our position.

The twelve I’ve been diving into lately are:

Leading Collaborative Learning (Corwin Press) by Lyn Sharratt and Beate Planche . Collaboration is a word we hear so much about in leadership circles, but so often it’s much more complicated than just bringing people together. Systems experts Sharratt and Planche offer a strategic path for leaders and teachers to follow which will help them improve student learning.

Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Corwin Press) by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn. Fullan and Quinn have laid a foundational leadership book. So often, leaders get sidetracked by opportunites that may not provide them with the best impact. Fullan and Quinn provide leaders with a road map that will help leaders decide what might be the best course of action for their schools. I have long admired Fullan, and he has been one of my favorite leadership experts since before I was a leader. Although he is the author or co-author of many, many books, he delivers powerful leadership resources for leaders over and over again. Coherence is a book not to be missed.

From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way As a First Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind (Dave Burgess Consulting) by Starr Sackstein . I have been a big fan of Starr’s for a while because she has a very raw and unapologetic look at teaching, leading, and learning, and I find that to be refreshing. She has no issue writing about her mistakes and successes, and we can all learn from those. I especially like this book because it’s been many years since I started my leadership position, and Sackstein helped me go back to those beginning days to remember what it was like to be a new leader.

Visible Learning and the Science Of How We Learn (Routledge) by John Hattie and Gregory Yates . I have been working with Hattie for the last five years and I’ve read this book twice already, but I wanted to give it another read due to their focus on surface-, deep-, and transfer-level learning. Regardless of how someone feels about Hattie’s research, this book offers us so much when it comes to how students learn. Each chapter offers research, practice, and challenges our thinking when it comes to how students learn. This is the first book in a long time that I actually answered the questions at the end of each chapter and was inspired to look at the authors’ citations and read some of those as well. Truth be told, it is my favorite book by Hattie.

Conceptual Understanding: Harnessing Natural Curiosity for Learning That Transfers (Corwin Press) by Julie Stern with Natalie Lauriault and Kristin Ferraro . Like Visible Learning and the Science Of How We Learn, this is a book that has inspired me to take copious notes. I sat in the barstool at the island in my kitchen and wrote note after note. The authors have helped refresh my memory around surface, deep, and transfer learning, and inspired new thinking on my part when it comes to both student and adult learners. If you care about student learning, or want to be inspired to think of new ways to offer professional learning to adults, this is the book for you. I know I will be referencing it for many, many years.

What we know about grading: What works, what doesn’t, and what’s next? (ASCD) Edited by Tom Guskey and Susan Brookhart . Guskey has written multiple guest blogs for Finding Common Ground, and to be perfectly honest, he is one of my favorite presenters/researchers to learn from, and I consider myself fortunate to call Tom a friend. He has helped me behind the scenes more times than I can count because of his extensive knowledge and his patience with all of the questions I send to him, and you can find that knowledge in this book around the topic of grading. Guskey and Brookhart have edited a book filled with practical ideas that will help any school leader focus on this never-ending important topic of grading. If leaders are going to call themselves “instructional leaders,” they shouldn’t do it without reading this book.

Hacking Leadership (Times 10 Publications) by Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis . This is part of a larger series of Hacking books, and it’s written by two people I respect very much. Not only are Sinanis and Sanfelippo practioners but they are two of the most energized guys in educational leadership that I have met. This book is filled with practical suggestions that are proven to give school districts the positive shot in the arm that they need.

Collaborative Professionalism: When Teaching Together Means Learning For All (Corwin Press) by Andy Hargreaves and Michael T. O’ Connor . For full disclosure, I am the series editor for this particular book. What I loved is not only working with Hargreaves and O’Connor on the topic of collaborative professionalism, but what I learned through the editing and final stages of it as well. This book helps guide leaders into the collaborative process by highlighting some great leaders and school teams from around the globe, some of whom I was able to spend time with at a conference in Norway when I facilitated the panel. Hargreaves has long been one of my leadership gurus, but more important than that, he and O’Connor have a no-nonsense way to get to the heart of the issue of collaboration. If leaders really want to build a democratic school that fosters the voices of the community, this is the book for them.

Collective Efficacy: How Educators’ Beliefs Impact Student Learning (Corwin Press) by Jenni Donohoo . Donohoo is a colleague and a friend, but more importantly, she is someone who challenges my thinking more than anyone I know. She has deep knowledge around research and learning, and only has to look at me and say, “But I am wondering ...” and I know I need to be prepared to be challenged. Additionally, Jenni has extensive knowledge around building collective efficacy, and in this book, she offers protocols to help leaders do it effectively. This will help leaders focus on growth with a team, and get to the heart of how to do it through the collective efficacy process.

The Superintendent’s Rule Book: A Guide to District Level Leadership (Routledge) by Patrick Sweeney . Books just for Superintendents seem to be few and far between, and this is a new book by a new author. I reviewed the book before it came out, and Sweeney has a good way to approach difficult subjects by using humor and his extensive knowledge as a superintendent. For full disclosure, Sweeney was my high school X-country coach and one of my first mentors, but that’s not why the book made the list. The book made the list because Sweeney took those impactful mentorship qualities and put them in a book.

Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (Corwin Press) by Eric Sheninger. Sheninger is my technology guru, and has been for a long time. So often schools buy devices but do not implement them well, and this book focuses on how to do a better job of that. I’m excited because Eric has written a 2nd edition for this book which will come out in the next few months.

Student Centered Leadership (Wiley) by Viviane Robinson . Leaders looking for a practical guide to helping have an impact on student learning will love this book. Robinson is out of the University of Auckland and I been a fan for years. This book has a great mix of practical suggestions based in research.

In the End There are many times I pick up books and put them back down rather quickly. Perhaps it’s due to the topic or the timing of when I pick them up, but I do not always feel engaged when I’m reading. I need something that will pull at me from a moral standpoint or inspire me to think at a deeper level. For me, the best sign that I am reading a book is when I wake up in the morning thinking about it. These twelve books have done that for me lately.

If you are thinking about what book you should read next, consider picking up one of the books from my list. If you have been deeply inspired by a book lately, consider adding the book in the comment section. And not that popular books don’t need to be highlighted, but consider adding a book you read that is not making all of the rounds on social media. Thanks for reading about my list.

Peter DeWitt, Ed.D., is the author of several books including Coach It Further: Using the Art of Coaching to Improve School Leadership (Corwin Press. 2018). Connect with him on Twitter .

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

The opinions expressed in Peter DeWitt’s Finding Common Ground are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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Leadership Books That’ll Up Your Game

There’s a book for every skill you need to work on.

Being a school leader means constantly being in improvement mode. It also means having an ever-running loop of new ideas about how to make your school the best it can be for your students, staff, and community. And though there is a seemingly endless supply of valuable advice, time is precious, and you can’t read every leadership book on the market. That’s why we put together this list of thought-provoking school leadership books.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

Start strong.

The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo

In a personal, approachable style, Julie Zhuo, a VP of design at Facebook, writes, “Your job, as a manager, is to get better outcomes from a group of people working together.” This is an essential read for anyone just starting out as an administrator.

Lead boldly.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Brené Brown is the leadership guru that we’ve been waiting for. With her approachable style and her honest storytelling, Brown has the unique ability to inspire with the truth. In Dare to Lead, she lays out four skill sets that are, in her words, “100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable.”

Seek balance. 

The Principal’s Survival Guide: Where Do I Start? How Do I Succeed? When Do I Sleep? by Susan Stone Kessler, April Snodgrass and Andrew Davis

Most school leadership books focus on how to juggle the many aspects of the job from a performance perspective. This one has a refreshing focus on not only meeting the needs of your students and teachers, but doing so in a way that ensures you also take care of yourself. A great for newbies and veterans alike. 

Challenge conventional thinking. 

Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm by Hamish Brewer

Brewer, a National Distinguished Principal®, is on a mission of “total passion and purpose.” His no-holds-barred approach to placing love at the center of the practice will empower children to overcome adversity and create a better future for themselves. 

Fine-tune your vision.

Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t  by Jim Collins

As an administrator, it’s common to lose your way at times. Collins’ classic book can help an administrator get to the heart of what’s important. Best of all, he addresses how to get even your grumpiest faculty member on board.

Be a better coach.

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More and Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier

This book provides a fascinating framework for helping your colleagues reach their full potential. Rather than doling out advice and suggestions, Stanier’s method is to ask simple yet strategic questions which can have transformational results. The questions that Stainer has designed clearly communicate and prompt the people you are trying to support, even in moments when communication is difficult.

Master the art of giving essential feedback.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

If you are an introvert and a naturally empathetic person, total candor can be a challenge. However, if you have found yourself struggling to deliver important feedback to members of your team, this book has exactly what you need. This former Google manager lays out real solutions for communicating essential feedback with positivity.

Think about your staff in a new way. 

Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life by Ron Clark

For fans of Ron Clark’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to school leadership, Move Your Bus identifies the many types of workers that make up any organization. From drivers and runners to joggers, walkers, and riders, it’s the school leader’s job to recognize where their team members fall and encourage them to keep the “bus” moving by working together.

Manage change more smoothly.

Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives by Jennifer Abrams 

Change is difficult for everyone, especially in education, where it seems like something new is coming down the pike at every turn. Enact strategic change in your school by following Abrams’ four basic principles: think before speaking, preempt resistance, respond to resistance, and manage oneself through change and resistance. 

Run better meetings.

Making Every Meeting Matter by the Harvard Business Review

Who among us can say that every single meeting they’ve run has been an amazing and efficient use of time? How many of us can say we’ve walked away from every meeting inspired and with a clear directive? I can do better, and so can you. Reading this book is the first step toward making meetings productive. Now let’s design better faculty meetings !

Rally your crew.

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek

Thought leader Simon Sinek’s hypothesis in Leaders Eat Last is a simple one: Behind every great team is an awesome leader. Here’s what an awesome leader does: They protect their team, and they help teams manage internal threats that could keep them from performing their best. Your job as leader, Sinek suggests, is to keep your team healthy and whole. If you want to make your team stronger and more nimble, this book should be at the top of your list.

Learn to speak your staff’s language.

The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Gary Chapman and Paul White

Have you ever wondered how some colleagues get very excited about donuts in the breakroom, while others complain about them? How can it be that some people love icebreakers , while others roll their eyes? This excellent book will help you meet more needs and differentiate your approach to team building.

Build a stronger team.

The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard And Spencer Johnson

An easy read that breaks down three of the most practical tent poles of good leadership—setting goals, praising your team, and redirecting when things go awry. You’ll develop ways to do so quickly, concisely, and of course, effectively!

Discover what motivates your people.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

If you can’t motivate, you can’t lead—and this book is packed with the secrets of motivation. Hint? Rewards and punishment actually don’t bring out the best in others!

Improve your communication.

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John C. Maxwell 

“Connecting is everything when it comes to communication,” counsels John Maxwell. This book, told in an engaging anecdotal style, pins down the principles and practices that will help you connect with your staff as a school leader. 

Pare down your tasks.

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

The idea is if you can discipline yourself to take on only the tasks that are absolutely essential—your level of productivity will soar, opening up more time and energy in your life to focus on the things that really matter—and really make you happy.

Play to your strengths.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

The big question asked in this book is: What makes high achievers different? The answers may surprise you, as Gladwell looks at success from an unconventional perspective—including what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Boost your confidence.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

A 2018 Pew study polled over 4,000 Americans to explore what personal characteristics we value in people. Would you be surprised to know that strength and ambition were more highly valued in men, while compassion and responsibility were more valued in women? The Confidence Code addresses this disconnect head on. With a truthful analysis of how gender dynamics can play out in the workplace, this book is a must-read for women interested in strengthening their self-confidence .

Change how you start your day.

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 AM) by Hal Elrod

Change your morning routine, change your life is the message of this best seller. You’ll learn how to wake up each day with more energy, motivation, and focus so you can take your personal and professional life to the next level.

Write your way into leadership.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Creative thinkers have been following Cameron’s 12-week program for years, crediting it for the ability to finish novels, write songs, or reignite a passion for the arts. So, what can you learn here about leadership? Well, if you’re feeling creatively fulfilled, it becomes contagious to those around you.

Listen to your heart.

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho

This classic fable about a traveling shepherd boy who meets several spiritual messengers on his quest for treasure may not seem like a leadership guide. But this boy’s encounters are great lessons about listening to your heart and following your dreams—two qualities every great leader adheres to.

Reframe your thinking.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is about reframing your mental outlook to create affluence. But at the core, it’s about changing your mindset to achieve anything you desire. And it’s a nice reminder that positivity is the best motivator in the workplace!

Create a leadership plan.

True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George

True North teaches you how to create your own Personal Leadership Development Plan. It’s centered on knowing your authentic self, defining your values and leadership principles, understanding your motivations, building your support team, and staying grounded by integrating all aspects of your life.

Master your core principles.

The Truth About Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

Trust, credibility, and ethics are the core principles discussed in this book. The authors say these are crucial for every good leader who wants to succeed!

See what other leaders have done.

Winners by Alastair Campbell

From Michael Phelps to Barack Obama, this collection features real, raw, and in-depth interviews with some of the most successful people on the planet. They don’t hold back about their drive and how they achieved goals beyond their wildest dreams.

What are your favorite books on leadership? Share with us in our  Principal Life Facebook group . 

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11 Books To Refresh Your Leadership Library

We asked educators in our community to share the books that most profoundly influenced their leadership approach in recent years. Here are their top picks.

From Warren Buffet to Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, many of the most successful leaders are voracious readers . And yet, among school leaders, reading can get short shrift. “Of all the professional development lessons I’ve learned in the principalship, reading strikes me as one we don’t talk enough about,” writes Kathryn Fishman-Weaver , an author and the executive director of Mizzou Academy. “Are the texts we choose ones that shed light on a wide range of lived experiences, including the cultures and experiences included in our student body?”

We asked our community to weigh in and share which leadership books—recently published titles as well as classics—profoundly influenced their leadership approach in recent years. A few clear crowd favorites emerged, among them Harry and Rosemary Wong’s bestseller, The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher . Several authors—Anthony Muhammad, Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and Shane Safir—had multiple titles nominated, though we selected just one from each in order to keep the list lean. Finally, several unexpected suggestions showed up in the threads, including The Tao of Pooh , The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , and Treasure Island . 

The following books offer a cornucopia of perspectives and cover topics ranging from grading practice to staff dynamics, school culture and climate, to classroom instruction. Here are eleven books that school administrators say will challenge and strengthen your leadership practice.  

The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher Harry and Rosemary Wong A teacher-focused how-to manual originally published in the nineties (now in its fifth edition) may seem like an unusual pick for the top of a leadership books list—but it garnered the most votes by far on our social channels. While it’s considered a “must read” for teachers, it’s also a valuable resource for administrators, educators told us. Chapters examine the evidence-based practices of high-functioning classrooms and offer teacher-tested advice for structuring and organizing classrooms, and holding high expectations for all kids. Though some critics argue that the authors’ approach to classroom management may “stifle spontaneity in classrooms and lead teachers to become overly controlling,” many consider The First Days of School an authoritative resource for all educators—especially leaders who regularly observe and evaluate teachers in action. 

Dare to Lead Brené Brown Brown believes leaders face pervasive cultural challenges to organizational success, including a desire to avoid hard conversations, a lack of honest but productive feedback, a fear of taking smart risks or sharing bold ideas, and perfectionism. Her exploration of vulnerability, shame, relationships, and communication echoes some of her other work, and the book’s inspirational and self-improvement focused tone may not be for everyone. Yet leaders looking to create a culture of empowerment may benefit from what Brown offers. Courage and trust are important components of any workplace, and this book offers a lens through which to look at both. 

The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity George Couros When a student walks into a classroom, full of questions and curiosity, what happens next? Couros—whose career credentials include classroom teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator—explores what it looks like to create a learning environment where students are encouraged to think differently, innovate, and do more than just perform well when tested. With accessible insights on leadership and learning interspersed with discussion questions, we heard from many educators and school leaders who tackled this text together in their PLCs or as part of their personal professional development. One caveat from a reviewer: “If you are looking for a book that provides all of the answers, this is not the one.” But it may be the book that inspires you to start looking in the right direction. 

Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns After cataloging conversations that moved the needle with students, authors Bare and Burns—currently serving as an assistant superintendent and principal, respectively—felt they had hard-won insight to contribute on the topic of how to talk to kids in school. The pair channeled their collective 40 years of education experience to develop a student-centered, trauma informed, and culturally responsive framework for communicating with and building durable relationships with students. This book includes a conversation planning guide, sentence stems, and an array of other resources. Connecting Through Conversation, the authors explained in a Q&A , offers insights on how to “use body language, tone, and volume to communicate safety and invite connection,” navigating challenging behaviors, while also ensuring educators prioritize their own physical, emotional, and mental health.

Leaders Eat Last Simon Sinek In the U.S. Marines during mealtime, Sinek explains, it’s common for the highest ranking officers to fix their plates last. This not only ensures everyone on the team is fed, but sends an important message: Leaders look after their people first. But Sinek’s people-first approach is only one component of a larger narrative that includes segments on creating a safe environment within your organization—he refers to this as the “Circle of Safety”—and the surprising impacts of what he calls “selfless chemicals” like serotonin and oxytocin on leadership style. 

Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire A lot has changed since 1968 when this book was first published in Portuguese, but it’s still widely considered a seminal text on education. Freire’s own experiences with poverty in Brazil, as well as his work with marginalized communities—many of which could not read—helped forge his views on knowledge, access, education reform, and class. Heavily academic and at times jargon-filled, this can be a dense philosophical read though its central message is simple: Education at its core, Freire writes, is a symbiotic relationship in which neither the role of the student or the teacher is fixed. Teachers themselves have many things to learn alongside their students; students have lots of things that they can teach. Freire’s pioneering analysis of the “banking” system of education urges educators to examine their pedagogy and practices. 

Street Data Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan When checking on the health of a school, administrators often turn to what the authors refer to as satellite data like attendance, graduation rates, and test scores. While this information is important, it doesn’t provide a nuanced enough picture, they argue. For a more equitable and comprehensive approach, the authors examine what they call map data , a sort of “GPS of learning trends and gaps in a school community,” Safir writes in EdWeek . They also look at street data , which provides “real-time, leading indicators on the messy work of school and instructional improvement.” For some schools already deep into their equity journey, this book may not feel particularly new, some reviewers say. What it may introduce, however, are resources and tools to help leaders and school communities understand why data should be utilized differently and how to begin that process. 

Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms Joe Feldman Ensuring accuracy, preventing bias and subjectivity, and presenting a dynamic picture of academic performance can all be factors that make grading a particularly challenging task. What’s more, how can educators help students focus on the learning and not the grade? Feldman examines these points as well as how grading relates to identity, the history of grading, unreliable practices, why traditional grading can demotivate and disempower students, and how to chart a path forward. In spite of the nuance involved in determining what works best for each school community, Feldman’s insights provide a starting point for an examination of school-wide grading practices. 

The Assistant Principal 50: Critical Questions for Meaningful Leadership and Professional Growth Baruti K. Kafele Whether you’re pursuing a career as an assistant principal or aspiring to become a principal, Kafele argues the role of an AP is “one of the most misunderstood and underutilized positions in education.” Kafele aims to help prospective and current APs navigate the ambiguity of each step of their journey, offering reflective questions, insights, and guidance with some personal anecdotes mixed in. Although some readers note the book's emphasis on the role of the administrator as disciplinarian, which may not apply depending on your school's culture and climate, Kafele offers a wealth of ideas that can be adapted to a variety of school ecosystems. 

Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division Anthony Muhammad Every school building has its own unique cast of characters. The tensions that may arise between them—potentially becoming a roadblock to progress and change, Muhammad explains—stem from shifting dynamics, relationships, and the beliefs or assumptions of four groups: the Believers, the Fundamentalists, the Tweeners, and the Survivors. Based on a study of 11 elementary, 14 middle, and 9 high schools, Transforming School Culture offers solutions for transforming an ailing school climate into a healthy high-functioning environment for learning. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students Zaretta Lynn Hammond What does it mean to be a culturally responsive educator? Hammond’s take is informed by recent neuroscience research and aims to help schools with diverse classrooms bolster engagement and foster deeper learning in a way that honors students. Designed to prompt self-reflection and action, Hammond’s book aims to leave educators and instructional leaders with a more fleshed out understanding of how to effectively implement brain-based culturally responsive instruction and create a culture of independent learners.   

Are you a supply teacher or teaching assistant looking for some help and advice? If so, you are in the right place. Our blogs offer tips and tricks on everything from classroom management to interview tips and support, along with day in the life case studies from real supply teachers, ECTs and cover supervisors. They also give you an insight into what  working for Smile  is like, the ways which we support local communities and charities  and the training and events that we offer. 

For more good stuff like this, follow us on social media - you can find us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn . Or pick up the phone and give us a call .

The 10 must-read books for every school leader

Lots of school leaders often ask us what books we’d recommend and so we’ve put together this handy list of our 10 top must reads. Below you’ll find books on everything from wellbeing to practical tips and advice on becoming a leader. 

Making the Leap: Moving from Deputy to Head - Jill Berry

Is currently number 1 on Amazon’s best sellers list for school governors. The book offers practical advice to anyone considering a headship. The book leans on Jill’s own experiences in the matter and answers questions such as how can I ensure the early months and years of headship are as successful as possible and how can I establish the most positive and productive relationship with the outgoing head?

It’s a definite must read for any teachers, middle leaders or senior leaders who are considering becoming a headteacher within a school setting. 

A Manifesto for Excellence in Schools - Rob Carpenter

Rob Carpenter is the CEO of the Inspire Partnership and author of the aforementioned book. He took  a school from Special Measures to Outstanding in less than two years and firmly believes that the quality of teaching and leadership holds the key to raising standards in our schools today.

The book contains a balance of practical advice, examples, resources and ideas to help teachers and school leaders alike plan and deliver high quality learning experiences. When asked why he wrote A Manifesto for Excellence Rob said:

“I want people to use A Manifesto for Excellence in Schools as a reference point for what schools can be when we place 'whys' before 'whats' and 'hows'. Above all else, I hope those who read this can feel inspired to stand up to the policy wonks, placing children at the centre of our beliefs and actions. There is a better way….”

Back on Track: Fewer Things, Greater Depth - Mary Myatt

Released just last year, Back on Track is already becoming a firm favourite for school leaders. The book calls upon leaders to reevaluate their focuses and look at whether some of the processes in our schools are really adding value to the core purposes of schools.

Chunked into short sections the book is easy to read and easily digestible. Despite only being released less than a year ago It’s racked up 165 reviews on Amazon with 93% of those being 5-4 star! 

Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools: A blueprint for a revitalised profession - John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley

Wellbeing is high on everyone’s agenda so it’s no surprise that this book made its way onto the list. Authors John Tomsett (headteacher at Huntington School, York) and Jonny Uttley (CEO of The Education Alliance Multi Academy Trust) believe that happy teachers provide the best educational experience for their students. In their book is a blueprint which unapologetically puts staff first.

The Wisdom of Heads: short advice for school leaders - Dr Denry Machin PhD

Combining wisdom and humour with knowledge and experience, you’ll certainly find it tough to put this book down. This book full of insightful anecdotes from a range of headteachers on a variety of topics. One reviewer actually described it as being similar to a “Zoom meeting between the world’s best heads”.

Reading this book will give you an insight into how leaders cope with change and how they survive the stresses of the job and what resources you should buy to make your life easier and those to avoid - all from headteachers who have been there and done it. 

The Headteacher's Handbook: The essential guide to leading a primary school - Rachel Snape

As the title suggests this book is aimed at primary headteachers - both aspiring and existing. Though, we have a slight confession to make - it’s not actually out yet - it gets released in August this year. Early reviews, however, have been positive and describe the book as: “comprehensive guide which covers every aspect of taking on the headteacher role. It is at once practical, honest, insightful and, probably most importantly, incredibly useful.”

If that doesn’t convince you, it may be worthwhile knowing a little more about Rachel who is an experienced headteacher in Cambridge and is a National Leader of Education.  She is also Vice Chair of the DfE's Primary Headteachers' Reference Group, Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and Ambassador for HundrED.org. 

Riding the Waves: Finding joy and fulfilment in school leadership - James Hilton

Here, author James Hilton explores how primary and secondary school leaders can find fulfilment in their challenging roles in order to lead their schools successfully. Riding the Waves offers practical strategies, advice, reflective questions and activities for developing the fulfilling aspects of school leadership to carry school leaders through these challenging times.

This is the book for you if you are a school leader looking enhance your mental health, improve your work-life balance, you want to take control and take a break. 

Supporting the Emotional Work of School Leaders - Belinda Harris 

Another book which focuses on wellbeing. This practical book deals with the emotional and moral dimensions of school leadership. If you are seeking to develop your own emotional resilience this book will provide you with a few tools to help you bounce back that much higher when the inevitable challenges of school leadership come your way. Belinda provides a range of person-centred strategies for building communities of professionally committed, relationally competent, collaborative individuals.

It comes highly recommended by headteachers and deputy heads alike with one saying commenting that if schools leaders are to read any book it should be this one! 

Staying A Head: The Stress Management Secrets of Successful School Leaders - Viv Grant

Staying A Head is a book about overcoming the stresses of school leadership. The book is written by Executive Coach and Director of Integrity Coaching, Viv Grant, specialises in working with head teachers and school leaders in urban schools, where both the challenge to succeed and the stress levels are high.

You should read this book if you are a school leader who is looking to develop greater emotional resilience, stop stressing and achieve their vision without sacrificing their own health and personal wellbeing. 

Leaders With Substance: An Antidote to Leadership Genericism in Schools' - Matthew Evans

This book draws on research evidence to explore the specific things that expert leaders know and do, arguing for a notion of school leadership rooted in the realities of leaders' daily experiences. It presents a case for how school leaders can develop their expertise and, in doing so, places domain-specific knowledge at the heart of school improvement efforts.

But do not be fooled, Leaders With Substance is not a handbook. It sets out to change the way we think of leadership and school improvement. It is both a critique, a manifesto, and a call to arms.

If you’d like more help or advice, Smile Leadership is on hand to help. We have over 10 years experience working in a range of educational settings and have supported school leaders all over the UK in finding their dream role.

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Educators Technology

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12 Great Books on Educational Leadership

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: February 4, 2024

Leaders in education hold the formidable task of shaping not just academic institutions but the minds and futures of the learners within them. As the educational sphere continues to evolve rapidly, especially with the advent of technology and changing societal needs, the role of a school leader transcends administrative duties, morphing into a multi-dimensional endeavor that demands innovation, empathy, foresight, and adaptability.

In the quest to foster these qualities and broaden the horizons of what effective leadership can achieve, a treasure trove of wisdom lies in the pages of books penned by some forward-thinking and influential minds in the field of education. These books on educational leadership are compasses that guide educators through the complexities of leadership, offering insights, strategies, and real-life examples that illuminate the path to excellence in education.

From exploring the intricacies of transforming school cultures to embracing the digital revolution in education, and from nurturing the growth mindset essential for innovation to understanding the profound impact of leadership on student achievement, these books provide a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of educational leaders.

Whether you are at the helm of an educational institution, aspiring to take on a leadership role, or simply passionate about contributing to the evolution of educational paradigms, these books will definitely on educational leadership will definitely offer an enlightening journey, one that enriches your understanding and equips you with the practical tools and visionary outlook necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of leading in the ever-changing landscape of education.

Related: Best Websites Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids

Books on Educational Leadership

Here are some of our favourite books on educational leadership:

1- The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact  , by Michael Fullan

Michael Fullan’s book is a clarion call for principals to redefine their role from being mere managers to becoming agents of profound educational change. Fullan identifies three critical keys for principals aiming to maximize their impact: Leading Learning, Being a District and System Player, and Becoming a Change Agent. He argues against the pitfalls of micromanagement and overemphasis on administrative autonomy, instead advocating for a balanced, systemic approach.

Fullan emphasizes the importance of principals understanding the intricacies of teaching and learning, participating constructively in district and system-level initiatives, and proactively driving change by fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His strategic framework is designed not just for theoretical contemplation but for immediate, actionable implementation, offering principals a roadmap to transform their schools and, by extension, the wider education system.

2- The Innovator’s Mindset , by George Couros 

George Couros’s ‘The Innovator’s Mindset’ is an invigorating exploration into how educators can cultivate an environment that prioritizes and nurtures innovation. Couros challenges traditional educational paradigms, advocating for a cultural shift towards embracing the unknown and encouraging creative risk-taking.

He emphasizes that for students to become innovative thinkers, the educators themselves must embody this mindset, fostering a learning environment where questioning the status quo, problem-solving, and exploring creative avenues are deeply ingrained practices.

Couros discusses practical ways to empower learners and educators, transforming schools into vibrant hubs of curiosity and innovation. The book serves as both an inspiration and a guide for educators and leaders aiming to instill and lead a culture brimming with creativity and forward-thinking.

3- Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times 1st Edition, by Eric C. Sheninger

In ‘Digital Leadership,’ Eric C. Sheninger addresses the pressing need for a paradigm shift in educational leadership to align with the digital age. Sheninger explores how leaders can leverage digital tools to create a transparent, engaging, and collaborative school culture.

He emphasizes that digital leadership is not about flashy gadgets and technology but about using digital tools strategically to improve communication, enhance student engagement, and foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Sheninger’s approach combines the richness of traditional leadership strategies with the transformative potential of technology, offering leaders a comprehensive framework to lead schools in a time where technology is an integral part of education and society.

4- What Great Principals Do Differently: Eighteen Things That Matter Most , by Todd Whitaker

Todd Whitaker’s ‘What Great Principals Do Differently’ offers a clear and compelling exploration of the practices that distinguish exceptional principals. The book is structured around eighteen fundamental principles that effective principals embody.

Whitaker dives into the essence of what makes a great leader in education, discussing the importance of setting high expectations, creating a positive school culture, making decisions based on best practices and student needs, and handling disciplinary issues effectively.

This book is not just about leadership; it’s a reflection on the profound impact a principal can have on a school’s atmosphere, teachers’ performance, and students’ lives. Whitaker’s practical, experience-based insights serve as an invaluable resource for both aspiring and seasoned school leaders.

5 The Principal 50: Critical Leadership Questions for Inspiring Schoolwide Excellence , by Baruti K. Kafele

Baruti K. Kafele’s ‘The Principal 50’ is a thought-provoking journey into the soul of educational leadership. Kafele presents fifty critical questions that every principal should regularly ponder to introspectively assess their leadership impact and effectiveness. These questions delve into personal leadership identity, vision, school culture, instructional leadership, and moral and ethical dimensions of leading a school.

Kafele’s approach encourages principals to continually reflect on and refine their practice, ensuring that their leadership effectively addresses the multifaceted needs of their school community. This book is a powerful tool for principals committed to inspiring excellence and fostering a successful, nurturing educational environment.

6- Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World , by Tony Wagner

In ‘Creating Innovators,’ Tony Wagner, a renowned expert in education, takes readers on a journey to understand what it takes to nurture the innovators of tomorrow. Wagner explores how educators, parents, and employers can collectively contribute to developing young minds that think creatively, work collaboratively, and are adept at solving complex problems.

The book is rich with real-world examples, showcasing how innovative practices in teaching and learning can transform students into proactive, innovative thinkers. Wagner emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that values curiosity, encourages taking calculated risks, and allows for learning from failure. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of society by fostering innovation in the younger

7- Lessons of Hope: How to Fix Our Schools , by Joel Klein

Joel Klein’s ‘Lessons of Hope’ is more than a memoir; it’s an impassioned narrative and a strategic guide drawn from his tenure as the chancellor of NYC schools. Klein shares his firsthand experiences, challenges, and victories, offering an unvarnished look at the complexities of reforming one of the largest school systems in the United States.

He discusses innovative strategies, tough decisions, and the critical importance of leadership in driving educational improvement. Klein’s story is a testament to the potential for change in education systems and serves as a compelling blueprint for leaders facing similar challenges in their own contexts.

8- School Leadership That Works: From Research to Results , by Robert J. Marzano  (Author), Timothy Waters (Author), Brian A. McNulty (Author)

This influential book by Marzano, Waters, and McNulty bridges the gap between research and practice, offering a robust, evidence-based analysis of school leadership. The authors delve into the specific leadership practices that have a measurable impact on student achievement, providing a comprehensive framework for effective school leadership. The book is a resource trove of best practices, strategies, and actionable insights, making it an indispensable guide for school leaders aiming to make informed decisions that drive school effectiveness and student success.

9- Leverage Leadership: A Practical Guide to Building Exceptional Schools, by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo

In ‘Leverage Leadership,’ Bambrick-Santoyo presents a hands-on, practical approach to school leadership that is both transformative and replicable. The book outlines seven core principles or “levers” that exceptional leaders use to catalyze school success. These principles encompass data-driven instruction, observation and feedback, curriculum and assessment, and much more. With detailed case studies, step-by-step guides, and a focus on consistent, high-leverage practices, this book is a comprehensive manual for leaders aiming to build and sustain high-performing schools.

10- A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future , by Daniel H. Pink

Daniel H. Pink’s ‘A Whole New Mind’ offers a visionary outlook on the skills and mindsets needed in the contemporary world, where creative and empathetic right-brain qualities are becoming increasingly valuable.

Pink argues that the future belongs to individuals who can combine logical, analytical thinking with the ability to empathize, understand the nuances of human interaction, and create meaningful narratives. The book is a fascinating exploration of how education and leadership can evolve to nurture these essential skills, preparing students and organizations for a future where creativity and innovation are paramount.

11- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action , by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ introduces a profound and influential concept known as ‘The Golden Circle.’ Sinek argues that the most impactful leaders and organizations are those that start by asking “why” – understanding and communicating the deeper purpose behind their actions.

This book provides a compelling framework for leading in a way that inspires action, fosters innovation, and builds organizations that are driven by a clear sense of purpose. It’s an essential read for educational leaders who wish to create a culture of motivation and inspiration in their schools and beyond.

12- The Servant Leader: How to Build a Creative Team, Develop Great Morale, and Improve Bottom-Line Performance, by James A. Autry 

James A. Autry’s ‘The Servant Leader’ sheds light on the transformative power of servant leadership, a philosophy where the leader’s primary role is to serve others. Autry discusses how leaders can cultivate trust, foster a spirit of collaboration, and nurture the growth and well-being of their teams.

The book is replete with practical advice on building a positive team culture, developing great morale, and achieving performance goals, all through the lens of servant leadership. It’s a vital resource for educational leaders who believe in leading by example, supporting their staff, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to collective success.

Final thoughts

Leaders in education are not just administrators; they are visionaries, catalysts for change, and architects of the future. The insights gleaned from these texts underscore the profound impact that knowledgeable, empathetic, and innovative leadership can have on schools, communities, and the broader educational landscape. From the strategic application of digital resources to the cultivation of a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation, the lessons contained within these books are both timeless and timely.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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The SAGE Handbook of Educational Leadership Advances in Theory, Research, and Practice

• Fenwick W. English - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
• Description

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

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New to this Edition

• This landmark work has been thoroughly updated and revised, with more than 75% new or revised content.
• Ten of the prior edition's chapters have been replaced with ten new chapters in this edition.
• New chapters include topics such as distributed leadership and democratic community, standards for educational leaders, teacher preparation and staffing, and the uses and misuses of tests in accountability schemes known as "the gaposis syndrome."
• The Introduction to the Second edition and each section introduction has been rewritten Includes new chapters from international scholars giving readers a more global perspective

Key Features

• This Handbook combines both applied and scholarly issues that face educational leadership at the level of preparation and practice, offering wide-ranging coverage that appeals to scholars, researchers, and practitioners alike.
• Chapters in the Handbook examine issues long relevant to the field as well as current hot-button topics, and nearly every chapter links the history of educational leadership to current thought and actual operations in the field, helping the reader to fully grasp the implications for development and application.
• Chapter-by-chapter syntheses of prior research and practice are combined with a robust focus on issues likely to face educational leaders in the coming century based on thoughtful analyses of current trends.

Sample Materials & Chapters

1. A History of Public School Leadership

2. Culturally Relevant Leadership for Complex 21st Century School Contexts

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This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge , the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial .

• © 2023

Educational Leadership

Contemporary Theories, Principles, and Practices

• Donnie Adams   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-5187 0

Department of Educational Management, Planning and Policy, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

• Includes educational leadership and management theories and models in the 21st century
• Includes international authors with deeply embedded understanding of educational leadership
• Also management in schools’ context, based on engagement with context specific policies, practices and research

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

Front matter, educational leadership in the twenty-first century.

Donnie Adams

Leadership for Learning in Schools in the Twenty-First Century

• Ashley Yoon Mooi Ng

Distributed Instructional Leadership: The SHARE Model

• Mohammad Noman

Authentic and Moral Leadership Practices in Schools

• Lokman Mohd Tahir, Siti Nisrin Mohd Anis, Mohd Fadzli Ali

Servant Leadership: Operationalising an Oxymoron

• Adrian Jarvis

Inclusive Leadership for Schools: Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions

• Donnie Adams, Shaheera Hussain, King Lok Tan

Contextual Leadership: Characteristics and Practices

• Tengku Faekah Tengku Ariffin, Suhaili Mohd Yusoff

Turnaround Leadership: Building the Sustainability of Schools

• Sock Beei Yeap, Donnie Adams

System Leadership in Educational Context

• Kenny S. L. Cheah

Technology Leadership for Schools in the Twenty-First Century

• Yuting Zhang, Donnie Adams, Kenny S. L. Cheah
• Theories of Educational Leadership in the 21st century
• 21st century Leadership Theories in Education
• Theories of Educational leadership
• Organizational management
• Management in the 21st century
• Educational Management in the 21st Century
• Leadership for Learning
• Distributed Instructional Leadership
• Authentic and Moral Leadership
• Inclusive School Leadership
• Turnaround School Leadership
• Academic Leadership
• Technology Leadership
• Contextual Leadership

Book Title : Educational Leadership

Book Subtitle : Contemporary Theories, Principles, and Practices

Editors : Donnie Adams

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8494-7

Publisher : Springer Singapore

eBook Packages : Education , Education (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-981-99-8493-0 Published: 22 December 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-981-99-8496-1 Due: 22 January 2024

eBook ISBN : 978-981-99-8494-7 Published: 21 December 2023

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XV, 165

Number of Illustrations : 24 b/w illustrations, 4 illustrations in colour

Topics : Administration, Organization and Leadership , Management Education , Education, general , Educational Policy and Politics

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2023’s Best Educational Leadership Books: Empower Your Career

Are you looking to take your career in education to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the best educational leadership books of 2023 that will empower you and help …

Written by: Zia Ul Basir Khan

Published on: September 27, 2023

Are you looking to take your career in education to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the best educational leadership books of 2023 that will empower you and help you make a positive impact in educational settings. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, or aspiring leader, these Educational Leadership Books will provide you with valuable insights, strategies, and techniques to enhance your leadership skills.

In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, it is crucial for educators to stay updated with the latest theories and practices in educational leadership. These books offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that can be applied in various educational contexts. From fostering a positive school culture to implementing effective instructional strategies, these Educational Leadership Books cover a wide range of topics that are essential for educational leaders.

By diving into these Educational Leadership Books, you will gain a deeper understanding of educational leadership and develop the skills necessary to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the entire school community. So, if you are ready to empower your career and take your leadership skills to new heights, join us as we explore the best educational leadership books of 2023.

Unlocking Success: 2 Keys to Educational Leadership Excellence

Unlocking Success: 5 Keys to Educational Leadership Excellence is a comprehensive guide that provides educators with the essential tools and strategies to excel in their leadership roles. This groundbreaking book explores five key principles that are crucial for effective educational leadership.

Key Principle 1: Visionary Leadership

In this section, readers will learn how to develop a clear and compelling vision for their educational setting. They will discover practical methods for inspiring and motivating their team to work towards a common goal.

Key Principle 2: Effective Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership. This chapter delves into the importance of clear and concise communication, providing readers with practical tips and techniques for enhancing their communication skills.

With its practical advice and actionable strategies, “Unlocking Success: 5 Keys to Educational Leadership Excellence” is a must-read for educators who aspire to become exceptional leaders in their field.

Mastering the Art of Educational Leadership: 4 Simple Methods for Success

Leading a successful educational institution requires a unique set of skills and strategies . In this chapter, we will explore ten simple yet powerful methods that can help educational leaders master the art of leadership and achieve success.

1. Building a Strong Foundation

Establishing a solid foundation is crucial for effective leadership. This section will delve into the importance of creating a clear vision, setting goals, and fostering a positive culture within the educational setting.

2. Effective Communication

Communication is the key to successful leadership. Discover how to effectively communicate with staff, students, and parents to ensure a cohesive and supportive educational environment.

3. Empowering and Motivating Staff

Learn how to empower and motivate your team to reach their full potential. This section will explore strategies for delegation, recognition, and professional development.

4. Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is essential for educational success. Explore methods for fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and reflection within your institution.

Leading with Impact: 5 Steps to Transform Educational Settings

Leading with impact is crucial in transforming educational settings. By implementing these five steps, educational leaders can create a positive and lasting change in their institutions.

Step 1: Setting a Clear Vision

A clear vision provides a roadmap for success. Educational leaders must articulate their goals and communicate them effectively to their team. This ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards a common purpose.

Step 2: Building a Strong Team

A strong team is the backbone of any successful educational institution. Leaders must focus on recruiting and retaining talented individuals who share their vision. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, leaders can empower their team members to excel.

Step 3: Promoting Continuous Learning

Education is a lifelong journey, and leaders must encourage a culture of continuous learning. By providing professional development opportunities and fostering a growth mindset, leaders can inspire their team members to constantly improve and innovate.

Step 4: Embracing Change

Change is inevitable in the field of education. Leaders must embrace change and adapt to new technologies, pedagogies, and methodologies. By being open-minded and flexible, leaders can navigate through challenges and lead their institutions towards success.

Step 5: Celebrating Success

Recognizing and celebrating achievements is essential in maintaining motivation and morale. Leaders should acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of their team members, fostering a positive and supportive culture that encourages further success.

By following these five steps, educational leaders can lead with impact and transform their educational settings into thriving and innovative institutions.

Empowering Educators: Essential Strategies for Effective Leadership

Empowering educators is a crucial aspect of effective educational leadership. By providing the necessary tools and support, leaders can inspire and motivate their teachers to excel in their roles.

Creating a Collaborative Environment

One essential strategy for empowering educators is to foster a collaborative environment. By encouraging open communication and teamwork, leaders can create a space where teachers feel valued and supported. This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of ideas and best practices, leading to improved teaching methods and student outcomes.

Providing Professional Development Opportunities

Another key strategy is to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for educators. By investing in their growth and learning, leaders empower teachers to continuously improve their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest educational trends. This not only benefits the individual teachers but also enhances the overall quality of education provided to students.

By implementing these and other essential strategies, educational leaders can empower their educators and create a positive and thriving learning environment.

The Leadership Edge: 5 Key Principles for Educational Success

This section highlights the importance of visionary leadership and effective communication in educational settings. By adopting a visionary leadership approach, educational leaders can inspire and motivate their teams to achieve excellence. This involves setting clear goals and creating a compelling vision for the future. Additionally, effective communication plays a crucial role in educational leadership. Leaders must be able to articulate their vision, listen actively to their team members, and provide constructive feedback. By mastering these principles, educational leaders can create a positive and productive environment that fosters success and growth.

Navigating Change: 10 Simple Methods for Adaptive Educational Leadership

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, leaders must possess the skills to navigate change effectively. This section explores ten simple methods that educational leaders can employ to adapt to the shifting tides of the industry.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

By adopting a growth mindset, leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement within their educational settings.

2. Foster Collaboration and Communication

Encouraging open lines of communication and collaboration among staff members promotes a sense of unity and shared purpose.

3. Develop a Strategic Vision

Educational leaders must have a clear vision for the future and communicate it effectively to inspire and motivate their teams.

4. Emphasize Flexibility and Adaptability

Being flexible and adaptable allows leaders to respond to unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities.

5. Cultivate a Culture of Innovation

Promoting a culture of innovation encourages creativity and forward-thinking among educators and students alike.

6. Prioritize Professional Development

Investing in the professional development of staff members ensures they have the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate change successfully.

7. Seek Feedback and Input

Leaders should actively seek feedback and input from stakeholders to make informed decisions and foster a sense of ownership.

8. Build Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Developing resilience and emotional intelligence equips leaders to handle challenges and support the well-being of their teams.

9. Stay Informed and Engaged

Educational leaders must stay informed about industry trends and engage in ongoing professional learning to stay ahead of the curve.

10. Lead by Example

Leading by example sets the tone for the entire educational community and inspires others to embrace change and growth.

Inspiring Innovation: 5 Steps to Foster Creativity in Educational Leadership

Leading with impact requires fostering creativity in educational leadership. To inspire innovation, leaders must follow five key steps. First, encourage a culture of curiosity and exploration, where educators are encouraged to think outside the box. Second, provide opportunities for collaboration and brainstorming, allowing ideas to flow freely. Third, support risk-taking and experimentation, creating an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity.

Next, leaders should prioritize professional development, ensuring educators have the tools and knowledge to implement innovative practices. Finally, leaders must lead by example, modeling creativity and embracing new ideas themselves. By following these steps, educational leaders can inspire innovation and create a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the future.

About Zia Ul Basir Khan

Park Hill Community Education: Empowering Minds and Transforming Students

Unlocking the power of special education: your ultimate guide.

Top 20 Books for 21st Century School Leaders

18 Dec Top 20 Books for 21st Century School Leaders

Hooray! It’s holiday time for many School Leaders around the world!

Teachers and Principals work long hours and face many challenges each day so the holiday season is a wonderful time to catch up with family and friends, have some fun and just relax .

Holidays also provide the opportunity to read and reflect on your leadership growth and development.

I’ve created a Top 20 list of books to help you grow as a 21st Century School Leader . I hope you find something that will inspire and motivate you to make 2017 your best year yet!

• Focus: The Hidden Driver of Success (2015) by Daniel Goleman
• Uncommon Learning: Creating Schools That Work for Kids  (2015) by Eric Sheninger
• Leadership: Key Competencies for Whole System Change (2015) by Lyle Kirtman and Michael Fullan
• Accelerate: Building Strategic Agility for a Faster-Moving World (2014) by John Kotter
• The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact  (2014) by Michael Fullan
• The Triple Focus: a New Approach to Education  (2014) by Daniel Goleman and Peter Senge
• Digital Leadership – Changing Paradigms for Changing Times  (2014) by Eric Sheninger
• Thrive – The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder  (2014) by Arianna Huffington
• Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead  (2013) by Sheryl Sandberg
•   World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students  (2012) by Yong Zhao
• Creating Innovators – The Making of Young People Who will Change the World  (2012) Tony Wagner
• Truth, Beauty and Goodness Reframed: Educating for the Virtues in the 21st Century  (2011) by Howard Gardner
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action  (2011) by Simon Sinek
• Nine Things Successful People Do Differently  (2011) by Heidi Grant Halvorson
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us  (2009) by Daniel H Pink
• T he Talent Code: Greatness isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How  (2009) by Daniel Coyle
• Spark! How exercise will improve the performance of your brain  (2009) by John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman
• The Success Principles  (2004) by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer
• Leadership Wisdom from the Monk who Sold his Ferrari  (2003) by Robin Sharma
• How to Win Friends and Influence People  (1936, revised edition 1981) by Dale Carnegie

If you would like more help in developing your leadership potential why not attend  Leadership for the 21st Century  a 2-day workshop for a whole new generation of School Leaders at the Professional Learning Hub, NIST International School, Bangkok. Click here for more details.

Download our "Top 3 Challenges Facing School Leaders today" whitepaper and learn how to overcome them.

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The 10 Books Every School Leader Should Read

Blog » Authentic and Ethical Leadership » The 10 Books Every School Leader Should Read

  Recently, I’ve been finding that I’m increasingly asked by the School Leaders I work with and by others who’ve read my book “Staying A Head: Stress Management Secrets for School Leaders” for recommendations as to what books can help them to further their learning and in turn, better support their leadership practice.   I’ve noticed more and more that I frequently refer leaders to the same books time and again, not for lack of ideas but rather because they are quite simply the best I’ve come ever come across in the field, in terms of both inspiration and expertise.   In fact, I recommend these books so frequently that I thought I’d create a list of these 1o books for you in case you ever need a great book to help alleviate the stress of the day-to-day and bring a sense of perspective back into their lives. I hope amongst the recommended titles, that you might find a book or two that you’d like to add to your reading list…  

1. “ The Element”  – 

Ken robinson.

  We all love Sir Ken Robinson and eagerly await the day when he is appointed Minister of Education! Until that day, we’ll all have to take comfort from his inspirational TED talks and this wonderful book. If you are ever in need of inspiration and a reminder of why you are a teacher or Headteacher then read this book.   It will make you laugh, it will make you smile, and it will remind you of what passion is all about and why each and every day you need to remain connected to what matters to you most.  

2. “Resonant Leadership” –  

Richard boyatziz and annie mckee.

  This book is a must for all stressed head teachers and School Leaders! It gets to the very core of what happens to leaders who are in ‘high power, high stress’ roles. It also talks with real compassion about what successful leaders need to do, to stop themselves become victims of the Sacrifice Syndrome.   A syndrome that is common to so many head teachers … that of sacrificing your own needs in order to meet the needs of others. If you want to know how to lead a far healthier and happier life as a School Leader, then this book should definitely be on your reading list.  

3. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” –

  daniel kahneman.

  If you want to understand yourself better as a School Leader and exhibit greater control over your thoughts and actions, then this is the book for you! It may take you some time to plough through it, but what you will gain in the end, will be well worth the effort!  

4.  “ Mindset: How you can fulfil your potential – 

Dr carol s.dweck.

  I love this book!  If you have ever wondered why some teachers cause you more stress than others, then this book will definitely give you a few key insights. Dweck explains that  “It’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success, but whether we approach our goals with a fixed or growth mindset.”    When you understand the traits of each mindset, you will get a far better understanding of your staff team and how their behaviours impact on your efforts to drive forward school improvement.  

5. “Well Being: The Five Essential Ele ments” –

  tom rath and jim harther.

  Co-written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Rath, this book takes ‘five  universal, interconnected elements that shape our lives:  Career Wellbeing, Social Wellbeing, Financial Wellbeing, Physical Wellbeing, and Community Wellbeing.”  If you want to give yourself a personal MOT over a weekend or holiday period,  then this is another book to add to your list.  

6. “Daring Greatly” – 

Brene brown.

  For any School Leader this is a must read. It is a book that I recommend to all head teachers and senior leaders that I work with.  Brene Brown reminds us that contrary to commonly perceived wisdom on the subject, vulnerability is more a sign of courage and strength, than it is a sign of weakness.   Her writings and insight on the subject are like a breath of fresh air. In an educational climate in which so many false and conflicting messages about strength in leadership abound, Brene Brown shows us how the ability to be vulnerable reconnects us with our humanity and it is here, where we find our strength.  

7 . “Leading out of Who You Are” –

   simon p walker.

  How many of us, would like to be able to lead from a place where we truly trust ourselves? Where we were not knocked from pillar to post by the opinions and advice of others, but were able to lead from a place of deep inner trust and self belief?   From my own experience as a Headteacher and from the work that I now do as an Executive Coach for School Leaders, I know  it is a place that we all long to be able to lead from. In his sensitively written book on the subject of leadership, Simon P Walker provides an excellent overview of the inner journey every leader needs to go on, if they are ever to experience true inner trust and self belief.  

8 . “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” – 

 stephen r covey.

  An all time favourite. If you haven’t read this book, then it really is one that you should go out and buy now. Not only will his seven habits help you to develop the tools to lead yourself better, but hey will also help you to understand how you can get the best out of those that you lead and manage.   When you read his book you will have no doubt about how you can excel as a School Leader and equally what others will need from you so that they can also excel.  

9. “Every  Teacher Matters” –

  kathryn lovewell.

  As a School Leader you know that your teachers are your most valuable resource. You will also know from your own experience as a classroom teacher the types of stress that many of your teachers face and the impact that it has on their ability to perform well.   If you want to give your teachers really practical advice on managing stress then buy this book for each and every one of them.  Kathryn’s book will show them how mindfulness not only reduces stress , but also helps to re-ignite a sometimes forgotten passion for teaching.  

10. “Supporting the Emotional Work of School Leaders” –

 belinda harris.

  In those dark times, when the pressures of the role seem insurmountable, this book will remind you that you are not alone! Harris’ book is an honest account of what it really means to be a School Leader today, ‘ exploring the personal, social and emotional challenges of School Leadership.’   If you are seeking to develop your own emotional resilience this book will provide you with a few tools to help you bounce back that much higher when the inevitable challenges of School Leadership come your way.

“Staying A Head – Stress Management Secrets of Successful School Leaders” by Viv Grant

Every School Leader should read this book because it opens the closed world that many School Leaders inhabit. But rather than leave the world ‘exposed’, it offers new and experienced School Leaders practical and effective methods that nurture inner understanding to bring out the best in others and foster organisational transformation. Mike Jones Head teacher, South Failsworth Primary School, Oldham

If you’d like to get a flavour of the book. then you can now download a completely free Chapter of my book! In this chapter, you’ll discover why the meeting of your emotional needs are central to your success as a School Leader and  find answers to the questions:

  – What are our basic emotional needs? – Why do School Leaders need to have their emotional needs met? – What are the consequences of unmet emotional needs? – What role does empathic listening play in meeting emotional needs?  

To download your copy of this chapter, simply follow the link below…

Download a Free Chapter of “Staying A Head”

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I’ve read someof those but if I had to pick one it would be Belinda Harris.

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Best Education Leadership Books to Inspire School Leaders

The best education leadership books include “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and “The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact” by Michael Fullan. These texts offer valuable insights into effective school leadership and educational improvement strategies.

Aspiring and seasoned education leaders often seek out literature to enhance their skills and strategies for fostering effective learning environments. Contemporary educational landscapes require leaders who are innovative, adaptable, and committed to student success. The right books can provide the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate these challenges.

Top education leadership books cover a range of topics, from organizational dynamics to transformative teaching practices. They serve as indispensable resources for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the field of education. By reading these influential works, education professionals gain access to a wealth of best practices and visionary ideas that can shape the future of learning.

Table of Contents

Introduction To Educational Leadership

Introduction to Educational Leadership sets the foundation for understanding how leaders foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. Through effective leadership, educational institutions can navigate the complexities of modern education, implement innovative strategies, and inspire both educators and students to reach their full potential. As we delve into the realm of educational leadership, we discover the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of learning.

The Importance Of Inspirational Leadership In Education

In a field where the stakes are so high, inspirational leadership is not just beneficial, but essential. Leaders in education have the unique opportunity to ignite a passion for learning, encourage continuous improvement, and build a culture of success. Inspirational leaders do not only set high standards, but they also empower teachers and students to think critically, act independently, and pursue innovation.

• Development of Vision: Creating and communicating a clear, compelling vision for the educational institution.
• Motivation: Inspiring educators and students to strive for excellence in their daily endeavors.
• Innovation: Fostering a culture that welcomes new ideas and embraces change for the betterment of the educational environment.
• Empathy and Support: Understanding and addressing the diverse needs of staff and students to create an inclusive atmosphere.

Criteria For Selecting The Best Education Leadership Books

Selecting the top education leadership books requires a careful evaluation based on certain key criteria. The most effective literature in this field not only provides theoretical insights but also practical approaches to real-world educational challenges. A valuable educational leadership book typically comprises:

The best books stand out by offering enriching content that both enlightens and equips leaders to make a difference in education. Such works become indispensable tools for new and seasoned leaders alike, guiding them through the intricacies of educational leadership.

Influential Classics In Educational Leadership

Leaders in education consistently seek inspiration and guidance from the works that have stood the test of time. Among the multitude of books that provide insights into educational leadership, a few stand out as timeless classics. These texts offer deep reflections, strategic frameworks , and practical advice that continue to resonate with today’s educators and administrators. Delving into these influential works, we explore the contributions of John Dewey and the enduring insights of Jim Collins’s ‘Good to Great’ as they apply to the realm of education.

Revisiting John Dewey’s Contributions To Modern Educational Leadership

John Dewey, lauded as a pioneer in educational reform , transformed the landscape of learning with innovative concepts that remain pivotal in instructional strategies and school administration . His vision of education as an interactive and engaging process that prepares individuals for life in a democratic society is a cornerstone of modern educational leadership . Dewey’s advocacy for experiential learning and critical thinking has empowered educators to:

• Embrace student-centered approaches
• Encourage active participation and collaboration
• Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills in learners

Dewey’s work challenges leaders to create environments that foster growth and innovation , principles as relevant now as they were during his time.

The Enduring Insights Of ‘good To Great’ By Jim Collins In School Settings

Though not exclusively an education leadership book, ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins forms a strategic blueprint for transformation that school leaders can apply. Collins’s concept of getting the right people in the right seats and the focus on disciplined thought and action translate seamlessly into educational leadership. His insights direct school administrators to prioritize:

• Building a dedicated and passionate team
• Foster a climate of rigorous thinking
• Adopt a culture of continuous improvement

Collins’s framework pushes educational institutions to transition from merely good schools to truly great centers of learning and excellence.

Contemporary Guides For School Leaders

School leadership in modern times demands a blend of traditional wisdom and innovative thought. Leaders in the education sector must equip themselves with resources that inspire and guide them through the ever-evolving landscape of teaching and learning. Contemporary guides for school leaders not only provide a blueprint for navigating the complexities of educational reform but also invigorate practitioners with fresh perspectives and transformative strategies. Below, we spotlight two pivotal books that have become essential reading for those at the helm of education institutions.

Transformative Approaches In ‘leading Change’ By John P. Kotter

‘Leading Change’ by John P. Kotter serves as a seminal work for school administrators striving to implement and manage change within their organizations. Kotter’s eight-step process for change has been widely recognized:

• Establishing a sense of urgency
• Forming a powerful coalition
• Creating a vision for change
• Communicating the vision
• Empowering broad-based action
• Generating short-term wins
• Consolidating gains and producing more change
• Anchoring new approaches in the culture

Each step provides actionable advice that school leaders can tailor to their unique educational settings. Emphasizing the importance of vision and courage , Kotter’s framework empowers leaders to guide their institutions toward sustained improvement and innovation.

Innovative Educational Strategies In ‘creative Schools’ By Ken Robinson

Ken Robinson’s ‘Creative Schools’ is a testament to innovation and creativity in education. Robinson challenges conventional schooling methods and advocates for an individualized learning approach that fosters creativity and personal development. The book outlines:

• The need for personalizing education
• Transforming the traditional curriculum
• Redefining the role of teachers
• Creating a culture of creativity in schools

By showcasing real-life examples and case studies, Robinson illuminates how educators can cultivate environments that nurture students’ innate creative talents. The book serves as an inspiration and a manual for school leaders eager to build educational institutions where students are not just taught but inspired to learn .

Books On Cultivating A Positive School Culture

Creating a nurturing and productive school environment is a complex task that demands commitment from every member of the educational community. Educators striving for excellence understand that establishing a constructive school culture is paramount. Our selection of profound books provides actionable insights for those eager to foster collaboration, motivation, and a sense of belonging within the school ecosystem. Let’s explore these transformative resources that will empower educational leaders to craft a positive and lasting school culture.

Building Collaborative Environments: ‘the Culture Code’ By Daniel Coyle

Daniel Coyle’s The Culture Code dives into the heart of group dynamics by unraveling the secrets of highly successful organizations. Educational leaders will discover the essential ingredients for an effective collaborative culture within their schools. Coyle presents compelling anecdotes backed with scientific research, illustrating three fundamental skills that can turn a group of individuals into a unified team:

• Building Safety – Encouraging connections that foster a secure space for learning and growth.
• Sharing Vulnerability – Methods that leverage mutual risk to enhance bonding and trust.
• Establishing Purpose – Crafting a shared narrative that guides the collective mission and vision.

By implementing these strategies, educators can nurture an environment where openness, trust, and cooperation are the norm, laying a strong foundation for a thriving educational setting.

Insights From ‘drive’ By Daniel H. Pink On Motivating Educators And Students

In Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us , Daniel H. Pink shatters old misconceptions about motivation. Pink posits that the key drivers of human behavior are autonomy, mastery, and purpose . This perspective revolutionizes how educational leaders can cultivate motivation within the classroom and among faculty. Key takeaways include:

Pink’s insights encourage educational leaders to move beyond conventional reward systems and to harness the power of intrinsic motivation. By fostering an environment where educators and students are inspired by internal satisfaction rather than external rewards, a positive school culture can thrive.

Leadership Development And Self-improvement

At the core of every great leader is the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. For those driven to excel in educational leadership, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about professional skill. Nurturing your intellect and character shapes not only the leader you become but also the educators and learners you inspire. This transformative process is captured in a range of enlightening books designed to unlock your leadership potential. In this segment, we delve into two essential reads that provide deep insights into the psychology of leadership and decision-making.

At the heart of personal development lies the understanding that mindset is everything. Carol S. Dweck’s ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success’ illuminates the fundamental difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Leaders harnessing a growth mindset are resilient, adaptable, and embrace challenges—indispensable qualities in education.

• Fixed Mindset : Belief that abilities are static, leading to a desire to appear smart and therefore a tendency to avoid challenges.
• Growth Mindset : Belief that abilities can be developed, fostering a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for accomplishment.

The ideas within Dweck’s work challenge leaders to develop their capacities for learning and teach them to encourage growth in others, thus setting the foundation for a thriving academic environment.

Daniel Kahneman’s ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ is a groundbreaking exploration of the mind. It delves into the two systems that drive the way we think and make choices. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Kahneman engages leaders with tools to understand these systems and make better decisions.

For educational leaders, applying Kahneman’s insights can translate into more reflective decision-making processes, enabling institutions to navigate the complex challenges of the educational landscape effectively.

Navigating Challenges: Crisis And Reform

The landscape of education consistently presents a variety of challenges that require effective leadership to navigate. Whether it’s crafting a response to an unforeseen crisis or driving the reforms necessary to bring education into the future, leaders in academia must be equipped with insights and strategies to steer their institutions through tumultuous times. Books on educational leadership serve as invaluable resources for those looking to understand the complexities of managing crisis and spearheading innovation. Two standout titles, ‘Leaders Eat Last’ by Simon Sinek and ‘Switch’ by Chip and Dan Heath, offer profound lessons on these fronts.

Managing Educational Crisis: Lessons From ‘leaders Eat Last’ By Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s ‘Leaders Eat Last’ provides a compelling framework for understanding how leaders can foster trust and cooperation during times of crisis. Within its pages, leaders in education will find strategies that are paramount to maintaining cohesion and morale among faculty and students alike. ‘Leaders Eat Last’ emphasizes the importance of:

• Building Trust: The book illustrates how trust is the cornerstone of any effective educational institution, particularly in hardship.
• Empathy: Sinek discusses the critical role of empathy, a trait that’s essential for leaders when guiding their teams through difficult situations.
• Long-term Thinking: Leaders are encouraged to focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term fixes during a crisis.

Through real-world examples, educational leaders can glean insights on managing crises with a focus on strong leadership principles and the collective well-being of their communities.

Driving Reform And Innovation: ‘switch’ By Chip And Dan Heath

In ‘Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard’ , Chip and Dan Heath tackle the intricate dynamics of implementing significant changes within institutions. This book is a beacon for leaders in education who are striving to drive reform and innovation. ‘Switch’ offers valuable guidance on:

• Overcoming Resistance: Strategies to help educators overcome the inevitable resistance that accompanies change.
• Shaping the Path: It provides tools to shape the environment to make change more accessible and appealing.
• Directing the Rider, Motivating the Elephant: The authors present a compelling metaphor for handling the rational and emotional sides of people’s minds during the process of change.

Educational leaders will learn how to inspire and enable their faculty and students to move confidently in new directions, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

Diverse Perspectives On Educational Leadership

Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Educational Leadership offers a refreshing take on how leaders can navigate the complex landscape of academia. By examining leadership through various lenses, educators and administrators can uncover unique strategies that resonate with today’s diverse educational environments. Two influential books provide poignant insights: Robin Sharma’s ‘The Leader Who Had No Title’ offers a global perspective, while Bettina Love’s ‘We Want to Do More Than Survive’ sheds light on empowering minorities and inclusivity in education.

Global Views On Leadership In ‘the Leader Who Had No Title’ By Robin Sharma

‘The Leader Who Had No Title’ by Robin Sharma stands out as a monumental piece in educational leadership literature. Sharma’s book invites readers to a world where leadership is redefined, stressing that you don’t need a formal title to make a significant impact. It delivers a powerful message that resonates with educational leaders globally:

• Leadership is a mindset, not just a position.
• Everyone in an organization plays a role in cultivating a culture of excellence.
• Inspiring personal growth is essential for collective success.

The book encourages educators to adopt innovative approaches, embracing change and inspiring students to excel beyond traditional boundaries. Sharma’s anecdotes and practical exercises are designed to equip educational leaders with tools to thrive in diverse and constantly evolving learning environments.

Empowering Minorities And Inclusive Education Insights In ‘we Want To Do More Than Survive’ By Bettina Love

Dr. Bettina Love’s pivotal work, ‘We Want to Do More Than Survive’ , emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusive practices in educational settings. Love’s insights advocate for:

• Empowering minority voices within the education system.
• Recognizing the impact of culture and identity in academic success.
• Developing curricula that reflect diverse histories and experiences.

This book serves as a resolute call to action for educational leaders to harness the power of inclusivity and to create learning spaces where all students can flourish. Love’s compelling narrative illuminates the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities and offers transformative strategies for educators to foster equity and empowerment in their schools.

Conclusion: Integrating Insights Into Practice

Embarking on the journey toward exceptional educational leadership demands a deep plunge into literature that stirs the mind and soul. As we wrap up our exploration of the best education leadership books , it’s crucial not to just close the covers and shelve the knowledge acquired. True transformation begins when these insights shift from printed page to daily practice, reshaping the landscape of learning environments. The task at hand is clear: meticulously integrate the rich perspectives and strategies into the tapestry of school leadership.

Creating A Personal Development Plan Based On Leadership Readings

The path to growth often begins with a map. Crafting a Personal Development Plan (PDP) serves as that very blueprint for educational leaders seeking excellence. Here’s how you can design your PDP:

• Identify Key Learnings: Distill vital lessons from each book into actionable insights.
• Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you personally and professionally.
• Design Action Steps: Break each goal into attainable tasks, aligned with your insights.
• Establish Timelines: Set realistic deadlines for each action step to maintain momentum.
• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your plan, celebrate successes, and fine-tune as needed.

By turning insights into a structured plan, educational leaders can track progress and ensure continual personal growth.

Fostering A Community Of Practice Among School Leaders

Leadership is not a solitary endeavor. Establishing a community of practice is key for sustained development among school leaders. Steps to build this professional network include:

• Connect with Peers: Reach out to other leaders who share a passion for educational excellence.
• Organize Knowledge-Sharing Events: Host regular meetups, workshops, or webinars to exchange ideas.
• Collaborate on Challenges: Work together to tackle common problems and implement best practices gleaned from readings.
• Cultivate Mentorship Relationships: Pair experienced leaders with newcomers to guide them through their leadership journey.
• Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote an ethos where mutual learning is celebrated and encouraged.

Through collaboration and shared experiences, school leaders can elevate their impact and bring about positive change in education.

Frequently Asked Questions For Best Education Leadership Books

What are top books for education leaders.

Leadership in education is essential for innovation and progress. Some top books include “Leadership: Theory and Practice” by Peter G. Northouse, “The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact” by Michael Fullan, and “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

How Do Books Improve Educational Leadership?

Books provide educational leaders with insights, strategies, and case studies from experienced educators and thought leaders. They foster critical thinking, inspire innovation, and offer practical solutions to challenges in educational settings, thereby enhancing leadership effectiveness.

Can Books Transform Your Leadership Approach?

Yes, books can radically transform your leadership approach. They introduce new perspectives, frame challenges differently, and offer evidence-based strategies that can be applied to significantly improve leadership practice in educational settings.

What Recent Titles Inspire School Leaders?

Recent inspiring titles for school leaders include “Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That’s Transforming Education” by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica, and “Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. ” By Jimmy Casas. These books offer fresh ideas on creating positive school cultures.

Embracing the insights from these top education leadership books can profoundly shape your approach. Each offers unique strategies and wisdom to guide aspiring leaders. As you close the pages, remember that the journey to effective educational leadership is ongoing. Keep learning, keep leading, and let these books be your compass along the way.

Photo Credit: Jackie Bale/Moment via Getty Images

By Hannah L. Miller Leaders Staff

Hannah L. Miller

Senior Editor

Hannah L. Miller, MA, is the senior editor for Leaders Media. Since graduating with her Master of Arts in 2015,...

Learn about our editorial policy

Updated Oct 25, 2023

15 of the World’s Best Leadership Books

• The 15 top leadership books every great leader needs on their bookshelf:

Create a Goal for Monthly Leadership Education

Great leaders intentionally make time for continued education. As difficult as it may be to step away from the office, reading a variety of books on leadership is an important key to refueling and refocusing yourself as a leader. For instance, it helps reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and provide the tools needed for innovation and growth.

Ready to reach your full potential as a leader? The following list of leadership books helps build a solid foundation of team-building and problem solving skills.

The 15 top leadership books every great leader needs on their bookshelf :

1. the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.

Author: John Maxwell 

One-Sentence Description: Maxwell finds the commonal ities of great leaders, while also guiding readers through the 21 universal laws of successful leadership. 

Favorite Quote: “ I believe the bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others. That is achieved by serving others and adding value to their lives. ”

Why You Should Read It: There’s a reason it’s ranked as one of the best leadership books of all time. Entrepreneurs, executives, and managers find Maxwell’s advice useful because it’s practical and easy to follow. Furthermore, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership helps high performers figure out what they’ve been doing right and play into their strengths. Additionally, the book is beneficial because it offers plenty of ideas on how to fine-tune weaker leadership qualities . 

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2. Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t

Author: Jim Collins

One-Sentence Description: This book follows a five-year study that determines how “good” companies become great, beat their competitors, and achieve long-lasting success. 

Favorite Quote: “ Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline. ”

Why You Should Read It: Good to Great : Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t emphasizes the point that success doesn’t happen overnight. For entrepreneurs and leaders who feel frustrated, tired, and out of steam, this book helps reinvigorate drive and passion . Additionally, it’s comforting to know that many of the difficulties business owners experience as they grow aren’t uncommon. In fact, growing pains are evidence that a company is developing. Overall, the core message is progress is a process.  

3. Start with Why

Author: Simon Sinek

One-Sentence Description: Sinek provides a three-step framework that purpose-driven leaders use to inspire people to take action.  

Favorite Quote: “ People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe. ”

Why You Should Read It: Start with Why is one of the best leadership books for receiving a foundational understanding of what it means to lead with purpose. Those wanting to refresh and revive their organizations should read this book first. Without a doubt, Start with Why changes the game on how leaders guide their companies. It explains the importance of putting purpose at the center of the business so owners and executives don’t lose focus on fulfilling the company’s mission . An understanding of how to lead with why has the power to truly transform any business for the better.

4. Think and Grow Rich 

Author: Napoleon Hill 

One-Sentence Description: Published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich studies the lives of wealthy individuals such as Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie, defining 13 habits successful people share. 

Favorite Quote: “ The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat. ”

Why You Should Read It: Consistently ranked as one of the best books on leadership of all time, Think and Grow Rich helps readers understand the unique mindset of high performers. On the whole, Hill spent 25 years researching, analyzing, and understanding what makes people successful. Through 500 interviews, he found and wrote a formula for prosperity. Undoubtedly, the directive strategies are easily applicable, motivational, and provide timeless wisdom to anyone interested in leadership .

5. Wooden on Leadership 

Author: John Wooden

One-Sentence Description: Famed basketball coach John Wooden explains the 15 principles of success and the characteristics great leaders share. 

Favorite Quote: “ The best leaders are lifelong learners; they take measures to create organizations that foster and inspire learning throughout. The most effective leaders are those who realize it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts most. ”

Why You Should Read It: Wooden on Leadership inspires leaders through adages and advice given by one of the most successful coaches in sports history. In summary, Wooden teaches business professionals how to build a great team people love belonging to through his motivational words focused on morals and ethics. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to build an inspiring, sustainable team culture within their organization.

6. Extreme Ownership

Author: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 

One-Sentence Description: Written by two Navy SEAL officers, this best-selling book relates their special operations experience to the leadership qualities all business owners, executives, and managers should possess.  

Favorite Quote: “ Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team. ”

Why You Should Read It: The unique, interesting angle the authors take creates a fresh perspective within the genre. While some professionals might not feel this book would be applicable to their businesses, Extreme Ownership teaches lessons that help leaders understand what it truly means to lead—not manage or direct—others. With unique messaging filled with real-life experience, the book additionally provides instruction on how to successfully develop high-performing teams that can fulfill even the most difficult mission.

7. Dare to Lead

Author: Brené Brown

One-Sentence Description: Dare to Lead focuses on building a strong culture at work through vulnerability, courage, core values, and trust.  

Favorite Quote: “ I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential. ”

Why You Should Read It: Dare to Lead is one of the best leadership books for building team culture . Brown, an accomplished researcher with a Ph.D. in social work, argues the long-standing belief that vulnerability correlates to “weakness” is false. In fact, she writes an entire book to prove that being vulnerable is both courageous and brave. Specifically, this trait is one of the best leadership qualities found in business owners, executives, and managers. For this reason, Dare to Lead is perfect for anyone interested in creating a constructive, supportive workplace. It teaches people how to connect, be more empathetic, and show up with authenticity.

8. The Effective Executive

Author: Peter F. Drucker

One-Sentence Description: This book focuses on effectiveness as a form of self-discipline—a requirement for all leaders (and a skill anyone can learn).

Favorite Quote: “ Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into results. ”

Why You Should Read It: Success is dependent on effectiveness. From exacting change to inspiring employees, this is a quality leaders can’t afford to lack. Nevertheless, many business owners and executives unknowingly or knowingly behave, act, and communicate in ways that don’t positively impact their organizations. For example, ineffective leaders lack emotional intelligence and don’t dedicate themselves to learning how to become stewards of their employees and customers. In essence, The Effective Executive is for people who want to actively learn how to work on eliminating ineffective leadership traits and become drivers of positive impact.

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen R. Covey 

One-Sentence Description: Covey believes effective people align their values with universal principles—the seven habits describe a person’s relation to independence, interdependence, and continuous improvement. 

Favorite Quote: “ As you care less about what people think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves .”

Why You Should Read It: While this leadership book has a simple title, the pages inside reveal Covey’s philosophical nature. For instance, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People asks readers to examine themselves by challenging their beliefs, perception, and world view. This book is important for leaders at all levels because it essentially teaches people how to be better, more connected, empathetic humans.

10. The Art of War

Author: Sun Tzu

One-Sentence Description: The Art of War teaches leaders how to create and implement strategic initiatives.

Favorite Quote: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

Why You Should Read It: Out of all the best leadership books mentioned, this 5th century B.C. military treatise is the oldest. There’s a reason it’s continued inspiring generations of strategic thinkers. While it was written for military leaders, the text translates well for business owners and executives who are responsible for developing and executing the company’s vision. In short, it takes readers through 13 chapters, each dedicated to a particular stage in the strategic implementation process.

 11. Awaken the Giant Within

Author: Tony Robbins

One-Sentence Description: World-renowned motivational speaker and coach Tony Robbins helps readers replace their bad habits, retrain their mindset, and increase their happiness so they can step into their greatness. 

Favorite Quote: “ Enjoy making decisions. You must know that in any moment a decision you make can change the course of your life forever . . . If you really want your life to be passionate, you need to live with this attitude of expectancy. ”

Why You Should Read It: Published in 1991, Awaken the Giant Within is full of the passion and charged words people would expect from a young Tony Robbins. As a coach focused on elevating people to their full potential, this is a great read for leaders dissatisfied by mediocracy. Although this book is more targeted toward young entrepreneurs and new business owners, it is a powerful read for those who want to live extraordinary lives as leaders.

  12. The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Author: Patrick Lencioni 

One-Sentence Description: Lencioni uses his knack for storytelling to resolve five common dysfunctional behaviors that inhibit even the best teams.  

Favorite Quote: “ Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare. ”

Why You Should Read It: Leaders must know how to both guide their teams and be a team player. This book stresses the importance of having a cohesive team dynamic. While the book is a fictional fable, it is a story many business owners and executives struggle with. Companies cannot succeed unless their teams work together. For this reason, the book points out dysfunctional behaviors that harm team culture . As a result, leaders can repair and avoid toxicity within their organizations using this insight.

13. How to Win Friends and Influence People 

Author: Dale Carnegie 

One-Sentence Description: Carnegie’s book provides insight on how likability leads to strong relationships, new friends and influence. 

Favorite Quote: “ You can’t win an argument. You can’t because if you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it. ”

Why You Should Read It: First published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People provides timeless lessons on how to win people over without using manipulation and morally unethical tactics. In essence, this book is a great read that proves likability goes a long way in life. The knowledge provided in Carnegie’s work is invaluable to leaders and customer-facing team members, such as sales teams. Additionally, the book teaches you how to advance your interpersonal skills.  

14.   Team of Rivals

Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin

One-Sentence Description: In this Lincoln biography, Kearns shows how the president united his former political competitors to abolish slavery and win the Civil War. 

Favorite Quote: “ In order to ‘win a man to your cause,’ Lincoln explained, you must first reach his heart, ‘the great high road to his reason. ‘”

Why You Should Read It: This leadership book is a masterclass on leadership and an interesting read for anyone who loves history. It shows how important it is to toss your ego aside when working with others. Rather than punishing his rivals, Lincoln welcomed several of these people into his cabinet and created a unified front that was capable of holding the country together. While the book has a rather political motif, it teaches executive leaders the value of bringing teams together toward a collective cause. Personal beliefs of individual group members may vary but there can be healthy competition among them, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of a larger, common objective.

15.   15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

Author: John C. Maxwell

One-Sentence Description: The third book in Maxwell’s “Laws” series provides readers with a new set of principles designed for growth and self-development. 

Favorite Quote: “ Most people who decide to grow personally find their first mentors in the pages of books. ”

Why You Should Read It: The continuous path of self-improvement differentiates a good leader from a great leader. When starting a business or accepting a leadership role, a person is really accepting the responsibility of dedicating their life to learning how to become better for those they’re responsible for guiding. To summarize, Maxwell helps people understand the required growing process and how to apply it to everyday life. 

Improving leadership skills by reading books requires an insatiable desire for applicable knowledge. However, those in leadership positions live busy lives, so it can be difficult to find time for continued education. This is why scheduling time on the calendar for learning and development is an important component of effective time management . Furthermore, doing so also helps keep people accountable for developing their leadership qualities and abilities.

Get started by:

• Selecting five books from this list.
• Determining how much time it will take to finish each book.
• Setting reading completion goals.
• Meeting the established deadline.
• Starting the process again.

Making reading a habit keeps leaders continuously learning. It’s also a great idea to share what you’re learning. For example, after finishing a book, write an encouraging, personal message on the cover page and pass it along to the friend, coworker, or employee it would best serve.

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14 Best Leadership Books to Read in 2024

You discovered our list of the best leadership books .

Leadership books are resources that teach leadership competencies, skills, and best practices. These works analyze which qualities great leaders share, and provide frameworks for building effective teams.

These books are similar to management books and books for CEOs , and include leadership books by women and mentorship books . These books help explore styles of leadership and develop leadership skills , executive skills and good leaders .

This article contains:

• the best leadership books for new leaders
• top leadership books
• good business leadership books
• executive leadership books
• the best books on leadership and management

So, here is the list!

List of leadership books

Here is a list of newer releases and older bestsellers that cover effective leadership.

1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Like many great leadership books, Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek draws inspiration from military principles. The concept in question: high-ranking officers eat after their men, putting their reports’ needs before their own. Sinek makes the case that people-first leadership makes crews feel supported and respected. These feelings in turn compel employees to exhibit loyalty and exceed expectations. Sinek states that trust and psychological safety are the keys to excellence, illustrating this argument with multiple examples from different types of organizations around the world.

Notable Quote: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Buy Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek .

2. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sanderson

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Facebook executive Sheryl Sanderson is one of the most popular leadership books for women. Inspired by personal experience and a TED Talk Sanderson gave in 2010, Lean In details the ways women hold back and miss career opportunities by being passive and polite. Sanderson encourages women to seek strong mentors, advocate for themselves, and assert their place in the business world. These actions can empower women to transform into leaders instead of merely accepting assigned roles.

Although the book is a few years old, the lessons are still relevant. Given the challenges to women’s careers a remote workforce presents, Lean In is worth a revisit.

Notable Quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”

Buy Lean In .

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3. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell

In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell outlines clear guidelines for leaders to follow to maximize influence and ensure that employees achieve a common vision. The book shares wisdom such as “leadership develops daily, not in a day,” and “leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment.” The book explains each rule plainly and provides anecdotal examples, covering every aspect of leadership from attracting and forming teams to securing legacy by planning for succession.

Notable Quote: “You can’t move people to action unless you first move them with emotion…. The heart comes before the head.”

Buy The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership .

4. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown

Dare to Lead shares lessons on the power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Renowned “courage and shame” researcher Brené Brown makes the case that leadership is not about status or control, but rather recognizing potential in individuals and ideas. Dare to Lead presents a guide to becoming a courageous and confident leader.

Notable Quote: “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”

Buy Dare to Lead .

5. The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently by Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy is a celebrated former NFL coach, and this work is a valuable leadership book. The Mentor Leader explains how to elevate those around you towards success with one simple principle: “your only job is to help your players be better.” Dungy outlines the critical elements of mentor leadership, including introspection, altruistic mindset, and modeling values. The Mentor Leader demonstrates how to maximize team potential and drive individuals towards optimal performance.

Notable Quote: “Engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and elevate. Those are the methods for maximizing the potential of any individual, team, organization, or institution for ultimate success and significance. Those are the methods of a mentor leader.”

Buy The Mentor Leader.

6. Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrahms

Representative Stacey Abrahms’ Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change is one of the best leadership books around. The book gives instructions for leading as an outsider. For example, by using your unique perspective and resilience to enact impactful and lasting change even in the most seemingly rigid institutions. This work is a mix of memoir and instruction, guiding readers through steps to find passion and develop skills through topics like embracing otherness, owning opportunity, and overcoming failure.

Notable Quote: “Logic is a seductive excuse for setting low expectations.”

Buy Minority Leader .

7. The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz

Becoming a leader may not mean assuming a pre-existing executive position within an established organization, but rather blazing an entirely new path and creating a company from scratch. In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz illustrates the realities of entrepreneurship, addressing how to build a business from the ground up, uncover unclear answers, and make tough calls and hard decisions with minimal guidance or backup.

Notable Quote: “Build a culture that rewards—not punishes—people for getting problems into the open where they can be solved.”

Buy The Hard Thing About Hard Things .

8. Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee

Emotional intelligence is one of the most underrated leadership skills. Leaders need to connect with their people to motivate and resonate with employees. Primal Leadership teaches professionals to identify and navigate feelings, empathize with employees, and build emotionally intelligent organizations. Emotionally intelligent leadership enables leaders to avoid misunderstandings and incorrect judgements, relate more closely to workers, and collaborate in true tandem with employees. The authors are professionals with years in the psychology and business consulting worlds, and illustrate their arguments through lived and observed experiences.

Notable Quote: “Not that leaders need to be overly “nice”; the emotional art of leadership includes pressing the reality of work demands without unduly upsetting people.”

Buy Primal Leadership .

9. Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Leaders have a lot of pressure to lead their staff through times of turmoil. Perhaps the guidance leaders most need is on navigating a crisis, and reassurance that history’s greats encountered comparable challenges. Leadership: In Turbulent Times analyzes the obstacles faced by four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. Goodwin’s work examines the struggles, triumphs, and tactical approaches of each subject, holding each president up as an example of how to turn tragedy into achievement. This book is a masterclass in crisis management and transformational leadership, as well as a roadmap out of dark times.

Notable Quote: “Establish a clear purpose; challenge the team to work out details; traverse conventional departmental boundaries; set large short-term and long-term targets; create tangible success to generate accelerated growth and momentum.”

Buy Leadership: In Turbulent Times .

10. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

The extreme environments of Navy SEAL missions provide the ultimate platform for leadership. Former commanders Jocko Willink and Leif Babin apply battlefield wisdom to the business world, preaching the philosophy of admitting mistakes and owning failure as a means to earn trust and respect from followers. Only by overcoming ego and facing reality head-on can leaders gain the clarity and strength to act in difficult situations. The authors employ military discipline and combat strategy to break down traits and approaches necessary to effective leadership.

Notable Quote : “Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility. Admitting mistakes, taking ownership, and developing a plan to overcome challenges are integral to any successful team.”

Buy Extreme Ownership .

11. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People is one of the top leadership books of all time. Almost a century after the book’s initial publication, the sentiments within the pages still ring true. Carnegie’s guide to winning favor in the business world is a masterclass in soft skills. Leadership hinges upon resonating with people and winning followers. Carnegie breaks down the basics of persuasion, revealing how to sell others’ on your abilities, convince them of your vision, and assure folks that you have their best interests in mind. After all, one of the main components of effective influence is reading your audience’s feelings and motivations and reflecting that psychology and desire in your pitch.

Notable Quote: “Instead of condemning people, let’s try to understand them. Let’s try to figure out why they do what they do. That’s a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. “To know all is to forgive all.”

Buy How to Win Friends & Influence People .

12. Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, and Carter Phipps

Conscious Leadership is a manifesto to moral business practice. Head author John Mackey founded Whole Foods, and his commitment to sustainability, integrity, and compassion flavor his leadership advice. Conscious Leadership champions purpose and value-based leadership, urging leaders to embody beliefs and serve as role models for their working and wider communities.

Notable Quote: “Whether they know it or not, every person and every organization has the potential to embrace, enact, and unify people around a higher purpose.”

Buy Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business .

13. Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse

Peter G Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice is one of the best leadership books for new leaders. The book serves as a comprehensive textbook for leaders, covering a wide range of academic concepts and evidence-based learnings related to the field of leadership. The book covers various traits, behaviors, approaches, theories, and styles of leadership, serving as a catch-all index and manual for managers looking to make a mark.

Notable Quote: “Leaders who use coercion are interested in their own goals and seldom are interested in the wants and needs of followers. Using coercion runs counter to working with followers to achieve a common goal.”

Buy Leadership: Theory and Practice .

14. How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein

In How to Lead, David M. Rubenstein gathers insight, advice, and philosophies from trailblazing visionaries like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and more. Each chapter has a unique perspective on leadership, offering multiple viewpoints on the secrets of success and the qualities of an effective leader . From these examples, readers can find inspiration and guidance to achieve their own visions. The content of How to Lead comes straight from Rubenstein’s own experience interviewing these industry leaders throughout the years.

Notable Quote: “A fair question might be, why should anyone really want to be a leader? First, a leader can create the type of change or results that will improve the lives of others. Second, a leader can motivate others to become leaders, and in turn improve others’ lives. And third, a leader can feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement that provides human fulfillment and happiness.”

Buy How to Lead .

The simple act of reading a book will not automatically transform an individual into a skilled leader. However, these books provide insight, guidelines, and actionable advice to build strong teams, earn respect, maximize potential, and leave a lasting impression on organizations.

Next, check out our lists of employee engagement books and books on diversity and inclusion , and these post with employee engagement best practices and leadership activities for work .

You may also be interested in executive team building activities , these ways to differentiate managers vs leaders , this guide to collaborative leadership and this one on servant leadership at work .

Plus, this guide to employee management styles and this list of the top leadership conferences .

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FAQ: Leadership Books

Here are answers to common questions about leadership books.

What are leadership books?

Leadership books are works that teach readers how to be skilled and influential leaders. These books tend to be a mix of instructions, advice, and anecdotes from experts in the realms of psychology and business, and provide step by step guides to becoming a role model and visionary.

What are the best books about leadership to read?

There is no shortage of books about leadership full of expert advice on the market. Some great options include:

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Lean In by Sheryl Sanderson
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy
• Minority Leader by Stacey Abrahms
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
• Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
• Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Conscious Leadership by John Mackey, Steve Mcintosh, and Carter Phipps
• Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse
• How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein

Though these authors employ different approaches, one underlying principle runs throughout these works: good leaders are not necessarily born gifted, but rather, leadership is a developed skill that requires continual learning and effort.

What are good leadership books for women?

There are certain books that speak to the unique challenges of being a female visionary in the modern workforce. Particularly good leadership books for women include Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sanderson, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown, and Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrahms.

What are the best leadership books for new leaders?

The best leadership books for new leaders include Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse, How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein, How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Author: Angela Robinson

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Educational Leadership

Time for Change: Four Essential Skills for Transformational School and District Leaders

• Educational Leadership Development for Change Management
• By: Anthony Muhammad, Luis F. Cruz
• Narrated by: Peter Coates
• Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 1
• Performance 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Story 0 out of 5 stars 0

Time for Change: Four Essential Skills for Transformational School and District Leaders (Educational Leadership Development for Change Management) offers powerful guidance for those seeking to develop and strengthen the educational leadership skills needed for change management. Throughout this authoritative guide, Anthony Muhammad and Luis F. Cruz share concrete tools and strategies that will prepare you to lead your school toward lasting, meaningful change.

• By: Anthony Muhammad , Luis F. Cruz
• Release date: 09-29-23
• Language: English
• 5 out of 5 stars 1 rating

Time for Change: Four Essential Skills for Transformational School and District Leaders offers powerful guidance for those seeking to develop and strengthen the educational leadership skills needed for change management....

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Regular price: $14.95 or 1 credit

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Leaders Eat Last

• Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't
• By: Simon Sinek
• Narrated by: Simon Sinek
• Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,282
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 3,609
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,568

Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside. Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking.

• 1 out of 5 stars

Very Disappointed

• By Jackson F. on 10-16-20
• Release date: 02-18-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,282 ratings

Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside....

Regular price: $18.00 or 1 credit

Sale price: $18.00 or 1 credit

Dare to Lead

• Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
• By: Brené Brown
• Narrated by: Brené Brown
• Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 29,070
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 24,776
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 24,500

Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? This audiobook answers this question.

• 5 out of 5 stars

Brené's Work Has Changed My Life

• By Maximus on 01-12-19
• Release date: 10-09-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 29,070 ratings

Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give us meaning. She found that leaders all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver leaders and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? Dare to Lead answers this....

Leading the Unleadable

• How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People
• By: Alan Willett
• Narrated by: Tom Parks
• Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
• Overall 4 out of 5 stars 169
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 141
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 142

Difficult people are the worst part of a manager's job. Whether it comes from direct reports or people above, outbursts, irrational demands, griping, and other disruptions need to be dealt with - and it's your responsibility to do it. Leading the Unleadable turns this dreaded chore into a straight forward process that gently, yet effectively, improves behaviors.

Almost nothing to do with difficult people

• By Amazon Customer on 05-25-18
• Release date: 11-29-16
• 4 out of 5 stars 169 ratings
• Once you realize the potential for change, the book's simple steps, examples, and scripts explain how to right even the most hopeless situations....

Regular price: $20.00 or 1 credit

Sale price: $20.00 or 1 credit

The Principal

• Three Keys to Maximizing Impact
• By: Michael Fullan
• Narrated by: Don Hagen
• Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 150
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 129
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 123

Over the past two decades, Michael Fullan has written influentially about the change that school and district leaders must bring about as formalized achievement standards and new technology transform how schools are run. What he hasn't done until now is explore and discuss in detail how and why the principal's role itself must change.

• 4 out of 5 stars

very inspiring and concrete for educational leader

• By kristen hardy on 06-27-16
• Release date: 08-26-15
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 150 ratings
• Over the past two decades, Michael Fullan has written influentially about the change that school and district leaders must bring about....

Regular price: $21.48 or 1 credit

Sale price: $21.48 or 1 credit

Lead Like a Pirate

• Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff
• By: Shelley Burgess, Beth Houf
• Narrated by: Shelley Burgess, Beth Houf
• Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 119
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 98
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 97

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.

• By Tina on 06-21-23
• By: Shelley Burgess , Beth Houf
• Narrated by: Shelley Burgess , Beth Houf
• Release date: 02-14-20
• 5 out of 5 stars 119 ratings

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....

Regular price: $19.95 or 1 credit

Sale price: $19.95 or 1 credit

What Great Principals Do Differently

• 18 Things That Matter Most, Second Edition
• By: Todd Whitaker
• Narrated by: Steve Marvel
• Length: 4 hrs and 25 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 221
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 173
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 170

Inspire yourself and others with the second edition of this best-seller. With heartfelt advice, practical wisdom, and examples from the field, Todd Whitaker explains the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals.

Great for new leaders

• By Tyffany Jackson on 07-19-19
• Release date: 01-29-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 221 ratings

Inspire yourself and others with the second edition of this best-seller. With heartfelt advice, practical wisdom, and examples from the field, Todd Whitaker explains the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals....

Regular price: $11.17 or 1 credit

Sale price: $11.17 or 1 credit

Learning Outside the Lines

• Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution
• By: Jonathan Mooney, David Cole, Edward M. Hallowell - foreword MD
• Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
• Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 30
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 24
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 24

Learning Outside the Lines is written by two such "academic failures" - that is, two academic failures who graduated from Brown University at the top of their class. Jonathan Mooney and David Cole teach you how to take control of your education and find true success - and they offer all the reasons why you should persevere. Witty, bold, and disarmingly honest, Learning Outside the Lines takes you on a journey toward personal empowerment and profound educational change, proving once again that rules sometimes need to be broken.

There's Something for Everyone

• By Hailey on 06-21-19
• By: Jonathan Mooney , David Cole , Edward M. Hallowell - foreword MD
• Release date: 12-04-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

Witty, bold, and disarmingly honest, Learning Outside the Lines takes you on a journey toward personal empowerment and profound educational change, proving once again that rules sometimes need to be broken....

Regular price: $14.99 or 1 credit

Sale price: $14.99 or 1 credit

Small Teaching

• Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning
• By: James M. Lang
• Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May
• Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 99
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 79
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 78

Research into how we learn has opened the door for utilizing cognitive theory to facilitate better student learning. But that's easier said than done. Many books about cognitive theory introduce radical but impractical theories, failing to make the connection to the classroom. In Small Teaching , James Lang presents a strategy for improving student learning with a series of modest but powerful changes that make a big difference - many of which can be put into practice in a single class period.

Why is there no accompanying PDF????

• By Esben on 12-04-19
• Release date: 06-11-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 99 ratings

Research into how we learn has opened the door for utilizing cognitive theory to facilitate better student learning. But that's easier said than done. Many books about cognitive theory introduce radical but impractical theories, failing to make the connection to the classroom....

Regular price: $17.19 or 1 credit

Sale price: $17.19 or 1 credit

Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done

• By: Kim Bearden
• Narrated by: Kim Bearden
• Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 162
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 134
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 133

Talk to me. From Kim Bearden, cofounder of Ron Clark Academy and author of the best-selling book Crash Course: The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me , comes a powerful guide for improving communication and building better relationships. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, parent, or business professional, chances are you struggle at times to find the right words. Talk to Me gives you those words. In this instructional and inspirational handbook, you’ll learn how to choose words that inspire, encourage, and move people to action.

Wonderful, practical principles

• By annygries on 02-20-19
• Release date: 08-31-18
• 5 out of 5 stars 162 ratings

Talk to me. From Kim Bearden, cofounder of Ron Clark Academy and author of the best-selling book Crash Course: The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me , comes a powerful guide for improving communication and building better relationships....

Hacking Leadership

• 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students, and Parents Love (Hack Learning Series)
• By: Joe Sanfelippo, Tony Sinanis
• Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
• Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 63
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 52
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 49

In Hacking Leadership , award-winning school administrators Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis demonstrate how to increase learning by leaving the office and engaging directly with all teachers and learners. They identify 10 problems with school leadership and provide dynamic, right-now solutions.

Easy read with simple practical suggestions

• By JA Montanez on 11-25-23
• By: Joe Sanfelippo , Tony Sinanis
• Release date: 05-26-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 63 ratings

In Hacking Leadership , award-winning school administrators Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis demonstrate how to increase learning by leaving the office and engaging directly with all teachers and learners....

Educational Leadership and School Instructional Improvement

• By: Paul F. Davis
• Narrated by: Virtual Voice
• Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
• Overall 0 out of 5 stars 0

Learn the foundational values, beliefs, and principles that uphold and guide effective educational leaders and their schools. Cultivate and sustain a positive culture within your academic community that effectively articulates your vision and purpose for academic instruction, curriculum, assessment, and achievement. Align and direct staff and teachers to collaborate to accomplish annual objectives. Plan and provide meaningful professional development to improve instructional strategies and increase student achievement. Assist teachers to clarify school and classroom instructional goals, ...

• Release date: 02-24-24
• Not rated yet
• Learn the foundational values, beliefs, and principles that uphold and guide effective educational leaders and their schools. Cultivate and sustain...

Regular price: $4.47 or 1 credit

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Start with Why

• How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
• Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 26,842
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 22,799
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 22,652

The inspirational best seller that ignited a movement and asked us to find our why. Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time - with more than 56 million views and counting. Over a decade ago, Simon Sinek started a movement that inspired millions to demand purpose at work, to ask what was the why of their organization. Since then, millions have been touched by the power of his ideas, and these ideas remain as relevant and timely as ever.

• 2 out of 5 stars

Useless Dribble

• By Chimdi Azubuike on 03-10-18
• Release date: 09-05-17
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 26,842 ratings

The inspirational best seller that ignited a movement and asked us to find our why. Discover the book that is captivating millions on TikTok and that served as the basis for one of the most popular TED Talks of all time - with more than 56 million views and counting....

Regular price: $20.25 or 1 credit

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Hacking School Discipline

• 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice (Hack Learning Series)
• By: Nathan Maynard, Brad Weinstein
• Narrated by: Brian Holden
• Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 132
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 109
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 105

Are you or your teachers frustrated with carrots and sticks, detention rooms, and suspension-antiquated school discipline practices that simply do not work with the students entering our classrooms today? Our kids have complex needs, and we must empower and embrace them with restorative practices that not only change behaviors but transform students into productive citizens, accountable for their own actions.

teacher and admin must read!

• By Jahart08 on 11-13-21
• By: Nathan Maynard , Brad Weinstein
• Release date: 05-29-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 132 ratings

In a book that should become your new blueprint for school discipline, teachers, presenters, and school leaders, Nathan Maynard and Brad Weinstein demonstrate how to eliminate punishment and build a culture of responsible students and independent learners....

The Listening Leader

• Creating the Conditions for Equitable School Transformation
• By: Shane Safir, Michael Fullan - Foreword
• Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs
• Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 43
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 33
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 33

The Listening Leader is a practical guide that will inspire school, district, and teacher leaders to make substantive change and increase equitable student outcomes. Rooted in the values of equity, relationships, and listening, this luminous book helps reimagine what is possible in education today. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in public schools, Shane Safir incorporates hands-on strategies and powerful stories to show us how to leverage one of the most vital tools of leadership: listening.

Practical daily steps

• By Amazon Customer on 04-08-24
• By: Shane Safir , Michael Fullan - Foreword
• Release date: 08-27-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 43 ratings

The Listening Leader is a practical guide that will inspire school, district, and teacher leaders to make substantive change and increase equitable student outcomes.... 

Go See the Principal

• True Tales from the School Trenches
• By: Gerry Brooks
• Narrated by: Gerry Brooks, Angela Gonzales
• Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 345
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 302
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 299

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal turned YouTube celebrity who entertains K-12 teachers, administrators, and parents across the country. He tells jokes with the kind of mocking humor that gets a laugh yet can be safely shared in school. After all, even great schools have bad days - when lesson plans fall through, disgruntled parents complain, kids throw temper tantrums because they have to use the same spoon for their applesauce and mashed potatoes, and, of course, dealing with... The Horror! The Horror!... dreaded assessments.

• By Mrs. Dorminey on 07-06-19
• Narrated by: Gerry Brooks , Angela Gonzales
• Release date: 04-30-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 345 ratings

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal turned YouTube celebrity who entertains K-12 teachers, administrators, and parents across the country. He tells jokes with the kind of mocking humor that gets a laugh yet can be safely shared in school....

Regular price: $14.81 or 1 credit

Sale price: $14.81 or 1 credit

• Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.
• By: Jimmy Casas, Salome Thomas-EL
• Narrated by: Jimmy Casas
• Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 441
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 378
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 373

Average schools don't inspire greatness - and greatness is what our world needs if we are going to produce world-changing learners. In Culturize , author and education leader Jimmy Casas shares insights into what it takes to cultivate a community of learners who embody the innately human traits our world desperately needs, such as kindness, honesty, and compassion. His stories reveal how these "soft skills" can be honed while meeting and exceeding academic standards of 21st-century learning.

stick with this one

• By WinthropCunningham on 03-03-19
• By: Jimmy Casas , Salome Thomas-EL
• Release date: 06-30-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 441 ratings

Average schools don't inspire greatness - and greatness is what our world needs if we are going to produce world-changing learners. In Culturize , author and education leader Jimmy Casas shares insights into what it takes to cultivate a community of learners....

Regular price: $13.75 or 1 credit

Sale price: $13.75 or 1 credit

The Ten-Minute Inservice

• 40 Quick Training Sessions that Build Teacher Effectiveness
• Narrated by: Edward Bauer, Annette Breaux
• Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 18
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 15
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 15

Written by popular education consultants Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux, this important book offers 40 teacher-tested, mini-workshops that can improve teaching in every classroom. The book covers a range of topics, from behavior challenges and parent engagement to motivating students and making lessons meaningful.

Great for New Administrators

• By Amber Wineinger on 07-09-23
• Narrated by: Edward Bauer , Annette Breaux
• Release date: 07-09-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

Written by popular education consultants Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux, this important book offers 40 teacher-tested, mini-workshops that can improve teaching in every classroom. The book covers a range of topics, from behavior challenges and parent engagement to motivating students....

How Learning Works

• Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching
• By: Susan A. Ambrose, Michael W. Bridges, Marsha C. Lovett, and others
• Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens
• Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 58
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 45
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 45

Any conversation about effective teaching must begin with a consideration of how students learn. However, instructors may find a gap between resources that focus on the technical research on learning and those that provide practical classroom strategies. How Learning Works provides the bridge for such a gap. Distilling the research literature and translating the scientific approach into language relevant to a college or university teacher, this book introduces seven general principles of how students learn.

Great Book!

• By emilie boivin on 04-19-20
• By: Susan A. Ambrose , Michael W. Bridges , Marsha C. Lovett , Michele DiPietro , Marie K. Norman
• Release date: 10-29-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 58 ratings

Any conversation about effective teaching must begin with a consideration of how students learn. However, instructors may find a gap between resources that focus on the technical research on learning and those that provide practical classroom strategies....

Public School Equity

• Educational Leadership for Justice
• By: Manya C. Whitaker
• Narrated by: Julienne Irons
• Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Efforts to address inequities within our schools tend to ignore the underlying beliefs that sustain injustices, and focus instead on short-lived policies and practices. This book takes a different approach to eradicating educational disparities. Drawing on more than 40 interviews with teachers, principals, and district leaders, Manya C. Whitaker offers educators guidance for leading a school or district grounded in social justice that centers teachers - not just teaching practices - and that focuses on the belief systems that shape decision-making.

• Release date: 02-08-22

Efforts to address inequities within our schools tend to ignore the underlying beliefs that sustain injustices, and focus instead on short-lived policies and practices. This book takes a different approach to eradicating educational disparities....

Regular price: $21.49 or 1 credit

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Higher Ed Leadership Essentials

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These concise books present different aspects of college and university leadership in a practical light. Whether you are a new department chair, administrator, or trustee, these books are your go-to resource for understanding the complexities of leading in a thoughtful and effective way.

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More From Forbes

The best higher education books of 2022.

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It's time to celebrate another year of outstanding books. Here's a list of the best higher ed books ... [+] for 2022.

This year saw a number of outstanding books about a host of higher education topics, ranging from policy issues such as college costs and student learning to hot button subjects like academic freedom and online cheating. The list even includes one murder mystery. Here are my selections for the best titles in 2022.

Breaking Ranks: How the Rankings Industry Rules Higher Education and What To Do About It by Colin Diver, former president of Reed College. Diver has written a spirited, often witty critique of the college ranking industry, particularly the well-known “gorilla” of the neighborhood, U.S. News. He does a particularly good job of tracing the development of various ranking systems and exposing their methodological shortcomings along with the pernicious effects they - and their components like graduation rates, social mobility and graduates’ salaries - can have on institutions living “under their ominous, often oppressive, shadow .”

As the college ranking industry has grown, so has one of its spinoffs - critiques of rankings. As these critiques go, Diver’s is one of the best. He does more than carp about rankings. By situating them in the larger context of American higher education, he reveals how important, but insidious, they’ve become.

Who Killed Jane Stanford? by Richard White is part whodunit and part history of the troubled beginnings of Leland Stanford Junior University in Gilded Age California. White, an emeritus professor at Stanford, spins the tangled tale of the murder of Jane Stanford, who, with her husband Leland, dedicated much of their fortune to found Stanford University in memory of their deceased son. Stanford got off to a messy start, in large measure because of the eccentric beliefs and incessant meddling of Jane Stanford as well as the faults and duplicities of its first president, David Starr Jordan. While several suspects had motives to kill Jane, a murder that was hushed up for decades by Stanford officials, White assembles a convincing case fingering the most likely culprit(s).

The Complete Guide To Contract Cheating In Higher Education by Dave Tomar is the definitive book on contract cheating, where college students pay to have others write their assigned essays, papers and capstone projects for them. Tomar, whose public admission a decade ago that he was a well-compensated ghostwriter, earned him both the title of the "Shadow Scholar" and the widespread enmity of college faculty, blows the whistle on the contract cheating industry in this highly engaging, often disturbing, account of online cheating-for-hire.

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Part confessional, part expose, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn the ins-and-outs of ghostwriting, the reasons why students cheat and how the problem should be understood and addressed. Grounded in a genuine concern about the pressures students face, a frank recognition of higher education's contribution to the problem, and thoughtful perspectives on college teaching, this eye-opener of a book grabs your attention and never lets go.

Leadership Matters: Confronting the Hard Choices Facing Higher Education by two former college presidents - W. Joseph King (Lyon College) and Brian C. Marshall (Bucknell University and Washington and Jefferson College) - discusses how higher education leaders can help institutions adapt to the changing economic, social and political forces that increasingly challenge them.

They describe three presidential types: the presider , the change agent and the strategic visionary and offer wise counsel about the relationships that presidents should have with two other senior campus leaders - the provost and the chair of the board of trustees - as they face “the challenges of the post-pandemic world.” This book offers thoughtful advice for both novice and experienced campus leaders, particularly in the areas of shared governance and constituent relationships.

Phillip B. Levine’s A Problem of Fit: How the Complexity of College Pricing Hurts Students - And Universities examines the confusing issue of college pricing. Levine, the Katharine Coman and A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics at Wellesley College, explores how colleges set their prices as well as how financial aid systems contribute to problems of access. Providing detailed economic analysis of the effects of sticker price, tuition discounts, merit and need-based financial aid, and institutional competition, Levine contends that the overall impact from these multiple factors is to limit access to higher education for lower-income students.

He takes specific aim at the problem of opaque financial aid and how it serves to heighten inequities in higher education. And he offers an excellent discussion of the pros and cons of two major policies for improving access to college - the various versions of “free college” and a significant increase (read: doubling) of Pell Grants - before discussing why he prefers the latter.

The Real World of College: What Higher Education Is and What It Can B e by Wendy Fischman and Howard Gardner. Based on more than 2,000 interviews with students, faculty, staff, parents and other stakeholders at ten institutions ranging from highly selective colleges to less selective universities, the authors explore how colleges achieve (or don’t) what they contend should be higher education’s ultimate goal - the cultivation of Higher Education Capital (HEDCAP) - the “ability to attend, analyze, connect and communicate on issues of importance and interest.”

Students varied considerably in acquiring this higher-order cognitive skillset, with about a quarter showing high levels and about a quarter evidencing low levels. Those with higher HEDCAP tend to approach college with mindsets that emphasize exploration (learning new ideas) or transformation (questioning core beliefs) rather than inertia (an extension of high school) or transaction (obtaining a tangible ROI, such as a good job).

The authors contrast the HEDCAP impact of different colleges and among various groups of students and recommend how colleges can enhance student learning, addressing the two “most surprising” discoveries typifying students at the ten schools - concerns about mental health and feelings of isolation and alienation.

Sandy Baum and Michael McPherson’s Can College Level the Playing Field; Higher Education in an Unequal Society is a sobering analysis of the role higher education plays in correcting and contributing to inequality in our society. The authors argue that when it comes to leveling the playing field higher education has an important role to play, but that role is constrained by other forces that must be addressed - namely, the many inequalities in the pre-college lives of millions of students and the unfair conditions they’ll later face in labor markets, economic policies and social institutions. Dismissive of quick fixes, the authors offer several policies to strengthen higher ed’s contributions to more equitable outcomes.

Will Bunch’s After the Ivory Tower Falls is a thought-provoking portrayal of the role that higher education plays in fueling the nation’s stark political divisions that seem to grow ever-more intense. Bunch, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, argues that at several key points since World War II, opportunities to firmly establish U.S. higher education as a vehicle for social mobility were missed - largely for political reasons - resulting in it becoming as much a source of social alienation and resentment as of equality and the American Dream.

Written with the verve and historical details one expects from an expert reporter like Bunch, the book offers a well-informed, albeit occasionally hyperbolic, take on the “college problem” and how to fix it.

Another hard-hitting book - Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us by Evan Mandery - provides a scathing indictment of how elite colleges contribute to the nation’s increasing social and economic inequality. Claiming that the “United States maintains an apartheid educational system,” Mandery, a John Jay professor of criminal justice and himself a Harvard College and Harvard Law School graduate, pulls no punches in castigating elite colleges for how they perpetuate a system that favors the wealthy and discriminates against the poor.

Whether it’s through college admissions, intercollegiate athletics, standardized testing, or campus culture, Mandery takes elite colleges to task for how they insure the success of the wealthy, often at the expense of poor people and people of color. He closes with several recommendations for incremental remedies to the inequities that elite colleges continue to indulge.

Michael Berube and Jennifer Ruth’s It’s Not Free Speech: Race, Democracy and the Future of Academic Freedom addresses the question of what academic freedom does and should protect - and what it does not and should not protect. Drawing careful distinctions between free speech and academic freedom, they contend that an “excessively libertarian” understanding of academic freedom, often confused with an absolutist position on free speech, needs to be rethought and replaced with less traditionally liberal policies.

The authors question just how far academic freedom should extend, particularly when it serves to protect racist ideology in academia. An example: “White supremacy is baked into the foundations of some academic fields in this country, and it remains a powerful obstacle to any attempt at honest and free intellectual exchange...”

Having lost faith in the ability of the marketplace of ideas to defeat ridiculous claims, Berube and Ruth call for universities to differentiate between “legitimate ideas and utter bullshit.” A provocative read, with practical suggestions for how to put faculty back in charge of defending academic freedom as well as preventing its abuses.

Becoming Great Universities: Small Steps for Sustained Excellence by Richard J Light and Allison Jegla offers dozens of practical suggestions for low-cost policies and practices that campuses can use to improve student learning and engagement.

The book considers “practical answers to quite predictable questions” and calls for campus cultures that embrace innovation, test new ideas and work toward constant improvement. Included are topics such as helping students cope with the “hidden curriculum” to encouraging simple experiments with new classroom teaching techniques, facilitating constructive interactions between students from different backgrounds, and designing assessments of student learning that faculty will respect.

My sleeper book of the year is Sam Stern’s Bernard Daly’s Promise: The Enduring Legacy of a Place-Based Scholarship . It’s an inspirational tale about how Bernard Daly, an Irish emigre to the U.S., established a college scholarship for high school students in Lake County, Oregon with a million dollar bequest in 1920. Now - more than 100 years and 2000 recipients later - Stern, the retired dean of Oregon State University’s College of Eduction, shows how one frugal man’s philanthropy changed - and continues to change - the lives of so many individuals. A terrific read, as heartwarming as it is scholarly.

Honorable Mentions:

Learning With Others: Collaboration As A Pathway to College Student Success by Clifton Conrad and Todd Lundberg. Based on a study of 12 Minority-Serving Institutions, the authors argue that collaborative learning should be emphasized at the core of undergraduate education.

The Tuskegee Student Uprising: A History by Brian Jones. A history of Black student protest and the Black Power movement as it unfolded at one of America’s most important HBCUs.

The Secret Syllabus: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of College Success by Jay Phelan and Terry Burnham. Written in a refreshingly conversational style, this book offers students advice for how to understand what many will encounter as an “alien” culture upon entering college and how to navigate the unwritten rules and expectations that are key to college success.

The New College Classroom by Cathy N. Davidson and Christina Katopodis. A practical guide to more effective and engaged college teaching, with an emphasis on how to promote active learning among college students.

Who Should Pa y , by Natasha Quadlin and Brian Powell, examines the question of who should pay for college and explains how the tide of public opinion about the responsibility of individuals versus government financing of a college education has shifted over the past decade.

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