Transforming Professional Practice

In this updated 2nd edition, the authors created a blueprint for educational leaders to arrive at an understanding of the complexity of shared leadership for achieving reflective school improvement. The dispositions for leadership success are embedded in the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL, 2015) created by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) and the NELP standards (2018) created by a committee for National Educational Leadership Preparation approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The NELP and PSEL standards are aligned to provide specificity around performance expectations for beginning level and district leaders.    To support these key standards Transforming Professional Practice: A Framework for Effective Leadership 2nd Edition advances the educational conversation by its keen focus on effective professional growth and development. This framework recognizes that the uniqueness of school leadership, whether at the central office level, school building level or department level, is dependent upon effective leaders who are self-reflective and developmentally attuned to professional growth opportunities.

In many school districts the best method for evaluating educational leaders begins with self-assessment and reflection. Effective leaders develop methods to continually improve and evaluate practice and the authors of this book have done an excellent job creating an easy to use framework for what effective leadership should look like. The text can be a useful tool for those studying educational leadership or those experienced leaders looking for self-evaluation, goal setting, and improving practice. The layout of the book includes chapter objectives aligned with the standards that guide evaluation of leadership, giving practitioners a valuable resource to use. Reading this book, I found inspiration to embrace the process of professional growth and a better understanding of what I need to do to be an effective school leader.--Michael Glover, principal McHenry Middle School, McHenry, IL
In this book, the authors provide a wonderful balance of theory and practice useful to initial education leaders, as well as those who are well seasoned. Had I had a book like this when I was a superintendent and principal, I would have used it as a reference and guide to assist in the development of my colleagues and administrative team. The authors are experienced educational leaders, researchers and authors who bring all of that talent to bear in the provision of this wonderful reference. I recommend it without reservation.--Thomas P. Jandris, PhD, senior vice president for innovation, dean, College of Graduate & Innovative Programs, Concordia University Chicago
In this era where many times legislative leaders are implementing laws regarding school leadership based on non-researched ideas and emotional outbursts from influential citizens, it is refreshing to see the development of effective leadership components presented in understandable language that is backed up by research. This is exactly what takes place in the text of Transforming Professional Practice: A Framework for Effective Leadership. It is essential for all leaders to understand and recognize the importance of professional learning and growth as major influences in improving leader effectiveness, and the different yet inter-related processes between evaluation and supervision. This book provides this knowledge and much more.--Jim Rosborg, president, Illinois Council of Professors in Education Administration (ICPEA), director of Master's in Education, McKendree University
Not only does Transforming Professional Practice fill a gap in the present collection of resources for supervising and evaluating administrators, but it includes dimensions that may not be emphasized enough because they are considered too challenging to consider including trust, respect, and reflection. The group finding this book of greatest value may be board members who annually review one or more central office administrators as part of their duties. The obligations of administrators are many and varied, and the framework provides a multi-dimensional view of roles, responsibilities, and dispositions that contribute to making a school or district strong, effective, and a reflection of the community.--Barbara J. Phillips, Former principal and central office administrator, professor, Department of Leadership, Concordia University Chicago
The authors have combined their passion and expertise to create a roadmap for effective leadership. The tangible examples support understanding the critical components to successful leadership. The focus on professional traits and competencies evident in successful and effective leaders are relevant to every leader. I highly recommend every principal and superintendent read this book as it is designed to strengthen the leadership skills in every individual.--Amy Alzina, principal, Adams Elementary School, Santa Barbara Unified School District

Kimberly T. Strike, PhD is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Concordia University-Chicago, River Forest, Illinois. She earned her Doctorate (PhD) from Marquette University in the areas of Curriculum, Instruction, Administration and Supervision with an emphasis on Educational Technology. Dr. Strike has authored Trouble-free Transitions for New Teachers (2006-2007; leveled primary, intermediate and secondary), Performance and Accountability in Today’s Classroom: A Framework for Effective Mentoring (2010) and co-authored Mentoring the Educational Leader: A Framework for Success (2011).Paul Sims, PhD is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago. He received his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University, Chicago. He is co-author of Supervision and Evaluation for Learning and Growth (2015).Susan Mann, MS is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership at Concordia University-Chicago. She earned her MS in Clinical and Diagnostic Reading and Advanced Coursework, Loyola University Chicago, Graduate School of Education, specializing in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.Robert K. Wilhite, EdD is Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at Concordia University-Chicago. He earned his EdD in Curriculum, Instruction and Administration from Loyola University Chicago. He is coauthor of the Rowman and Littlefield books, The Teacher Leader: Core Competencies and Strategies (2014) and Supervision and Improvement of Learning: Professional Development Strategies for Teacher Improvement (2015).

In this updated 2nd edition, the authors created a blueprint for educational leaders to arrive at an understanding of the complexity of shared leadership for achieving reflective school improvement. The dispositions for leadership success are embedded in the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL, 2015) created by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) and the NELP standards (2018) created by a committee for National Educational Leadership Preparation approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The NELP and PSEL standards are aligned to provide specificity around performance expectations for beginning level and district leaders. To support these key standards Transforming Professional Practice: A Framework for Effective Leadership 2nd Edition advances the educational conversation by its keen focus on effective professional growth and development. This framework recognizes that the uniqueness of school leadership, whether at the central office level, school building level or department level, is dependent upon effective leaders who are self-reflective and developmentally attuned to professional growth opportunities.

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