The Brain and Strengths Based School Leadership

Build on individual strengths for optimized leadership

Best-selling author Sheryl G. Feinstein demonstrates how educational leaders can apply a popular business prototype of leadership strengths and the latest brain research to lead effectively. Her new book, co-authored by veteran administrator and instructional leader Robert W. Kiner, outlines four leadership styles—executer, relationship builder, influencer, and strategic thinker—and shows how to recognize and capitalize on these styles in order to:

• Create a positive school culture
• Mentor and supervise teachers
• Keep track of standardized testing
• Foster community partnerships
• Use data to inform curriculum and instruction

The authors connect current cognitive research with the challenges of educational leadership, using vignettes and discussion questions to make clear the links between neural wiring, learning, and leading. Learn how to make the most of your own talents and also play to the strengths of everyone on your team.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. With the Leader’s Brain in Mind
2. Using Leaders’ Strengths to Create and Maintain a Positive School Climate
3. Mind Matters: What Leaders Need to Know About Students
4. Best of Class: Leading Teachers
5. The Rubber Meets the Road: Supervision and Evaluation
6. Shared Leadership and Leading Teacher’s Strengths
The Human Brain
Strength-Based Shared Leadership
Leading Teacher’s Strengths
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Appendix I: Stress, Teachers, and Students
Appendix II: Family and Community School Partnerships
References
Index