Exemplary Leadership Practices

Learning from the Past to Enhance Future School Leadership

By (author) Peter R. Litchka

Publication date:

26 August 2016

Length of book:

142 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475819663

This book shares stories of historical figures from the past as well as contemporary school superintendents and principals. The present nature and complexity of leadership is heavily dependent on the past, as we cannot fully understand or appreciate the current context without going back and exploring the past. To ignore great leaders from the past would run the risk of having current and aspiring school leaders not completely knowing, understanding, and appreciating these exemplary lessons the contemporary context. These stories help us to understand the values, beliefs, and morals of contemporary school leaders; they help us define what it means to be a school leader in contemporary America. We can learn history in terms of stories, either through telling stories or listening to the stories of others. But, it is more than telling and listening. It is learning, for not only those who wish to be school leaders, but learning for those who currently are in positions of school leadership.

Dedication
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Temet Nosce (Know Thyself)
Chapter 2: The Magic Behind the Meaning
Chapter 3: From Chrysalis to Butterfly
Chapter 4: Thinking About Thinking
Chapter 5: Surviving and Thriving
Conclusion: Looking Back and Then Forward
Bibliography
End Notes
About the Author

Exemplary Leadership Practices: Learning From the Past to Enhance Future School Leadership is a must read for all practicing school administrators as well as those aspiring to be school leaders. In this book Dr. Litchka explores great leaders from history and applies the lessons learned to contemporary situations. He provides clear examples how we can learn from historical successes and failures to help current leaders reflect upon their own situations and practice to maximize success. Each chapter in the book also contains a story form a practicing school administer to highlight the timeless connection between effective and ineffective leadership practices. The book serves as a guide for navigating the turbulent waters of school leadership and gives practical advice as well as encouragement, inspiration and hope to everyone who wants to excel as a school leader.