Becoming a Transformative Leader

Carolyn M. Shields is Professor of Educational Leadership in the College of Education at Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.

"If you are struggling to engage in dialogue with your staff to address equity, justice, and inclusion, this is your practical guide to frame the discourse. Becoming a Transformative Leader is a must read for school-based practitioners and should be required reading for all district leadership staff. Channel your energy through the eight tenets and leave a generational legacy."—David E. Lawrence, Teacher, Principal, Chief Academic Officer"This book provides a pragmatic glimpse into the application of Transformative Leadership Theory – from Shields’ deep experiential perspective, as well as from the lived experience of a first-time principal. Throughout the reading of this text, the reader gains a deeper understanding of why transformative leadership is important by examining the eight tenets of transformative leadership, supported by exercises from which to construct meaning. This book would be an excellent text for any leadership preparation program whose mission is to prepare equity-focused, socially just leaders who are prepared to lead change and improvement."—Kristina A. Hesbol, Assistant Professor, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, USA"(Shields) unpacks what conditions could be when school leaders promote equity, ensure social justice and incorporate in their schools inclusive and restorative practices that promote democracy. Most importantly, she articulates a path to transform schools that incorporates critiquing, deconstructing and working to transform the structural and societal inequities present in some schools.This work will not be easy. But if you and your staff are ready and have the moral courage to move decisively to create schools as safe and caring places in which all students feel welcome, included and respected, this book is for you."—Ronald S. Thomas, Towson University, School Administrator

• List of FiguresPrefaceAcknowledgmentsThe AuthorsThe Work of TransformationeResourcesIntroduction. Becoming a Transformative LeaderChapter 1. Tenet One: Accepting the Mandate for Deep and Equitable ChangeChapter 2. Tenet Two: Changing MindsetsChapter 3. Tenet Three: Redistributing Power in More Equitable WaysChapter 4. Tenet Four: Balancing Public and Private GoodChapter 5. Tenet Five: A Focus on Democracy, Emancipation, Equity, and JusticeChapter 6. Tenet Six: Interconnectedness, Interdependence, and Global AwarenessChapter 7. Tenet Seven: Balancing Critique and PromiseChapter 8. Tenet Eight: Exhibiting Moral CourageChapter 9. A Voice from the Field (by Angelina M. Walker)Chapter 10. Transformation Begins