Regenerating Education as a Living System

Kristen M. Snyder is a Professor of Quality Management at Mid Sweden University and an Associate professor in Education. Her international research and publications in quality management and school development have contributed to understanding the complexities of leading change in a global age, and how leaders can develop internal practices to support sustainable organizational development that is adaptive to customer needs and society.Karolyn J. Snyder, Retired Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida, and President of the International School Connection, Inc. Over 55 years she worked in 40 different countries to promote Systems Thinking for Education, and the preparation of students during their schooling years to become competent and caring global citizens. Dr. Snyder is also responsible for the publication of six books and over 300 other publications

The complexity of society today is calling for new approaches to leading and designing educational systems around the world to meet the needs of youth. It is time for us to embrace a systems approach to design sustainable education systems. We need more educational leaders who have the courage to challenge outdated models and be challenged to innovate, to use the knowledge and skills of others in and through ongoing dialogues, and to build trust and resilience for education to become sustainable. This book highlights the crucial role of education in society, and the need for a systems perspective to empower educational leaders to respond and adapt to the complex challenges of preparing youth for this new age of living and working. It is a critical read for educators at all levels of the system.

• Series Editor Introduction, Jeffrey GlanzForeword: Anneli RautiainenPreface: Kristen M. Snyder and Karolyn J. SnyderEditor’s Introduction: Kristen M. Snyder and Karolyn J. SnyderChapter 1: Systems Thinking in Curriculum Development in Finland: Irmeli HalinenChapter 2: Leadership Preparation for Sustainable Schooling: Michele Acker-HocevarChapter 3: Principal Networking for School Sustainability: Renee Sedlack, David Scanga, Tammy Berryhill, and Claudia SteinackerChapter 4: System Thinking Training and School District Transformation: John MannChapter 5: Toward a Human Networked School: A Natural Energy System: Karolyn J. SnyderChapter 6: The Magic of Esprit de Corps: Isn’t Really Magic: John FitzgeraldChapter 7: (Re)imagined Teacher Learning and Improvement with Systems Thinking: Corbett Prep and Its “Culture of Fit”: Helen M. HaziChapter 8: Complexity Thinking as a Way of Living to Develop Sustainable Schooling: Elaine C. Sullivan and John FitzgeraldChapter 9: Storytelling as a Strategic Leadership Tool: Kristen M. SnyderAbout the Editors and Contributors