You Can't Make This Up!

Linda Rae Markert, Ed.D. (1982), University of the Pacific, is Professor of Educational Leadership and Dean Emeritus of Education at SUNY Oswego. She has published articles and book chapters, and garnered research funds in education, and gender equity in technology.

Advance Praise"Professor Markert has created an outstanding collection of real-life professional experiences that can serve as actual simulations for both prospective and current school administrators. Such diversified, descriptive testimonials shared by school leaders gives resonance to the challenges and variety of leadership skills needed in today's educational environments. Just to have the chance to view a multitude of dilemmas touching so many different competencies is an excellent leadership training tool that truly encompasses reflective practice."Cheryl A. McElhany, PresidentExtended Day Child Care Center, Dublin, CA"The case studies in this well-written book provide the perfect foundation for fruitful consideration of complex situations that face building leaders every day. It is one thing to be able to name the standards of professional leadership but quite another to be able to apply them from day to day. These case studies will inspire deep and authentic discussions about what did and what could have happened in each case presented. Emerging leaders will find this book a valuable resource for preparing themselves to respond to challenging situations. Current leaders will want to use the case studies as a way to explore with colleagues situations similar to those they have faced, thinking about what they did right and what they might want to change in their future responses."Susan Coultrap-McQuin, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus & Former ProvostState University of New York at Oswego"In my years as an education attorney, many school leaders have stated they eventually wanted to write a book about their many you can't make this up experiences, and now Linda Rae Markert has done it! These multinational tales from the field provoke informed inquiry, critical analysis, and self-assessment, all in the format of a really good read." Donald E. Budmen, ESQ. Education Law AttorneyFerrara Fiorenza PC, East Syracuse, NY"Gather a group of school principals together and you will hear a common refrain; you can't make this up! Ethical decision making, crucial conversations, and dealing with challenging situations are simply part of the job. Where this book really shines is in Markert's deft storytelling and thought-provoking questions to ponder. Veteran and novice school leaders alike will see their own experiences come alive in the cases making self-reflection possible. Readers will gain new perspectives as they lead in these unique times." Beth Anne Lozier, PrincipalCamillus Middle School, West Genesee Central School District

• About the Author1 Overview of This Conversation1 Beginning an International Conversation among School Leaders2 A Context for Using Case Studies3 Ethical Decision-Making & Interview Template4 Alignment of Case Studies with Professional Standards for Educational Leaders2 Mission, Vision and Core Values1 Are We Doing Enough?2 I Am Your Child’s Advocate3 #Enough3 Ethics and Professional Norms1 Do I Blow the Whistle?2 He Just Showed up Unexpectedly3 Where Have You Been?4 We Can’t Find the Error4 Equity and Cultural Responsiveness1 Your Son Has Great Potential2 I Never Said Any of Those Things3 I Don’t Want To – You Can’t Make Me4 My Wedding Plans5 Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment1 I Never Thought I Was Cheating2 Silent Night3 How Did They Override the System?6 Community of Care and Support for Students1 Not Mine, Smoking Stinks!2 This Girl Hit My Daughter3 Please Don’t Kick Him out of School4 You Must Show Me That Tape7 Professional Capacity of School Personnel1 But I’m a Good Teacher2 Measure Twice, Cut Once3 She’s So Disorganized4 Do Summative Reviews Ever Make a Diffference?8 Professional Community for Teachers and Staff1 Just Joking Around2 My Course Requirements Apply to Everyone3 I Can Show You My Uber Receipts4 All Boys Talk That Way9 Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community1 I Love My Kids2 Don’t Make Me Get on the Bus3 Our Son Must Have Mr. Thorwall4 Mom Wants the Checkbook10 Operations and Management1 We Are Not Welcome2 Standards Uphold the Status Quo3 Mathematically Speaking, It Was Beautiful11 School Improvement1 Is This a Credible Threat?2 It’s Always about the Money12 Final Reflections1 Ethical School LeadershipIndex