Overview

"Imagine a school with a culture so positive that everyone thrives: students and educators alike. Classrooms are lively, students feel they're part of a community that cares about them, and teachers are happy and productive. Too good to be true? Not in a ridiculously amazing school. There are many of them all across the country. What are their secrets to success? In this book, principal Tracey Smith and Jeff Waller, co-author of The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life, show how taking care of educators first--and cultivating supportive relationships--results in profound and positive changes. Smith and Waller explore the five key elements of what they call courageous schools: schools that understand it takes a ""whole"" teacher to teach the ""whole"" child. They reveal the one variable that stands out as a predictor of sustained excellence...and it isn't about leadership style, teaching practices, or demographics. There's no question that teaching is hard work with little instant gratification, and too many educators go to work each day feeling unappreciated and overburdened. But it shouldn't--and doesn't--have to be that way. Smith and Waller offer practical solutions and a road map to drive real and meaningful change within the school and classroom. It's possible to create a nurturing climate where teachers are respected and have the power to transform lives...not just their students' lives, but their own."

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9781946384997

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Reviews

Ridiculously Amazing Schools is a lively read. I could not put it down. It uses powerful anecdotes to deliver important messages. This book should be in the hands of every educator. We should all be working through the challenges and insights presented in this book. Our schools and educators are the lifeline of our world. Jeff and Tracey have delivered an engaging and accessible framework for transforming the lives of our educators and the students they teach. Sally J. Zepeda, Ph.D. Professor of Educational Administration and Policy University of Georgia Jeff and Tracey capture the spirit of reciprocity that exists in education through poignant stories and pragmatic solutions. Ridiculously Amazing Schools is a refreshing read that illuminates a transformative path forward free from gimmicks or shortcuts. In doing so, they show us that when we invest in the people around us, we inevitably become better ourselves. Dr. Brad Gustafson National Distinguished Principal and Best-Selling Author Ridiculously Amazing Schools is what has been missing and what has been needed from education professional development literature ... a complete focus on the well-being of our educators. Most education PD books provide practical insight centered around all things students. Jeff and Tracey have stepped outside of that box to provide incredible perspective and real-world examples of why taking care of the educators first will ultimately impact our students in a profound way. Not only are the examples relevant to our schools today, the ideas for cultural changes can be implemented the next day! This first-of-its-kind book definitely hits the mark!!! Kirk Jones, Principal Ayersville Middle School Defiance, Ohio Ridiculously Amazing Schools is a brilliant distillation of the experience and understanding of how to build a winning culture in schools that can only be developed from years in the trenches, building one meaningful relationship at a time. The wisdom in this book extends far beyond the walls of education, though--any leader managing a team can benefit from its lessons. I've always believed that the best teachers and coaches are the ones who can take as much important information as possible and distill it down to simple steps and directives. And, if that's the standard, Ridiculously Amazing Schools is an invaluable guide for leaders everywhere. Kyle Porter, Owner The Hawcreek Dojo Cumming, Georgia Most educational licensure programs prepare students for obstacles with instruction, state/federal laws, and school finances; what they often miss out on is preparing educators for each other. Ridiculously Amazing Schools can help fill that void. With the reflection tools as a guide, the lessons and advice shared by Jeff and Tracey show educators how to create a climate where teachers are treated as the precious commodity that they are. New and veteran administrators and teachers alike can benefit from this quick read, and upon completion will be able to immediately implement culture-shifting strategies to improve their schools. Jeff and Tracey take you on a journey of self-reflection using stories educators can empathize with and learn from, while challenging you to take the next step in becoming ridiculously amazing! Beth Hench, Principal Ayersville Elementary School Defiance, Ohio

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