New book by SU School of Education’s George Theoharis explores keys to effective school leadership

New book by SU School of Education’s George Theoharis explores keys to effective school leadershipMay 14, 2009Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

In his latest book, “The School Leaders Our Children Deserve: Seven Keys to Equity, Social Justice and School Reform” (Teachers College Press, 2009), George Theoharis, assistant professor of teaching and leadership, inclusive elementary and special education in Syracuse University’s School of Education, draws on the experiences and words of successful public school principals committed to advancing equity, social justice and school reform to show why social justice leadership is needed and how it can be effective. Although facing tremendous barriers, these principals made important strides toward closing the achievement gap in their schools through the use of humane and equitable practices.

The book features a mix of theory and practical strategies to show how real school leaders seek, create and sustain equitable schools, especially for marginalized students. Theoharis identifies and explores the following seven keys that are crucial for social justice leadership:

• acquire broad, reconceptualized consciousness/knowledge/skill base;
• possess core leadership traits;
• advance inclusion, access and opportunity for all;
• improve the core learning context-both the teaching and the curriculum;
• create a climate of belonging;
• raise student achievement; and
• sustain oneself professionally and personally.

In addition to being an accomplished scholar, Theoharis has extensive field experience in education as a teacher, administrator and principal in the Madison, Wis., Metropolitan School District. Along with public school leadership, his interests and work focus on issues of equity, justice, diversity, inclusion, urban schools and school reform.

Theoharis completed his Ph.D. degree in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.More information about “The School Leaders Our Children Deserve: Seven Keys to Equity, Social Justice and School Reform” can be found at http://store.tcpress.com/0807749516.shtml.