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Beth and I (and many of you) know that being a school or district administrator can be lonely at times. When we decided to write Lead Like a PIRATE, it was with the intent to help support other educators by sharing our stories and the strategies that have worked for us as educational leaders. We wanted to be sure that no one felt as if they were alone in this important work. Our goal was, and continues to be, to work together to set up systems of support through our professional learning network (PLN) and to empower leaders to take risks to ensure that school is an amazing place for both students and staff.
Since the book’s release, it has been inspiring to watch our #LeadLAP crew grow. The examples and stories shared daily with the hashtag are so inspiring. What we have come to realize is that we are surrounded by greatness that needs a voice. One evening after our book was published, we started brainstorming how we could continue to support leaders in a new way. One thing that stood out to us is how easy it is for leaders to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information being shared at what seems like lightning speed. There is so much we either need or want to learn. So we chatted about ways we might offer bite-sized expertise for leaders so they can make an even bigger impact on their schools, and the Lead Like a PIRATE guides were born.
We are thrilled to have Vicki Wilson author our sixth Lead Like a PIRATE guide, Lead with Instructional Rounds. Anyone who follows #LeadLAP knows that the mantra at its core is culture first, culture next, culture always. What Vicki has done with instructional rounds has dramatically transformed the culture at her school, and with this book that transformation will spread to cultures at many more schools. To us, instructional rounds are a lot like professional learning communities in the sense that just about every educational leader has heard of them, and many claim to be using them in their schools, but not everyone is implementing them at the deep level that creates significant positive change.
In Lead with Instructional Rounds, Vicki shares her story of having to merge two schools into one and the resulting need to change the toxic culture that resulted from the merge into a thriving one where students and teachers learn at high levels. Her school is literally one where students and teachers are running to get in, rather than out.
As we share in Lead Like a PIRATE, the work we do as leaders to support all of our teachers in improving their craft is one of the most impactful things we do. Our potential to do what’s best for kids often lies in our ability to inspire, influence, and support the adults in our educational system. Vicki does this brilliantly through the use of instructional rounds.
In Lead with Instructional Rounds, Vicki throws the doors of her school-wide open and shares her work. She leaves nothing out. In addition to sharing all of the successes and the benefits, she shares the research she’s done, the struggles she’s faced, and the obstacles she’s overcome. She walks you step by step through the journey she has taken over the years with her team and provides you with a guide for how you, too, can do this work in YOUR school. If you are looking for a way to dramatically improve student learning, transform your school culture into one of positive collaborative learning, and create a system to support the self-reflection and professional growth of your teachers, look no further than Lead with Instructional Rounds. We enthusiastically encourage you to read this book, connect with Vicki, and take the first step on your journey to #LeadWithRounds.
Lead with Instructional Rounds is a practical guide to instructional rounds for educators
Wilson’s willingness to be honest about the process she implemented in her own school—the moments of doubt, the ups and downs, the mistakes and successes—transforms this practical book into something inspiring.
You’re invited to a FB Live Book Birthday Bash!
For: Lead with Rounds by Vicki Wilson
When: 5.26.20
Time: 9 AM CST
Where: Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc Facebook Page
