Building a Winning Team

The Power of a Magnetic Reputation and The Need to Recruit Top Talent in Every School

Joseph Jones; Salome Thomas-EL and T.J. Vari

Building a Winning Team is about the critical need for schools and districts to promote a positive reputation for the community in which they serve. There is a growing need to recruit and retain teachers in the field of education, and this book addresses new ways to approach what we call “the talent equation.” We provide stories from real practitioners along with new and innovative ways to approach vision work, branding, culture, recruitment, human resources, and more. This book combines the research, theory, and practical application in both a how-to guide for implementation and the inspiration needed to grow your team to be the best that they can be. At the heart of this book is the notion that great schools consist of great teams that have a winning mentality. If you’re looking for new ways to tell your school’s story, develop an award-winning reputation, and recruit top talent, this book is perfect for you.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 160 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼

978-1-4758-4613-3 • Hardback • November 2019 • $75.00 • (£58.00)

978-1-4758-4614-0 • Paperback • November 2019 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: Education / Professional Development, Education / Collaborative & Team Teaching, Education / Teacher Training & Certification, Education / Renewal and Retention

Building a Winning Team

The Power of a Magnetic Reputation and The Need to Recruit Top Talent in Every School

Hardback

Paperback

Summary

Building a Winning Team is about the critical need for schools and districts to promote a positive reputation for the community in which they serve. There is a growing need to recruit and retain teachers in the field of education, and this book addresses new ways to approach what we call “the talent equation.” We provide stories from real practitioners along with new and innovative ways to approach vision work, branding, culture, recruitment, human resources, and more. This book combines the research, theory, and practical application in both a how-to guide for implementation and the inspiration needed to grow your team to be the best that they can be. At the heart of this book is the notion that great schools consist of great teams that have a winning mentality. If you’re looking for new ways to tell your school’s story, develop an award-winning reputation, and recruit top talent, this book is perfect for you.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 160 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼

978-1-4758-4613-3 • Hardback • November 2019 • $75.00 • (£58.00)

978-1-4758-4614-0 • Paperback • November 2019 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: Education / Professional Development, Education / Collaborative & Team Teaching, Education / Teacher Training & Certification, Education / Renewal and Retention

Author

Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District in Delaware. Joe is a former high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Dr. Salome Thomas-EL has been a teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE since 1987. He is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Public Charter School in Wilmington, DE.

Dr. Thomas J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District in Delaware. He is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher and department chair.

Table of Contents

Dedication and Acknowledgements

Preface: The Growing Need for Talent

Introduction: A Winning Team

Chapter One: The Magnetic Force of a School’s Story

Chapter Two: Success Practices

Chapter Three: Taking a Deeper Dive and Employing a Technical Tip

Chapter Four: Attracting Elite Talent

Chapter Five: Performance, Passion, and Professional Learning

Chapter Six: A Reputation that Stands Out

Chapter Seven: “Bringing Sexy Back” to Human Resources

Chapter Eight: Advertise

Chapter Nine: Taking a Deeper Dive and Employing a Technical Tip

Chapter Ten: Recruiting Elite Talent

Chapter Eleven: Strategically Pursuing a Clear Path Forward

Chapter Twelve: A Recruiting Effort that Stands Out

Chapter Thirteen: Conclusion--Taking Action

References

Reviews

Talent manifests within the culture of organizations when the formative outcomes align with the vision of what doors education will offer our students throughout their lives. Talented teachers ensure this happens on a daily basis. If you want to recruit talented educators who will change the culture of your school and attract more talent, read Building a Winning!
— Dennis Griffin, Principal and Speaker

Throughout my career, I have seen some amazing teams in the NBA. It takes a special skill to build and maintain a winning team! This book tells you just how to do that! Building a Winning Team is a must-read for every leader and coach of any organization.
— Marc Zumoff, 76ers play-by-play Analyst on NBC

There just aren't enough books available that are written for practitioners by practitioners that include both the research and the evidence to support new ways for leading schools. As a principal, I have found that teacher turnover is a growing issue. Joe, Salome, and T.J. spend no time admiring the problems we face. They jump right into solutions with tips, spotlights, and leadership team activities. Not only did I read this book, but I plan on using it as a blueprint to improve the reputation of my school along with the recruitment tactics we use to find great staff members. I've read their work for years, I've seen them speak, and they hit the nail on the head again with Building a Winning Team. Love it!
— Cynthia Jewell, Principal, Stockbridge Elementary School, Georgia

There are so many accessible and actionable ideas in these pages, focused not only on attracting and retaining talent but creating a culture where educators and students excel and grow, while tapping into and bringing out their gifts to make schools a better place for all. An incredible read that I will be suggesting to leadership teams over and over again.
— George Couros, Learner, Educator, and Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership consultant; author, "The Innovator's Mindset"

The most successful schools are those who are able to attract and retain the best educators. They do so through belief, instilling a sense of purpose, and consistent support. Creating this type of culture that people want to be a part of is a secret no more as Joseph Jones, Salome Thomas-EL, and T.J. Vari provide a blueprint, backed by pertinent examples as experiences from the trenches. The ideas and strategies presented will help you in your quest to unlock the potential of your team.
— Eric Sheninger, senior fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education

The book also could be an effective tool for building principals, providing them with a simple and quick-to-read resource as they navigate the consistent challenges associated with attracting and retaining world class educators.

— School Administrator