David Jeck has gifted us with this must-read primer on how to be an effective educational leader, as well as a roadmap on how to use our life to have a meaningful and positive impact on others.
This book is a fascinating, yet necessary, analysis on the uncomfortable issues facing school leaders, how we got here, and the opportunities each issue presents to improve the lives of our students, staff, and community. Dave masterfully infuses humor, personal experiences, and research to deliver a roadmap to continuously improve as an effective leader. Dave’s insights take readers on a journey that serves as a guide for both aspiring and current leaders. Further, it can elevate discussions when used as a book study for school and district leadership teams as they continue to build effectiveness, equity, and fairness into an existing culture. Do yourself a favor by reading Courageous School Leadership You will enjoy the ride.
— Dan Mulligan, author, educator, nationally known speaker, president and founder of Flexible Creativity Inc.
Nelson Mandela said, "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than how it treats its children." Courageous School Leadership, with its stories, humor, and flair for being direct, provides affirmation for educators who, like Dave, have a dogged determination to do what's right for every child who enters our schools. Our children desperately need leaders like Dave - leaders who are bold in their love for children and accept nothing less from their colleagues and community. Reading this book is a fabulous opportunity to reconnect with your "why."
— Gena Keller, former principal, and superintendent. Former Assistant Superintendent for Learning, Virginia Department of Education. Currently the Executive Director, Commonwealth Learning Partnership
Author David Jeck offers great insights as a learner and leader. His rich experiences as a student, teacher, principal, and superintendent provide both inspiration and practical advice that is critically needed for today’s school leaders. He writes from the heart about how leaders are uniquely positioned to help students and staff become "the best version of themselves." I highly recommend this book for aspiring leaders, and for anyone needing a pick-me-up in the midst of challenging times.
— Bill Sterrett, Professor and Associate Dean at the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington
Courageous School Leadership Is just the guide leaders need to help them see the "forest through the trees.” In this practical, plainly spoken text, Dr. David Jeck brings to the fore all of the leadership qualities and challenges we face and forces the reader to “lean into leadership” and not shy away. This book is rooted in the moral, ethical, and emotional obligation leaders, especially Dr. Jeck, have to ensure schools and divisions thrive…not to mention Dr. Jeck injects humor and fun into his writing to capture the reader. This is a must read for not only emerging leaders but also leaders who have been on their heels "playing defense” for the past several years…the book steels you for proactive movement.
— Peter Noonan, former principal and current Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools
Courageous School Leadership by David Jeck comes to us just at the right time. Filled with a lifetime of practical wisdom that is both refreshing and authentic, this book will challenge your thinking in meaningful ways and remind us that how we respond to the concerns of others can make all of the difference in lives of our students, staff and community.
— Jimmy Casas, Educator, Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker
In the introduction to Courageous School Leadership: Don’t Let the Why Get Lost in the How, David Jeck states that school leaders have been on their heels, defensive and fearful to take a stand. He ends the book with a call for education leaders to confront the uncomfortable and to admit that we cannot do this work alone. In the chapters in between, he shares stories, ideas and examples of leadership that focus on the heart of the important work we do. Fueled by his time as a superintendent, the author concludes each chapter with reflection questions and a “connection idea.” This is a book intended to support and challenge the reader. Jeck provides powerful reminders of how we can recenter our focus on what really matters: relationships and students.
— School Administrator