Leaders of the Class: Units for Teaching Motivation, Perseverance, Communication, and Collaboration in the Secondary Classroom
In our Solution Tree book, Leaders of the Class: Units for Teaching Motivation, Perseverance, Communication, and Collaboration in the Secondary Classroom, we draw upon decades of classroom experience and key research to help teachers introduce leadership development into academics. We unpack the definition of leadership, examine interactive pedagogy structures that allow all students to take on leadership roles, and explore self-reflection and self-assessment tools students can employ to set and see progress on concrete leadership goals. Each unit includes personal stories and insights, research, and a suite of practical tools that teachers can use in their daily practice. Leaders of the Class is inspired by and informed by our experiences collaborating with amazing educators.
Leadership development is not, and should not be, solely the providence of the privileged. If we want a world in which all students are equally likely to become leaders in a professional setting, we need to work toward a world in which every learner in every classroom engages in leadership practices and contributes to a leadership culture.
It can happen. In fact, it is happening, in both opulent and under-resourced learning environments. In every school we have entered, we have met inspiring educators who are leading this work with skill, care, and creativity.
I loved how applicable it was but it also touched my soul at the same time.
Hillary Allan
Urbana School District 116
“Cor is so mindful in their intentions to bring equitable learning to life at schools. They are experts in curriculum work and will always be my go-to for all things curriculum planning.”
Liz Sangiolo
Our Sisters’ School
For those who are overwhelmed or don’t know where to begin, this workshop gave participants a practical (and doable) entry point.
Lori Cohen
Co-author of The PD Book
[Maureen and James] were awesome. Not just their techniques and ideas but their fun relationship with each other and the kind genuine way they helped us as educators trying to stay sane.
Teresa Vaslet
Middle School Paraprofessional,
Freetown Lakeville Middle School
[Maureen and James’] energy and passion are contagious.
Robert McLaughlin
High School Teacher,
Northbridge Public Schools
I received very specific pieces of the ‘how to’ to take back to my school. Everything was transferable to staff AND students, which is completely unique. I began thinking about tangible and actionable next steps that I can actually implement. Everything I learned today can be brought into school.
Priya Venkat
Dean of Student Supports,
UP Education Network
This was exceptional PD.
Tina Hoofnagle
LICSW, Executive Director of SEL,
Lynn Public Schools
The work is important and Cor is here to help us be successful as we strive to support our students.
Tobey Eugenio
Our Sisters’ School
You both brought it for the keynote. You did a fantastic job of synthesizing my jumbled thoughts and half-baked plans with the theme for the day. You provided the right amount of balance between the anecdotes and the research. In a world where some consultants implement canned strategies to different settings, the custom keynote exceeded my expectations!
Dr. Cari Perchase
Bellingham Public Schools
