Lead with Culture: What Really Matters in Our Schools

by Jay Billy

How Do YOU Make School AMAZING for Students and Staff? School can be amazing. It can be a place where people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds enjoy learning together. And in this Lead Like a PIRATE Guide, author and Elementary School Principal Jay Billy explains that making school a place where people students and staff want to be starts with culture. Culture is the “way we do things around here.” Culture is what fosters a sense of community—or drives a wedge between groups of people in your school. Leaders have the responsibility to give the children the best education possible, and that happens when we drive a culture of learning and positive strength. In Lead with Culture, Jay Billy shares personal stories and practical ideas for creating a sense of unity—even in the most diverse communities. You’ll learn how to . . . * Inspire, encourage, and lead by example. * Empower greatness in your teachers and staff. * Build a culture of growth and learning. * Cultivate an environment where love and kindness thrive. * Honor diversity while fostering a strong community. Culture is what really matters in schools, and you have the power to shape it. Lead . . . with culture.

Genres: Education, Leadership

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2018

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lead Like a Pirate (reread it a few times), so this was a great #LeadLAP guide to follow!! Must read for leaders!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author is an elementary school principal, but what he shares applies to all levels. Yes, the leadership treasure hunt, navigating the seas, and charting the course seafaring metaphors at the end of each chapter may be a bit much for some (this is a Lead Like A Pirate Guide afterall), but just get over that and focus on what the author has to say. (Dismiss the examples or suggestions that are obviously elementary focused.)

Culture is everything, and I mean everything in a school. Every professional book I read this summer had at least a few pages devoted to building a culture. This book focuses on it completely. Just remember the acronym PIRATE: passion, immersion, rapport, ask and analyze, transformation, enthusiasm and Lead like that.

At my school some of us lament our culture, but WE are the culture; we are the ones in charge of shaping that culture. Billy reminds us to set and maintain high expectation for everyone, to to be positive, to practice wellness, to be clear about our purpose, to be intentional, to fuel our passions, and to always, always, always be kind. Simple stuff, right? We need to resist making it so complicated. Who's with me?

[Tracy Jaconette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building an excellent school culture is step one. With a strong culture in place, your team can accomplish the hard work ahead. Without it, the work feels disjointed. This is a great book about how one school's culture drew teachers, students and families to their doors, and led to remarkable student achievement.

[Kelly Kernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summer read to rejuvenate & inspire!!!

Thank you Jay Billy for making this an easy summer read to inspire getting back to school with energy and enthusiasm. This offers simple and realistic suggestions that can help anyone make positive strides in their building.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect read to remind us why we do what we do and that #kindnessmatters. Whether you are an administrator or a teacher, how you conduct yourself impacts the culture of your school. Anyone can be a leader, and this book reminds us to be mindful of that.

[Lori Nelson Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great tidbits of information on improving your leadership craft. With each chapter, I was inspired with ideas both from the author and my own mind. The biggest take-away for me was to open my mind and think of educational leadership as a craft.

[Brian McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding strategies to better culture in your school. So accessible and ready to implement when you return for the fall semester. Thanks, Jay Billy ==> you are a rock star!!

[Ricardo Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid leadership book on Culture. Very practical.

[Denine Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Thank you for sharing this book. It’s a great follow up to LeadLAP. I really enjoyed reading it with our leadership team.

[Nate Balcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical and energizing look into educational leadership! Great ideas, wonderful passion, and lots of tips. Thanks Jay Billy for sharing what you do!