Product Review

Challenging times demand dynamic leadership. Schools rely on teachers to assume a variety of leadership roles, both formal and informal, including department chair, peer coach, faculty representative, and Web page curator. With little or no leadership training, however, many teachers are unprepared to take advantage of such opportunities.

In How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader, John G. Gabriel explores the responsibilities and rewards of teacher leadership, offering practical, positive advice on

* identifying leadership qualities and building a team,
* enhancing communication and earning respect,
* overcoming obstacles and implementing change,
* energizing colleagues and strengthening morale, and
* improving student and teacher achievement.

From setting goals to mediating conflicts, from mentoring colleagues to motivating students, Gabriel provides clear strategies--grounded in experience and illustrated by examples--for becoming an effective teacher leader. A generous resource section, including sample letters, surveys, and checklists, enables readers to quickly put these techniques into practice.

Whether you aspire to a leadership position or are in a position to inspire future leaders, this insightful and informative book will help you lead the way to success.

John G. Gabriel, a former English teacher and department chair, is an administrator at Park View High School in Loudoun County, Virginia.