Taoist Lessons for Educational Leaders

Gentle Pathways to Resolving Conflicts

By (author) Daniel Heller

Paperback - £25.00

Publication date:

17 February 2012

Length of book:

102 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

Dimensions:

229x152mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781610485197

This book explores ways in which educational leaders can apply the wisdom of the Tao in their day-to-day work in schools. It offers an alternative to the standard ways of western thinking to give the leader more possibilities when confronting a situation. We tend to value immediate and decisive action, winning, directing, and getting one’s way. Taoist Lessons for Educational Leaders offers another way of approaching the workplace. We can also value waiting and reflection before acting, seeing all participants as winners or at least no one as a loser, following as a form of leadership, and giving away some victories, as beneficial to the governance of a school. There is more than one way to “win” and more than one way assert one’s authority, as illustrated by this book.

In his new book, Dan Heller brings the wisdom of ancient Chinese texts to the day-to-day management of K-12 schools. Today’s principals face significant financial and regulatory challenges as they work to ensure quality educations for our children.   Heller’s careful review of the Taoist classics offers school leaders valuable points of reflection and inspiration for their work with students, teachers, and school boards. Drawing on his more than thirty years in education as a teacher, principal and curriculum expert, Heller provides useful case studies to deepen understanding. Taoist Lessons for Educational Leaders is a excellent resource for educators leading in our global context.