School leaders at all levels face what feel like insurmountable challenges to put students' needs first every day. The work feels lonely and overwhelming. On Fertile Ground, Creating the Foundation for Organic Transformational Change in Education, is a leader's companion to view schools and districts in a completely new light. By combining the best of two diverse fields of study, Organizational Development and Education Leadership, we can create school systems that become great places to work and learn. This book is a school leader's first-hand experience implementing a new model for school change within a failing system, and the creation of surprising results.Change is messy. This book does not offer three easy steps to transformation. It does offer a pathway for monumental shifts in mindset by presenting a new model for viewing the various levels of a complex education system. Change happens when we ask powerful questions, value the collective genius of those in the room, and believe in the power of a team. On Fertile Ground is for leaders looking for something new, something groundbreaking, a way forward, to create a foundation for organic, transformational change within your school system. Regardless of the vast diversity of communities we serve, valuing the people that make up our communities of families, teachers, leaders and ultimately students, we can change the trajectory of schooling in this country to put all students first, and create the learning environments all teachers and students deserve. The path is arduous, often frustrating and frequently forces us to face our deepest leadership fears. If you've read this far, you are ready for the journey. Let's get started.
