As leaders, we are always learning—whether through experience, reflection, or the wisdom shared by others. The journey of leadership is not a destination but a continuous process of growth, fueled by the ideas and insights that challenge and inspire us. Books are some of our greatest teachers, offering new perspectives, practical strategies, and moments of clarity that help us navigate the complexities of education and leadership. In this post, I’m sharing my top ten books of 2024—each one a source of inspiration that has shaped my leadership and deepened my commitment to the work I do every day.
Donlan, R. & Whitaker, T. (2017). The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their School Boards to do the Right Thing. Routledge.
The Hero Maker by Donlan and Whitaker is a must-read for superintendents striving to foster strong, productive relationships with their school boards. This book does an exceptional job improving school culture by growing the school board. This book provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the unique dynamic between superintendents and board members, emphasizing trust, humility, and the art of helping others shine. As a superintendent, this book reshaped my understanding of leadership, teaching me to prioritize relationships and empower board members to be the heroes of their constituencies. Its practical strategies reinforced my belief in servant leadership and the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and capable of making a difference.
Key takeaway… “A true hero is someone who helps others accomplish things they didn’t think were possible.”
Donlan, R. Whitaker, T. (2019). The School Board Member’s Guidebook: Becoming a Difference Maker for Your District. Routledge.
The School Board Member’s Guidebook by Donlan and Whitaker is an essential resource for board members aiming to navigate their unique governance role effectively. It offers practical insights into fostering collaboration, leveraging the superintendent’s expertise, and prioritizing long-term policy decisions over reactive issue management. As a superintendent, this book reinforced my commitment to building trust and empowering board members to see their impact as community Difference Makers. It also deepened my understanding of how governance, leadership, and management intertwine to create a cohesive and effective school system. Personally, this book ignited my passion for dissertation research and spawned a flight to Indiana State in late January to meet and discuss said research.
Key takeaway… “Difference making best happens through other people, not to other people.”
Haidt, J. (2024). The anxious generation: how the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. Penguin Press.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is a thought-provoking exploration of the mental health crisis affecting today’s youth, driven by the rise of smartphones, social media, and the decline of unstructured play. Haidt masterfully connects data with compelling narratives, outlining how the “phone-based childhood” disrupts social and neurological development. As a leader and a parent, this book deepened my resolve to prioritize mental health in schools and to advocate for balanced, play-centered childhoods. It offers actionable solutions for educators and parents alike, reinforcing the urgency to reclaim a healthier path for the next generation.
Key takeaway… “To restore a more humane childhood, we must begin with one simple truth: kids need play, not perfection.”
Heath, C & Heath, D. (2017). The power of moments: Why certain experiences have extraordinary impact. Simon & Schuster.
The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath explores how intentional, defining moments can shape lives, organizations, and cultures. It reveals how moments of elevation, insight, pride, and connection create lasting memories and emphasizes that we have the power to craft these moments for ourselves and others. As a leader, this book inspired me to rethink the ordinary processes we have in schools such as new employee onboarding, celebrations, and community-building efforts, ensuring that meaningful moments leave a lasting impression. It reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t just about strategy but also about creating memorable, impactful experiences.
Key takeaway… “Our lives are measured in moments, and defining moments are the ones we remember—and the ones we can create.”
Kleba, M. & O’Hara, R. (2020). Otherful: How to change the world (and your school) through other people.
Otherful emphasizes the power of servant leadership, relational trust, and storytelling in transforming schools. The book challenges leaders to move beyond control and mandates, advocating instead for authentic connection, recognition of strengths, and fostering a culture where teachers and staff can thrive. As a superintendent, this book reminded me to invest deeply in understanding and amplifying the greatness of my team while embracing my role as a “Lead Storyteller” to shape culture and inspire growth through narratives.
Key takeaway… “Bet on the greatness of your people. It’s amazing what people will do for a leader who believes in them.”
Sanfelippo, J. (2022). Lead from where you are: Building intention, connection, and direction in our schools. IMPress.
Lead from Where You Are by Joe Sanfelippo is a powerful guide for leaders at all levels, emphasizing intention, connection, and shared direction. The book inspires leaders to recognize the value of every individual in their organization, build relationships rooted in trust, and create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. As a superintendent, this book reinforced my belief in the importance of telling positive stories, valuing every interaction, and ensuring that both students and staff feel seen and supported. It’s a reminder that leadership is less about authority and more about building people up and moving forward together.
Key takeaway… “Every moment is an opportunity to impact the narrative. The question isn’t if you are going to be remembered, but how?”
Siler, Jill. (2020). Thrive through the five: practical truths to powerfully lead through challenging times. Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated.
Thrive Through the Five by Dr. Jill Siler offers a candid and empowering perspective on how school leaders can navigate the toughest 5% of their work and life. With honesty and optimism, Dr. Siler shares practical insights and personal stories, encouraging leaders to not just survive but thrive through challenges. As a superintendent, this book resonated deeply, reminding me that the hardest moments can become opportunities for growth, connection, and meaningful impact. It reinforced my belief in perseverance, positivity, and taking the “next best step” to lead with confidence, even in difficult times. Even better, the author is a seasoned school leader who leads through the trials of school leadership. There are so many takeaways from this book that it’s hard to nail one down. My copy is flooded with notes!
Key takeaway… “We’re defined by our failures only if we let ourselves be. The hardest moments in leadership can transform us, but only if we lean into them.”
Silverman, M. (2024). Sustaining excellence: How culture drives teacher retention. Martin Silverman.
Sustaining Excellence: by Martin Silverman is a practical guide for creating and maintaining a school culture that prioritizes connection, autonomy, and community. Silverman explores actionable strategies to make schools feel like families, empower teachers with appropriate autonomy, and foster a “culture of yes” that values staff input and creativity. As a superintendent, this book reinforced the importance of cultivating a positive school culture that helps retain educators by making them feel seen, valued, and connected. It inspired me to prioritize relationships and tailor leadership practices to meet the unique needs of my team.
Key takeaway… “People want to be connected and feel like they are seen, valued, and heard in an organization. When that doesn’t happen, they search for another organization where these needs can be met.”
Sinanis, T. & Sanfelippo, J. (2015). The power of branding: Telling your school’s story. Corwin.
The Power of Branding by Tony Sinanis and Joe Sanfelippo is a practical guide for school leaders looking to shape and share their school’s narrative. The authors emphasize the importance of highlighting the positive stories happening every day in schools to influence perceptions and build a strong, authentic brand. As a superintendent, this book reinforced my commitment to being the “Lead Storyteller” for my district, reminding me that promoting the extraordinary moments in our schools is not just marketing—it’s a way to build trust, pride, and connection with the community. This is an older book but has been influential for me this year in my profession as well as research.
Key takeaway… “People’s perceptions become their reality, and so we must shape the perception to create the reality we want people to have when they think of us.”
Whitaker, T. (2025). How to get all teachers to become like the best teachers. Routledge.
How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers by Todd Whitaker offers an inspiring and actionable roadmap for school leaders striving to elevate teaching quality across their schools. Whitaker emphasizes the critical role of teachers as the primary variable in student success and provides practical strategies for hiring, supporting, and retaining the very best educators. As a superintendent, this book challenged me to focus on empowering and supporting teachers while intentionally shaping school culture through strong leadership. It reinforced the idea that improving teaching is the most powerful way to improve schools. Any book by Whitaker is worth picking up and this one is such a powerful tool to improve your school from the inside out by focusing on those who are already doing it right!
Key takeaway… “If today, for the first time, the entire school decides to greet the students, that changes the climate. However, if the school never stops greeting the students, that changes the culture.”
As we close the chapter on 2024, these books have not only shaped my leadership journey but also were a reflection of my continuous learning and reflection. Each page offered valuable lessons that have challenged me to grow, adapt, and lead with greater purpose. As we step into 2025, I’m excited to carry these insights forward, embracing new opportunities for growth and connection. While I know much of my reads of 2025 will revolve around required readings for school, I know even in the requirements there will be growth. Here's to another year of learning, leading, and hopefully making a difference.
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