Reaching the Heart of Leadership

Lessons Learned, Insights Gained, Actions Taken

"Avis Glaze’s views on leadership are unique and powerful for one main reason. She puts things together that people don’t usually think are compatible, thereby reaching new heights and depths of insight and efficacy. She combines empathy and determination; respect and candour; high expectations and persistent patience. The bottom line is as close to 100% success as possible, with every percentage point below 100 unacceptable. Accordingly, Reaching the Heart of Leadership is chock full of unusual insights. For each chapter there are lessons learned, and action steps to be taken, but understand that none of this is about slogans, and all of it has been tested and learned through hard practice. Avis does wear her heart on her sleeve; but also she wears it in every action relationship she encounters. For Avis, every value is a competency and every competency is a value. Read this book and be inspired to be the best leader you can ever be."

"If we truly want leaders who can foster a supportive and inclusive school climates that focus on learning, we should start by having them reflect on their moral compass. In Reaching the Heart of Leadership: Lessons Learned, Insights Gained, Actions Taken, Avis Glaze leans on her deeply rich experience and offers, not only a call for moral purpose, but actions at each level to get leaders there. It is a wonderfully insightful and important read."

"Glaze’s Reaching the Heart of Leadership speaks to an array of leaders—principals, teachers, community partners, families, and students, who, she insists, are at the epicenter of educational leadership. This book provides solid rationales, guidance and concrete actions on how educators can achieve and rise above the cacophony of demands for improved outcomes, higher standards, and increased accountability.  Educators are encouraged to draw upon the competencies of empathy, advocacy, a strong human rights and social justice orientation, and a commitment to further action – with a sense of urgency. Glaze outlines an education that enhances students’ critical and analytic stances on the world around them; develops their identities as empathetic local and global citizens; and animates and strengthens their multicultural, multilingual, and multi-literacy competencies in all curricular areas to deepen and broaden their learning and aspirations for their futures. This is an essential book for current and aspiring teachers and administrators."

"Reaching the Heart of Leadership strikes a chord with each of us as it is practical, clear and concise. Dr. Avis Glaze speaks from experience, expertise, and her heart in this succinct action-guide for leaders at every level. Truly a must-read for all aspiring, inquiring educational leaders who want to make a difference for every learner in their care."

"Dr. Avis Glaze shares the deep wisdom gained from her celebrated career in education. In Reaching the Heart of Leadership, she reflects on "what she knows for sure" about the human condition and school leadership, and she reminds us all of the importance of putting people first, practicing empathy, and developing positive relationships as the tools to impact school improvement. A master teacher always leaves us learning and reflecting. In this book, Dr. Glaze does just that. It's a "must have" for your professional library."

"Reaching the Heart of Leadership deftly weaves together history, reflection, insights gained from lived experience, practical advice and inspiration.  The mantra of ‘leading from the heart” is both timely and timeless.  Transcending education and educational leadership, the values espoused in this book easily extend across jurisdictions and to other scenarios that involve relationships of power."