THE PRINCIPAL’S GUIDE TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Jen Schwanke has done it again. The longtime educator and author has continued her creative output for the benefit of school leaders with her newest book, The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management (ASCD). A deputy superintendent of the Dublin City Schools in Dublin, OH, Schwanke expertly outlines the types of conflict that can occur in schools. She also discusses the mindset that principals should have when navigating conflict and encourages them to focus on the following habits of mind: patience, poise, eloquence, curiosity, confidence, and empathy. Schwanke then explains her process for conflict management, “Anticipate, Analyze, and Act.” But the chapter I just had to skip to for the wisdom worth its weight in gold is entitled, “Clarity and Confidence.” It begins with this phrase: “When people don’t say what they mean,” which speaks to why this particular chapter gave me complete clarity on my two years as an assistant principal. If you’re an educator who is new to administration or a veteran just seeking a reboot, this book is a must-have for your library.

—Janeen Ceparano Wilkins | Freshman Academy Principal
Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School, Anchorage, AK

THE BIG LIE ABOUT RACE IN AMERICA’S SCHOOLS

The Big Lie About Race in America’s Schools (Harvard Education Press), edited by University of Southern California Professors Royel M. Johnson and Shaun R. Harper, is an anthology of essays dedicated to unpacking the construct of race and how it particularly affects Black students and teachers’ psychological and emotional well-being. The book explores why race and racial relations are a major concern for public school educators, who increasingly encounter book bans and accusations of indoctrinating students. Citing works such as The New York Times’ 1619 Project, events such as the January 6 Insurrection, and educational gag orders from state governments, the book’s writers assert that recent censorship efforts stem from those content with status quo racial relations and inequitable educational opportunities. Chapters also show the relationship between a declining democracy and the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the rise in race-based crimes and abuses. The book concludes by offering steps education leaders can take to “mitigate polarization efforts in schools.”

—Latrese Younger, EdD | OSQ (Office of School Quality) Specialist
Virginia Department of Education, Richmond, VA

“THINK INCLUSIVE”

“Think Inclusive,” a podcast from the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education hosted by Tim Villegas, offers a wealth of insights for educators, families, and advocates committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. Villegas’ background as a former special education teacher lends authenticity and depth to each episode. For secondary school leaders, Episode 32, Season 11, “The Importance of Inclusion in Education: A Principal’s Perspective with Will Parker,” is especially helpful. Parker’s insights challenge educators to rethink traditional approaches and embrace inclusion as essential to student success and engagement. In Episode 5, Season 12, “Inclusion Starts Now: Building Relationships to Promote Inclusive Education,” with Kayla Coburn, an inclusive education advocate, the focus on 10 specific dimensions of belonging results in practical advice for school staff to ensure all students feel seen and heard. At the conclusion of each episode—each one a conversation between the host and a featured guest—Villegas provides three reflections from the conversation and two calls to action—a great way to wrap up and continue the movement for inclusion.

—Brenda Yoho | Retired Director of Educational Support Programs
Danville District 118, Danville, IL

TOMORROW’S CHILDREN: HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN TO STAY HUMAN IN A HIGH-TECH SOCIETY

In Tomorrow’s Children: How to Raise Children to Stay Human in a High-Tech Society (Balboa Press), Dr. Mahalia A. Hines draws on anecdotes from her 45 years in education and decades of being a parent to offer some sage advice: “Know what kind of adult you want your child to be;” “It’s not just what you say, but what you do that matters;” “Talk with your children, not at them;” and “Teach them to respect themselves and others.” Hines explains that as adults, we should always model the behavior we want to see and “set the bar high because we are the measuring sticks.” Children are like sponges, she writes, since they hear, see, and absorb everything. Her book is all about navigating the complexities of raising children in an era of advancing technology. Whether that technology is social media, YouTube, movies, music, or video games, all can often glorify disrespectful behavior. That’s why educators must work harder than ever to teach students to be respectful and help them develop a positive view of themselves.

—Holly Langley, EdD | Assistant Principal
Sussex Technical High School, Georgetown, DE