Leadership Resources

David Aderhold, Ed.D

In a world that won’t sit still, the  "Octopus Mindset" offers a transformative leadership framework designed  for educational leaders to navigate an era of accelerating change, unprecedented challenges, and a constant demand for innovative  solutions. It’s time to lead like an octopus.

In The Octopus Mindset, veteran superintendent Dr. David Aderhold offers a transformative leadership framework inspired by one of nature’s most intelligent and resilient creatures. Born from a moment of public conflict that the  author turned into a powerful metaphor for growth, this book challenges  leaders to move beyond the "single brain" model and embrace a  distributed, multi-limbed approach to systemic leadership.

By Scott Rocco, ED.D.

In the world of education, we are trained to be exceptional teachers and leaders—not marketers or promoters. Because we value stability and continuity, the mere thought of navigating the interview process can be overwhelming. But what if you could transform that nervousness into a calm, collected presence that commands the room? In this comprehensive guide, veteran Superintendent Dr. Scott Rocco draws on thirty years of experience hiring thousands of educators to reveal the "secret" to standing out in a crowded field: intentional preparation.

By Glenn Robbins

Unclench Your Fist is a powerful guide for leaders who are willing to make the hard call, absorb the criticism, and keep going anyway. Drawing on history, philosophy, and real-world leadership moments, Glenn Robbins explores what it truly means to lead with courage when fear, politics, and public pressure collide.

Through vivid case studies of figures like Lincoln, Churchill, Shackleton, Roosevelt, and Washington, this book examines the inner battle leaders face when choosing mission over approval, clarity over comfort, and long-term impact over short-term peace. Each chapter challenges readers to let go of the need to be liked, to withstand the storm after difficult decisions, and ultimately to know when it’s time to walk away with integrity.

By  Dr. Chantell Manahan 

Capes Optional, Communication Essential: Leading Out Loud in the Era of School Choice is a practical, energizing guide for school and district leaders who are tired of doing incredible work that too few people know about. Drawing on research, real stories, and years of district-level leadership, Dr. Chantell Manahan shows why visibility is not vanity, it’s survival. And more importantly, it’s leadership.

Through relatable storytelling and actionable strategies, Manahan shares how public schools can reclaim their narrative, build trust with families, and create systems that make communication clear, consistent, and human. 

By  Jerri Kimble

Lead with Light, Live with Grit, and Shine with Style and Grace. Live as the badass firefly you were born to be.

In Badass Firefly Premium, Jerri Kemble weaves together stories, sketchnotes, and sparks of wisdom in full color that remind us of a simple truth: leadership isn’t about titles, perfection, or volume—it’s about showing up with authenticity, courage, and heart.

With humor, vulnerability, and her signature doodle art, Jerri shares lessons from classrooms, boardrooms, and life itself. Each page offers a spark—an idea, a reminder, or a nudge—that helps you:

Recognize the power of your own light
Balance kindness with strength
Lead with courage even when it’s hard
Celebrate your authenticity instead of shrinking to fit in
Lift others as you rise

This is not a manual, it’s a mirror, a window, and a spark. Whether you are leading a team, a classroom, a family, or simply yourself through the next chapter of life, Jerri’s words will inspire you to glow brighter, grow braver, and embrace your own kind of badassery.

Pick it up when you need encouragement. Mark it up with your reflections. Keep it close for the days you forget your glow.

Because the world doesn’t need louder voices, it needs more fireflies. And now, it’s your turn to shine.

By Dr. Matthew X. Joseph

NeXGen Mentorship: Ignite, Engage, Excel is a dynamic guide designed to revolutionize the way school districts approach teacher support and professional development. This book is your roadmap to creating an innovative mentorship program that not only lights the spark for teaching excellence but also engages educators in meaningful, year-long growth and collaboration.

Inside, you'll discover practical strategies for developing a comprehensive program schedule, setting clear goals, and fostering a culture where new teachers thrive under the guidance of experienced mentors. From actionable insights to inspiring case studies, this book offers a fresh perspective on building sustainable mentorship systems that adapt to today's fast-paced educational landscape.

Whether you're a school leader, mentor, or new teacher eager to make your mark, NeXGen Mentorship: Ignite, Engage, Excel provides the tools you need to ignite passion, engage communities, and excel in the classroom. Embrace the future of education with innovative practices that empower educators and transform the learning experience for students across the board.

By: Dr. Matthew X. Joseph

When teachers work in a silo, it limits the collective thinking or brainstorming that is critical to innovative ideas that can transform teaching and learning. Change is hard and sometimes schools are unwilling to change due to many factors (already high achieving, possible union pushback, consistent turnover, and so on).  We have the power to shift a school into a collaborative community and to have critical conversations about exciting and innovative change in schools.

By  Donna Maccaroni 

“I wish I had known what parenting was like when I started teaching.”

“If only families could help work toward the goals we have in the classroom.”

As a teacher who is also the parent to five children, Donna Maccaroni has written an exceptionally insightful book about the power of connection between home and school.

Donna invites you into the chapters of this book to see how the paths of parenting and teaching not only cross but are intricately woven together. Learn how school and home can become connectors as they work together to create the safety net necessary for children to feel the security they need to explore their passions, take chances, and reach their full potential.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Álvarez. 

Through vivid stories and practical insights, "Rabbit on the Moon" illustrates how fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging can elevate student achievement and enrich the educational experience. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone invested in the future of our youth, this book offers valuable perspectives and strategies to make a lasting difference.