Education Write Now, Volume II Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture

In this innovative series Education Write Now, ten of education’s most inspiring thought-leaders meet for a three-day retreat to think and write collaboratively, and then bring you the top takeaways you need right now to improve your school or classroom. This second volume, edited by Jeff Zoul and Sanée Bell, focuses on relationships—the heart of everything we do in education. Building strong relationships and a positive school culture takes intentional, consistent effort, and the authors provide strategies and examples to help you along the way. Throughout the book, you’ll find insights and inspiration on these topics: Connecting the dots among students and staff (Jeffrey Zoul) Strengthening relationships in the learner-centered class (Randy Ziegenfuss) Building a culture of equity and access (Rosa Isiah) Cultivating student strengths and interests (Elisabeth Bostwick) Bridging the gap between schools and families (Laura Gilchrist) Deepening connections through productive conflict (Sanée Bell) Finding relationships beyond the four walls (Onica Mayers) Connecting through the power of generosity (Winston Sakurai) Bringing passion into the schoolhouse (Sean Gaillard) Tapping into dreams for a world-class culture (Danny Bauer) The royalties generated from this book will support the Will to Live Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working to prevent teen suicide.

Chapter 1: Connecting the Dots Jeffrey Zoul Chapter 2: Relationships: The Foundation in Learner-Centered Environments Randy Ziegenfuss Chapter 3: Connecting With Every Student: Creating a Culture of Equity and Access Rosa Isiah, Ed. D Chapter 4: Connecting With Learners: The Power Behind Cultivating Strengths and Interests Elisabeth Bostwick Chapter 5: Parentcamp: Fill the Relationship Gap Between Schools and Families Laura Gilchrist Chapter 6: Connecting Through Productive Conflict Sanée Bell Chapter 7: Connecting Beyond the Four Walls Onica L. Mayers Chapter 8: Connecting Through the Power of Generosity Winston Sakurai Chapter 9: Connecting with the Center: Bringing Passion into the Schoolhouse Sean Gaillard Chapter 10: Connecting with Dreams to Create a World Class Culture Danny Bauer

Dr. Jeffrey Zoul (@jeff_zoul) is a lifelong teacher, learner, and leader. During Jeff’s distinguished career in education he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Deerfield Public Schools District 109 in Illinois. Jeff also served as a teacher and coach in Georgia before moving into school administration. He has authored many books, including What Connected Educators Do Differently. Dr. Sanée Bell (@SaneeBell) is the principal of Morton Ranch Junior High in Katy, TX. She has served as an administrator since 2005 at both the elementary and secondary levels. Sanée was recognized as the 2015 Katy ISD Elementary Principal of the Year. She has presented at conferences at the local, state, national, and international level, and has written publications and several guest blog posts focused on leadership and its impact on students and teachers.