The Moral Imperative of School Leadership

Michael Fullan served as Premier Dalton McGuinty's Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His 'interim autobiography', Surreal Change, covers his work to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. This work operates under the umbrella of what they call the 'shared humanity paradigm' -Equity, Engagement, Excellence--Deep change that integrates local (school and community), middle (district/regional), and state (policy) entities. Fullan's favorite method of learning is to partner with groups that are engaged with change; and to learn together with them. (And then to write another book about the experiences, and what was learned). Michael Fullan's latest books are: Nuance (2019), Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration (with Mark Edwards, 2022), The Principal 2.0 (2023), and The Drivers (with Joanne Quinn, 2023). For more information on books, articles, videos, podcasts please go to: www.michaelfullan.ca

Foreword - John I. Goodlad Preface About the Author Dedication 1. Changing the Context The Public Schools We Need The Principals and Teachers We Need 2. Barriers to School Leadership Self-Imposed Barriers System-Imposed Barriers 3. The Moral Imperative at the School Level Level 1: Making a Difference in Individuals Level 2: Making a Difference in the School The Emerging Image of the Moral Imperative of the Principalship 4. Making a Difference Beyond the School Level 3: Making a Difference Regionally Level 4: School Leadership and Society 5. How to Get There: The Individual and the System The Individual The System References Index

"Fullan challenges all who work in education to rethink the critical role of the principal as school leader in the current era of accountability. With clarity and insight, he offers a series of strategies to reshape the culture and context of leadership in schools to create learning communities where both students and teachers can excel." -- Paul D. Houston, Executive Director "Once again, the writing of Michael Fullan is a tour de force for those who toil in the vineyards of the school principalship. In this latest book, Fullan brings into clear focus the critical role of school leaders to "change the content" within schools-stressing the need to elevate the moral purpose of schooling in an era of accountability for academic achievement. Fullan makes the critical point-and sets an insightful direction-as to the equally important case for public schools to promote the personal and social development of students. Therein lies Fullan's challenge to school principals. The Moral Imperative of School Leadership is a must read for those who want to make a difference!" -- Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director "Fullan shows how moral leadership can reinvent the principalship and bring about large-scale school improvement. This is a masterfully crafted and accessible book by North America's foremost expert on change." -- Thomas J. Sergiovanni, Lillian Radford Professor of Education "This is a must read for any school leader interested in making a difference. Fullan goes to the core of what it takes to transform our schools and, not surprisingly, principals are at the center of the transformation." -- Vincent Ferrandino, Executive Director "Without moral purpose, nothing of value is achieved. We learn how it is deployed effectively, and Fullan makes the difficult but important case that truly moral school leadership recognizes its obligations to the wider community and other schools, an argument that those of us pushing for collegiates will welcome." -- Times Educational Supplement, May 2003 "As one has come to expect from this eminent writer, this is a highly readable, well structured, and accessible text that is above all positive. Indeed I have no doubt that many will find the work inspirational." -- Mark Brundrett "As one has come to expect from this eminent writer this is a highly readable, well structured, and acceeible text that is above all postitive. Indeed...many will find the work inspirational." -- School Leadership and Management, November 2003 "Excellent book, not only for principals, but for all educators who believe that the 'moral imperative is in the hands of school leaders.'" -- Education News, Spring 2004 "The Moral Imperative of School Leadership is a practical handbook for educators focusing on the pivotal role played by principals as agents of systematic change...Fullan appeals to something all educators have: the desire to do the right thing and the wish to make a difference." -- Education Review, January 2005 "The Moral Imperative of School Leadership is an important read for school leaders and system administrators, not so much because it provides a prescription for the future of public education, but more because it elevates the moral imperative of public schooling, and enshrines the view that effective school leadership must be driven from a deep moral purpose. " -- Journal of Educational Administration