Connected Leadership

Dr. Spike C. Cook is currently serving in a leadership position as the Principal of RM Bacon Elementary for the Millville Public School District located in the City of Millville, New Jersey. He joined RM Bacon staff in April of 2011. Since that time, he has been influential in increasing technology use with students and teachers, reorganized the Basic Skills Program, and worked on improving the climate and culture of the building. He began his educational career in 1999 and has worked in higher education, middle school and elementary school. Dr. Cook has served as a counselor, teacher, adjunct professor, Executive Director, vice principal, guidance director and principal. His blog "Insights Into Learning" received a nomination for the Best Administrator Blog by Edublogs. Dr. Cook has presented at numerous state and local conferences. In addition, he has presented at the 2012 ASCD Texas in Dallas, 2013 ASCD National Conference in Chicago, and the 2013 National Association for Elementary School Principals in Baltimore. He was the keynote speaker at the Millville Public Schools Opening Day for over 1,200 staff. Dr. Cook was one of the featured "connected educators" in the 2014 Corwin Press book, "Digital Leadership" by Eric Sheninger.

Preface by Peter DeWitt Introduction: Message to Prospective Connected Educator 1. A Thousand Mile Journey Getting Started Navitaging the Web The Digital Footprint Personal Story From a Connected Educator - Brad Gustafson 2. Time and Priorities How Will I Have the Time? When Can I Connect? Lurking and Learning Personal Story From a Connected Educator - Thad Haines What Do the Researchers Say? 3. Inner Reflection, Global Exposure Blogging, Tweeting, Pinning I Don't Have Anything to Say or Write Who Will Read This? Personal Story From a Connected Educator - Ben Gilpin 5. Building an Alliance Professional Learning Network Chats and Supporting the PLN Personal Story From a Connected Educator - Amber Teaman 5. Transformation Paying It Forward Understanding Your Leadership Color: What Will You Reveal? Losing My Leadership Mojo Paying It Forward Improving the Learning Environment Transformation Takes on Many Forms Personal Story from a Connected Educator - Theresa Stager Conclusion Reflection of a Trailblazer: Melinda Miller

"How relevant are you as a school leader? This is the essential question that Dr. Cook succinctly addresses in this handbook that is positioned to be an essential reading for any 21st Century leader. His work details the power of connectivity to break down silos of information and get school leaders off isolated islands to improve professional practice and transform schools. By weaving stories of how practitioners have benefited from connecting through social media, Dr. Cook presents the necessary ingredients for change that can be implemented immediately." -- Eric Sheninger, Principal and Corwin Author, Digital Leadership "In this book, Spike Cook presents a practical, easy to understand, and more importantly easy to implement manual for becoming connected. Spike uses real life experiences from connected educators to highlight the tenets of the book. This is a must read for the connected and soon to be connected leaders!" -- Todd Whitaker, Professor of Department of Educational Leadership "Dr. Cook's book is one of the best and most practical examples of how educators can take advantage of Web 2.0 tools to grow professionally and personally. He describes his journey as a lead learner in a way that is easy to read; he inspires, engages, and encourages the reader to move from isolation to connection. I will not only share this book with my new staff and faculty, but with parents to help them understand the evolving role of today's educator. In today's era of accountability, Dr. Cook provides examples of how educators can use Web 2.0 tools and social media to gather evidence of the creative and student-centered learning that takes place in their classrooms every day. Finally, his journey inspires me as a connected educator to continue try a few new tips to better share stories from my school and to continue to find ways to engage the school community through social media." -- Dwight Carter, Principal "Each of us possesses the innate desire to continually improve and be life-long learners; however, change is not always easy. In fact, it can be frightening and even challenging. Whether you're a leader at the district level or within your own building, connecting and collaborating with others is powerful. With today's digital tools and social media platforms, learning together has never been more accessible. After reading Dr. Cook's book, you'll quickly become inspired by reading the real stories of newly connected educators and how much of an impact this has had on their practice. If you've been hesitant to take the plunge into the social media waters, you'll be ready to jump right in after diving into this quick and informative read." -- Erin Klein, Teacher "As of now there are about 20 books in the Corwin Connected Educator Series, a seemingly ever-growing set of titles masterminded by Peter DeWitt and Corwin Press. Each book is short enough to be read in one sitting, which makes the collection ideal for book studies and professional development, both during the summer and throughout the school year. Also, each paperback is authored by one or two educators who speak (and blog, tweet, etc.) with a credible voice in the world of connected education. Some of the topics include: Flipped leadership Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities Blogging for educators Best practices for establishing a makerspace Tools to connect and empower teachers Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books." -- Ross Cooper, Supervisor of Instructional Practice K-12