Recommendations *
Recommendations *
“When I was 16” Activity
When I Was 16... is a reflective activity that invites participants to step back in time and explore who they were as a teenager. Through a series of guided prompts, individuals examine their experiences, relationships, aspirations, and perspectives at age sixteen, creating opportunities for self-awareness, empathy, and meaningful discussion about personal growth and leadership development. This activity is ideal for workshops, coaching sessions, and team-building experiences.
Example Scheduling Input & Feedback Form
An example form to elicit feedback to move the decision-making process forward.
Master Schedule Audit Template
A practical reflection and planning tool that helps school leaders assess whether their master schedule aligns with their vision, supports student success, promotes equity, and maximizes instructional time. Perfect for leadership teams looking to make data-informed scheduling decisions.
Leadership Books I Love
The books I come back to again and again are the ones that inspire growth, confidence, mindset shifts, and a more intentional life. These are the reads that have encouraged me, challenged me, and helped shape the way I approach leadership, relationships, and everyday life.
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By: Jimmy Casas
Why I love it:
This is my leadership blueprint. It is a powerful reminder that school culture isn't built on posters or policy, but on how we treat our people, refuse to settle for average, and relentlessly champion our students and staff every single day.
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By: Joe Sanfelippo
Why I love it:
This book is a masterclass in leading with authenticity. It reminds us that the best leaders don't try to fit a mold; they lead from their true identity, focus heavily on the people around them, and build sustainable rhythms that keep the entire community moving forward together.
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By: Will Guidara
Why I love it:
A restaurant-service book that completely changed how I look at schools. It is an inspiring call to go above and beyond for our people, proving that when we intentionally make students, staff, and families feel seen and deeply cared for, we transform our culture from ordinary to unforgettable.
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By: Brené Brown
Why I love it:
The ultimate guide to leading with vulnerability and grit. This book gave me the tools to lean into hard conversations, address the unspoken challenges in our buildings, and build a culture where people feel safe enough to be brave.
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By: Jimmy Casas
Why I love it:
A must-read for bringing big leadership concepts straight into the classroom. It moves culture from an abstract idea to a daily reality, showing us exactly how to design spaces where students feel seen, valued, and safe enough to achieve excellence.
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By: Simon Sinek
Why I love it:
A powerful look at the biology of trust and teamwork. It is a constant reminder that our primary job as leaders is to create a circle of safety for our staff, because when people feel safe and protected from the inside, they will naturally pull together to achieve incredible things for our kids.
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By: John Mark Comer
Why I love it:
My absolute go-to for fighting burnout. In the high-speed chaos of education, this book is a necessary reminder that we cannot give our people what we do not have. It is an invitation to slow down, protect our peace, and stay emotionally healthy so we can lead with clarity and presence.
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By: Darleen "Coach Dar" Santore
Why I love it:
As a former athlete, this one speaks my exact language. It is a masterclass in resilience that gives you practical tools to reset when things get chaotic. It’s a great reminder that setback is just setup, and thriving in leadership requires the mental toughness to find your flow and keep moving forward.
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By: Mel Robbins
Why I love it:
The ultimate tool for preserving your peace and sanity. As leaders, we spend so much energy trying to control every outcome, but this book is a brilliant lesson in letting go of unnecessary control. It frees you up to stop micro-managing the chaos, stop taking things personally, and focus your energy entirely on what you can actually control, which is how you show up for your people.
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By: Joy Kelly and Jimmy Casas
Why I love it:
This is an essential guide for navigating the hardest parts of school leadership. It provides a roadmap for handling tough conversations, conflicts, and crises while keeping human dignity at the center of every interaction, ensuring we protect our relationships even during difficult times.
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By: Jimmy Casas and Jessica Cabeen
Why I love this book:
If you’re looking for your next great leadership read, you have to pick up The Drip Effect by Jessica Carbeen and Jimmy Casas. I absolutely love how honest and actionable this book is. The authors challenge you to look at how tiny, everyday behaviors ripple out to impact your entire team or school culture. It completely reframes how you look at 'success’, proving that consistency always beats intensity. A total game-changer!