"This book continually comes back to the relationships formed between students and staff. Using an array of statistics and personal observations, Peters calls upon the heart and the conscience of the educator when asking you to 'bring your best' every day into the classroom."
—From the Foreword by Alan M. Blankstein

Motivate educators in a collaborative endeavor to bring about real change in schools and classrooms!

Reflecting Stephen G. Peters' motivational workshops, this resource provides practical guidelines for influencing school culture and inspiring higher student performance based on understanding today's learners. The book provides strategies and tested techniques that have transformed struggling schools into national and state blue-ribbon winners. The author, well-known for creating the "Gentleman's Club," invites students who are considered at risk to participate in the decision-making process of school change. Eloquently illustrating the immediate need for improvement in our schools, this resource covers:

• The expanded roles for educators leading change initiatives
• The reasons why many students do not perform well
• Practical, specific tips for turning a vision for change into a school's reality

Principals and teacher leaders will welcome this unique approach that can bring about meaningful transformations in students, teachers, and entire school communities.

• A accessible writing style that appeals to educators  
• A motivational book that not only motivates teachers, but helps educators inspire students
• Practical strategies and anecdotes
• Each chapter opens with an inspirational quote
• There are reflection questions sprinkled in each chapter in the margins that allow educators to think about their role and experiences working with students.
• A chapter summary concludes each chapter
• A Special List of Figures appears in the front matter offering a list of tips and strategies that educators can use immediately to impact change.