Quote by Amy Campbell, Middle School Principal, Beekmantown Middle School, New York:
"There are many shifts and changes in education that take up a great deal of our time as instructional leaders. But what we all must remember is that students cannot learn in an environment that is not safe. In his book, No Place for Bullying: Leadership for Schools That Care for Every Student James Dillon (2012) states, “When in doubt, remind yourself and your colleagues about what really matters: having even one student walk through the school day a little less afraid and more hopeful than the day before” (p. 29).
I was impressed by his organization of the book into the three keys to school climate and culture; the Will, the Skill, and the Follow Through (Infrastructure). He discusses difficulties a school leader may face while trying to find solutions to the problem of bullying. His suggestions for how to overcome those difficulties include multiple approaches that could be used in any situation.
Dillon’s approach is very administrator-friendly. He provides all the tools to begin formulating a plan with staff for addressing bullying. Each chapter begins with background information based on current research, a summary, and activities to do with staff. The activities are engaging with most using video clips as discussion starters. Most of the activities in the “Will” section of the book could be used to open discussion on any topic, not just bullying.
His background as a school administrator is evident in the book. His recommendations are practical and help put into perspective how the approach of the school leader can have a deep impact on the success of any bullying prevention program. He also addresses many of the issues we all face when trying to get staff on board for a new or changing initiative."
"There are many shifts and changes in education that take up a great deal of our time as instructional leaders. But what we all must remember is that students cannot learn in an environment that is not safe. In his book, No Place for Bullying: Leadership for Schools That Care for Every Student James Dillon (2012) states, “When in doubt, remind yourself and your colleagues about what really matters: having even one student walk through the school day a little less afraid and more hopeful than the day before” (p. 29).
I was impressed by his organization of the book into the three keys to school climate and culture; the Will, the Skill, and the Follow Through (Infrastructure). He discusses difficulties a school leader may face while trying to find solutions to the problem of bullying. His suggestions for how to overcome those difficulties include multiple approaches that could be used in any situation.
Dillon’s approach is very administrator-friendly. He provides all the tools to begin formulating a plan with staff for addressing bullying. Each chapter begins with background information based on current research, a summary, and activities to do with staff. The activities are engaging with most using video clips as discussion starters. Most of the activities in the “Will” section of the book could be used to open discussion on any topic, not just bullying.
His background as a school administrator is evident in the book. His recommendations are practical and help put into perspective how the approach of the school leader can have a deep impact on the success of any bullying prevention program. He also addresses many of the issues we all face when trying to get staff on board for a new or changing initiative."
Amy Campbell, Middle School Principal
Beekmantown Middle School, New York
