The Effective Constructivist Leader

Education has been subjected to the latest hula-hoop solutions ever since The Nation at Risk propelled school reform into the national limelight in 1983. While constructivist leadership has been around since John Dewey crafted a lab school at the University of Chicago in the early twentieth century, it has taken someone like Art Shapiro to write a book that unites the work of teachers and administrators in practical ways that produce results in real school settings. Shapiro knows how schools work and he understands the larger theoretical issues that must be addressed without pontificating or losing the reader in unnecessary social science jargon. His case studies and practical suggestions will make constructivist concepts come alive. -- Fenwick W. English, R. Wendell Eaves Sr. Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Arthur Shapiro has inspired us all to seek the constructivist human side of the school enterprise. He guides us through very practical, but research based constructivist teaching and administrative practices with profound tips on improving our communication and interpersonal leadership skills. If you aspire to have a powerful learning community for all kids purchase this book. -- John R. Hoyle, senior professor of educational administration and future studies, Texas A & M University
Like pieces of a puzzle that morph into a total greater than its parts, The Effective Constructivist Leader draws a clear blueprint of the key elements that make constructivist leadership achievable for a broad audience. -- Dr. Rosemary Papa, Del and Jewell Lewis Endowed Chair and professor, Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
I know Professor Shapiro as an experienced and widely-acknowledged educator who remains sensitive to bridging theoretical notions into readily understandable and practical lessons for both his students and readers. This unique volume accomplishes just that for those leaders morally committed to excellence. Constructivist leadership is not new, but Shapiro takes it to a new level. He provides sensible guidelines to overcome organizational constraints so that constructivist change and leadership become a reality. -- Jeffrey Glanz, Silverstein Chair in Professional Ethics and Values, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Yeshiva Uni
Dr. Shapiro successfully explains and sells the concept of "servant leadership" that is making inroads in many current organizations. -- Dr. Clarence E. Fitch, professor of Educational Leadership, Chicago State University