Rural School Leadership - by Christian P Wilkens & Janice DeVore Littlebear & Robert S Thompson Paperback

About the Book

Rural School Leadership: Lesson's from Alaska provides practical school improvement strategies for leaders in rural schools.

Book Synopsis

Rural School Leadership: Lesson's from Alaska provides practical school improvement strategies for leaders in rural schools.

Review Quotes

Rural School Leadership: Lessons from Alaska is an incredibly valuable contribution to the field. The conversation around Indigenous education has been growing, and for some time researchers have been monitoring the successes and failures (as we learn the most from failures at times) regarding Indigenous education. This book is one of a kind. In my time within the educational field, I have long wanted a book like this.

Given the increasing cultural diversity within our American school system, it is imperative that we are mindful of the stories, culture, values, and lived experiences that are told from the Indigenous perspective. When school culture and community values are aligned, students, families, and teachers will feel more empowered and supported. In order to be an effective leader, it is important for leaders to understand the people they are serving and working alongside, building connections to who they are and what they value.

I wish I would have had this guide when I started my career as a rural principal. What a wealth of insight and knowledge for administrators new to rural Alaska.

About the Author

Janice DeVore Littlebear taught in Mountain View, Dgheyaytnu (Anchorage), and has mentored early career teachers with the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project (ASMP). She served as Director of the Teacher Education program at Alaska Pacific University and continues to lead ASMP's efforts to support teaching through culture throughout Alaska.

Robert S. (Bob) Thompson has served as a teacher and principal in urban and rural Alaska for the last 35 years. He was involved with the State System of Support Coaching Program since its inception and served as the Managing Director of the program for four years. He now continues his consulting work from his home in Palmer, Alaska.

Christian P. Wilkens is an Associate Professor at the State University of New York, Brockport. He taught in Dzánti K'ihéeni (Juneau), Alaska, worked for the Alaska Department of Education, and has served as a school improvement coach in Kivaliñiq (Kivalina), Teelay (Tetlin), Gitr'ingith Chagg (Anvik), and Qalqaq (Lower Kalskag).