Spirit is the essence of character—of what it means to be human. Finding hope in the power of collaboration underpinned by ‘spirit work’– the care and love of students as learners– Fullan & Edwards capture how some school districts are creating a deep learning environment for all.
COVID-19, racial inequity, polarizing politics, mass misinformation, and myriad other challenges have made the future of education seem bleaker than ever. Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration speaks directly to leaders′ hearts and advocates for the development of two qualities that will bring back hope for the future of education: ‘spirit work’ and the science of collaboration. Spirit work centers love and care for students, staff, and communities as the impetus for creating a positive culture, while collaboration is the vehicle for manifesting that spirit work. Through powerful case studies and vignettes, the authors show how spirit and collaboration represent revolutionary potential for education. Readers will find
- A lifeline amid overwhelming conditions.
- Hope for themselves and the future of education
- Practical ideas for building cohesion throughout school communities
We cannot allow our best advocates for children to be consumed by today’s challenges. Spirit work and collaboration can pave the way to a brighter future.
Table of Content
Foreword by Margaret J. Wheatley
Preface
Part I: The Challenge of the Century: Transforming Learning
Chapter 1: The Prospects for Radical Change
Rapidly Declining Global Trends
Schooling
Innovation and New Ideas
Conclusion
Chapter 2: Spirit Work
Spirit Work
Spirit Construction
Conclusion
Chapter 3: The Science of Collaboration
The Growth of Collaboration
Collaborative Cultures
The Promise of Collaboration
Conclusion
Part II: Early Signals: Districts in Action
Chapter 4: East Coast Districts (United States) in Action
Ithaca City School District (New York)
Virginia Beach Schools
Rowan-Salisbury School System (North Carolina)
Conclusion
Chapter 5: South Central Districts (United States) in Action
Shelby County Schools (Tennessee)
Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky)
Conclusion
Chapter 6: West Coast Districts (United States) in Action
San Ramon Valley Unified School District (California)
Highline Washington School District
Chula Vista Elementary School District (California)
Conclusion
Part III: The Future of Spirit and Collaboration Work
Chapter 7: A New Tomorrow
The Worry List
Could It Be Almost Tomorrow?
System Change: It Is Time for Society to Help
Conclusion: Students as Evolutionary Changemakers
References
Index
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the author
Michael Fullan served as Premier Dalton Mc Guinty’s Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His ‘interim autobiography’, Surreal Change, covers his work to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. This work operates under the umbrella of what they call the ‘shared humanity paradigm’ —Equity, Engagement, Excellence–Deep change that integrates local (school and community), middle (district/regional), and state (policy) entities.Fullan’s favorite method of learning is to partner with groups that are engaged with change; and to learn together with them. (And then to write another book about the experiences, and what was learned).Michael Fullan’s latest books are: Nuance (2019), Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration (with Mark Edwards, 2022), The Principal 2.0 (2023), and The Drivers (with Joanne Quinn, 2023).For more information on books, articles, videos, podcasts please go to: www.michaelfullan.ca
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