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Professor's book paves the way to success for K-12 school leaders

Professor's New Book Paves the Way to Success for K-12 School Leaders

A new book that teaches school leaders important lessons about the development of effective schools was written by an associate professor in the K-12 school leadership program at the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education.

Stephen Uebbing, a former school superintendent for 23 years, is co-author of The Life Cycle of Leadership: Surviving and Thriving in Today`s Schools, a book published this year by Learning Forward publishers that shows administrators how to improve leadership skills and competencies in education. The fourteen chapters in The Life Cycle of Leadership were written collaboratively with Mike Ford, a school leader with eleven years of experience as superintendent of the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central Schools who also teaches courses in the K-12 school leadership program at Warner.

The book came out of an effort to help school leaders make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Uebbing and Ford write, "The best job in the school is the one in which you can have the deepest impact on the most students. …Leadership matters. The leader can shape the collegial environment and create a focus on the school"s moral purpose. The leader can help address the larger context and be certain that all children are respected and valued, at least while in school."

According to the authors, the challenges of leadership come in distinct cycles of survival, creation, and legacy. Using real-life, real-time case studies, Uebbing and Ford guide readers on a journey from survival to legacy, highlighting not only the challenges but also the opportunities and successes that educational leaders may encounter along the way.

Throughout the book, the authors encourage current and potential leaders to take a more reflective approach to school leadership and to use principles gathered from research and experience to move beyond the survival stage to leadership legacy. They also share strategies for developing into a leader who creates deep, meaningful reform that will result in more effective schooling for everyone.

Former educator Gary McGuey, author of The Inspirational Teacher and The Mentor in Me, explains that The Life Cycle of Leadership is the foundational book for any great leader. "Administrators will discover how to inspire trust and build credibility with their team," he states. "Deep down, we all aspire to greatness and desire to leave an enduring legacy. This book is the blueprint to help you achieve your purpose."Steve Uebbing

Uebbing has extensive school and district leadership experience in the world of education.

He began his career in education with 10 years as a social studies teacher, coach, and advisor to student clubs in the Letchworth Central School before serving six years as high school principal and then superintendent of the Fort Plain Central School. Most recently, he served as superintendent in the Canandaigua City School District for 18 years. Now at the Warner School, Uebbing teaches courses in educational leadership, with a focus on K-12 school leadership and educational decision making. In addition to preparing future school leaders, he helps school districts develop strategic plans and oversees a program that provides coaching to school leaders.

Uebbing is a former New York State Superintendent of the Year and the recipient of the 2009 New York State Council of School Superintendents [NYSCSS] Distinguished Service Award, the council's highest honor.