Wholehearted School Leadership

Kathryn Fishman-Weaver is an educator, author, and international lecturer. She is the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy, a global and blended K-12 lab school at the University of Missouri and an Associate Teaching Professor in Community Engagement and School Leadership, and serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth navigating the foster care system.

• Introduction Part 1: Leading for Courage and Justice I. Lead for Courage Overview 1. Commit to High Expectations 2. Celebrate Community Wisdom; Concept Study: Lessons from our First Classrooms 3. Keep Showing Up. Keep Listening. 4. Relationships Are the Heart of Great Leadership 5. Cultivate Gratitude II. Lead for Justice Overview; Concept Study: Trauma-Informed School Leadership 6. Commit to Antiracism 7. Hold Space for Healing 8. Foster a Sense of Belonging 9. Practice Inclusion; Concept Study: What is an upstander? 10. Advocate for Inclusion; Continuing to Lead for Courage and Justice Part 2: Leading for Learning and Connection III. Lead for Learning Section Overview 11. Advance Agency and Opportunity 12. Support Learner-Led Projects 13. Leverage Emerging Technologies; Concept Study: Strengths-Based Perspectives in a Digital World 14. Lean into Brain-Based Leadership 15. Diversify Your Professional Learning IV. Lead for Connection Overview; Concept Study: Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) 16. Practice Cultural Learning and Reciprocity 17. Build Accountability through Grace 18. Communicate Care Across Cultures 19. Progress is a Team Process 20. Expand Learning, Reduce Barriers; Concept Study: The Cognitive Triangle as a Support Tool; Continuing to Lead for Learning and Connection; The Brave Leadership Needed to Rewire our Schools

"Wholehearted School Leadership doesn’t just talk about school leadership—it also models it. The chapters are filled with relatable stories, practical strategies, and impactful exercises. Whether you're a first-year principal or a veteran school leader, this book will impact how you lead your team, support your students, and think about school. Wholehearted School Leadership is a valuable addition to your professional library.” Todd Whitaker, Educator and Author of 65 Books. “Impeccable. Wholehearted School Leadership gets right to the heart of why we are in education and how to leverage this foundation to strengthen and grow from within. The reflective exercises are a powerful way to help school leaders individualize this work in their own school settings.” Jill Dunlap Brown, Founding Partner and CEO of Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) Education & Company, USA. “School leaders will benefit from reading Wholehearted School Leadership by Kathryn Fishman-Weaver. By embracing vulnerability and fostering a culture of empathy, trust, and connection, this book offers practical insights for creating student-centered environments while navigating challenges with grace and forgiveness. It’s an essential guide for leaders who prioritize relational, heart-driven, human-centered leadership.” Peter Stiepleman, Author and host of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. “Wholehearted School Leadership is an indispensable resource for school leaders seeking to inspire meaningful change and foster team connection. Blending personal stories with a values-based framework centered on courage, justice, learning, and connection, the book offers actionable strategies that align seamlessly with the school year. As both a transformative tool for professional growth and a guide for heart-centered leadership, it empowers educators to reshape schools with purpose and impact.” Ransford Pinto, Associate Director of Graduate Pedagogy, Princeton University, USA.