Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration

True to what we have come to expect, the authors raise a new concept, spirit work, within constructs with which we are familiar–relationships,
trust, collaboration, well-being, and pedagogy. Delving into the science of collaboration and sharing illuminating examples gives deeper meaning to the old proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration offers direction and hope in a time when it is badly needed.–Laura Schwalm
By connecting these two new phenomena of spirit work and collaboration, Michael Fullan and Mark Edwards present educators with what they describe as a revolutionary potential for future learning, highlighting ways in which spirit work can be a force that drives not only self but collaborative efforts for change in school districts. Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration introduces an alternative to traditional ways of thinking about system change and expands our ideas of learning and transformation.–Ann E. Lopez
I love this book! Michael Fullan and Mark Edwards provide readers with new and creative ways to approach the challenge of educating students in the current period by showing how spirit work and collaboration can advance learning and increase support for students. Timely, thought provoking, and inspiring, Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration will be a tremendous resource for educators searching for ways to make education more meaningful and transformative in the years ahead.–Pedro Noguera,
Michael Fullan and Mark Edwards have penned a must-read for all educators. They demonstrate the power of collaboration regardless of where a district is in the country, its size, or its demographics. Schools do not just improve; positive change does not just occur. The real work required to transform education, preserve democracy, and ensure the survival of our planet is going to take a lot of deeply committed people collaborating, seeking solutions, and finding answers. Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration is a fantastic guide for that task.–Terry Grier
Our current social and political climate is rife with distrust, suspicion, cynicism, and tension. Michael Fullan and Mark Edwards provide important insights into how schools can navigate these contemporary challenges. Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration offers much more than tips and practical advice; it provides us with a healthy reminder that such an undertaking necessitates reflection, persistence, love, courage, and the audacity to envision new possibilities for collaboration in schools.–Gerardo R. López
We live in complex times. That is certainly not a new statement, but what we hopefully have learned is that there is not a better time to move forward in a better way, where we are more inclusive and thoughtful in our actions. In Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration, Michael Fullan and Mark Edwards do not just inspire us to want to go deeper with our practices and be more human in our interactions–they use real examples to help show us how to do it.–Peter DeWitt,

Michael Fullan, OC, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative. Recognized as a worldwide authority on educational reform, he advises policymakers and local leaders in helping to achieve the moral purpose of all children learning. Michael Fullan received the Order of Canada in December 2012. He holds honorary doctorates from several universities around the world. Fullan is a prolific, award-winning author whose books have been published in many languages. His book Leading in a Culture of Change received the 2002 Book of the Year Award by Learning Forward. Breakthrough (with Peter Hill and Carmel Crévola) won the 2006 Book of the Year Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and Turnaround Leadership in Higher Education (with Geoff Scott) won the Bellwether Book Award in 2009. Change Wars (with Andy Hargreaves) was named the 2009 Book of the Year by Learning Forward, and Professional Capital (with Andy Hargreaves) won the AACTE 2013 Book of the Year and the Grawemeyer Award in Education in 2015. Michael Fullan’s latest books are The Principal: Three Keys for Maximizing Impact; Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (with Joanne Quinn) ; Deep Learning: Engage the Change the World (with Joanne Quinn and Joanne McEachen) ; Surreal Change: The Real Life of Transforming Public Education (autobiography); and Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail.

Dr. Mark Edwards served as a school superintendent for 25 years and has been widely recognized as a leader in digital innovation. He has published three books; ‘Every Child Every Day ‘, ‘Thank You for Your Leadership ‘and most recently he co-authored “ Unstoppable Momentum ” with Michael Fullan. Mark was named the AASA National Supt. of the Year and the North Carolina Supt. of the Year in 2013. He served as Supt. Of The Mooresville Graded School District for 9 years leading the district to national and international acclaim as a district of excellence. Previously he also served as the Supt. of Henrico Co. VA for ten years and was named the VA Supt. of the Year in 2001. In 2000 he led the first district wide one to one lap top program in the nation. He has received numerous awards including E-School News Tech Savvy Supt. Award, Common Sense Media National Educator of the Year, National Educator by The Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2017 he was named Top Thirty Transformational Leaders by the Center for Digital Learning. President Obama, Gov. Jeb Bush, Gov. Rick Wise, Gov. Jim Hunt and Senator Mark Warner have all recognized Mark for his leadership during his career. Dr. Edwards also served as Dean of the College of Education at the Univ. of North Alabama, Senior Vice President of Discovery Education and CEO of Challenge U. He and his wife have been married for 41 years and have 3 children.

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