Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators

Address the challenges of high-poverty communities with visionary school leadership.

In this essential guide for education leaders who aspire to effect meaningful change in the lives of students from high-poverty communities, Washington B. Collado presents four pillars to support education leaders in (1) creating a shared vision and mission, (2) engaging families and communities, (3) maintaining a focus on equity, and (4) developing systems to support students’ academic and social-emotional development. Together, these four essential elements provide a coherent and systematic approach to educational excellence for all students, particularly those from low-income families.

Refusing to shy away from the challenges within high-poverty schools, Collado combines decades of leadership experience with the latest research on effective interventions for students. Through nine compelling chapters, he presents actionable strategies, key takeaways, and reflection questions for education leaders. Additional features include

• vignettes showcasing real students and administrators, illustrating the successful implementation of key strategies;
• activities that encourage leaders to apply the chapter lessons to their specific contexts; and
• research-based data explicitly detailing the additional obstacles faced by low-income students.

Visionary leaders hold a pivotal role in reshaping schools for students in high-poverty communities. By embracing the four pillars outlined in this book, education leaders can foster equitable and supportive learning environments that address the academic and social-emotional needs of their students so that all students can thrive.

Dr. Collado reminds us that strong leadership is critical for accomplishing the journey to success we want for all students, especially for our students in poverty. By providing practical strategies for strengthening the connections of the school and classroom to the family and student, a pathway is created for changing the outcomes for those who are traditionally underserved. -- Emily Freeland Hoover, Alabama
Dr. Collado’s brilliant work sheds light on the essential principles that guide educators in transforming schools into havens of opportunity for students in poverty. The four pillars offer a compelling framework for creating equitable and effective learning environments. This book should be in the hands of everyone who works in a school or school district. -- Renato M. Lajara Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
An invaluable resource for school leaders committed to improving educational outcomes for students from vulnerable communities. Combined with actionable strategies, reflections, and key takeaways, the text constitutes a comprehensive guide for those invested in equitable change in education. -- John Hardman Deerfield, Massachusetts
This is a must-read for school leaders aiming to uplift students living in poverty. Collado’s insights empower educators to foster inclusive environments, making it an invaluable resource for transformative leadership. The book emphasizes creating a clear vision, finding purpose, and leading with equity—offering practical strategies for academic and social-emotional support. -- Ted Toomer Jr. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators is an indispensable guide for structuring schools that uplift students in poverty. This book is a transformative resource for educators committed to creating equitable and nurturing learning environments. -- Victoria Kaufman Pompano Beach, Florida
I’ve known Dr. Collado for nearly three decades. His heart has always been dedicated to uplifting students and inspiring leaders to authentically enrich the lives of our students. In Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators, he unlocks a clear methodology for building equity and systematic support systems to ensure success for all students. -- Bardetta D. Haygood Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The text is strategic yet dynamic, research-based yet relatable, classic yet timely, aspirational yet attainable. Dr. Collado challenges the boundaries of traditional leadership through thought provoking and practical assessments of how we lead schools and districts. By developing these Four Pillars, he has drawn us a roadmap to successfully lead our scholars and teachers. -- Cedrick Gray Millington, Tennessee
Dr. Collado provides actionable steps to create sustainability. He balances the research with practice, providing the reader vignettes and ready-to-use strategies. This book is easy to read and serves as a comprehensive guide for district and school leaders working in high poverty and turnaround schools. -- Patricia Ordóñez-Feliciano West Palm Beach, Florida
Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators is the ultimate road map to building a school culture that is transformative, inclusive, and empowering by creating conditions that will ensure meaningful community engagement and academic success for all students. -- Hector Montenegro Austin, Texas
Dr. Collado has assembled a wonderful book for dedicated and focused leaders. Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators provides a grounding structure full of strategies, activities, and tools for leaders. This book is a must read for anyone who is serious about serving all students and truly engaging their community. -- Ann McCarty Perez Holland, Ohio
With practical strategies and real-world examples, this book provides a compelling roadmap for education leaders to create supportive and equitable learning environments. Its insights are essential for transforming educational practices and ensuring that every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can succeed. -- Gerrilynn Philippe Lauderdale Lakes, Florida

Dr. Washington “Nino” Collado was born in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by educators, including his mother, María Tejada. In 1975, he immigrated to New York and began studying in New York City public schools in the 7th grade.Dr. Collado began his career in education in 1986 in New York, where he taught Spanish and English as a Second Language in New York City Public Schools.  In 1992, he moved to Florida and continued teaching at Miami-Dade Public Schools.  In 1998, he accepted a job in Broward County Public Schools’ Multicultural Department to conduct curricular training for teachers and administrators on the contributions of Latinos, African Americans, and Women throughout the History of the United States. Dr. Collado began his career in school administration as an assistant principal at Broward County Public Schools and was promoted to principal in 2005.  He served 16 years as principal at schools in South Florida, serving socio-economically diverse schools, and served as president of the Broward Association of Principals and Assistants. He retired in 2022.In February 2021, Dr. Collado received the Principal of the Year distinction for Broward County Public Schools, the nation’s sixth-largest school district. He has also received several honors and recognitions nationally and internationally for his work in schools and communities. Throughout his career, Dr. Collado has traveled to over 30 states and several countries, training school leaders and educators about effective leadership and increasing family and community engagement in schools. He has written over 100 articles for newspapers and magazines and authored or co-authored five books. Dr. Collado is an associate at Creative Leadership Solutions and an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, teaching courses on educational leadership.He is married to Carmen R. Collado, and together, they are the proud parents of four sons, Mario, Alejandro, Miguel, and Victor, and three grandchildren, Lucas, Gabrielle, and Adrian.Washington Collado works with educators! Learn more at creativeleadership.net 

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