Generative Leadership: Shaping New Futures for Today's Schools

"An excellent journey into the new world of generative leadership! The authors focus on the K-12 system, but the book has applications for every level of education, including post-secondary." -- Tracy Edwards, President and CEO Published On: 2007-06-22

"A succinct and elegant synthesis of compelling ideas that are central to effective education and educational reform. The developmental path that the authors spell out for leaders is both clear and profound. We strongly recommend this book to all those interested in improving education." -- Geoffrey and Renate Nummela Caine, Executive Secretary and Director of Research Published On: 2007-06-22

"This powerful and passionate text is an excellent read for everyone, from those who are struggling to lead their schools to those who have been generative leaders but didn′t have the voice or language to define it. A must-read for those entrusted with leading today′s students and schools." -- Leslie Wilson, President Published On: 2007-06-22

"Klimek, Ritzenhein, and Sullivan provide a useful and powerful tool for taking educational leaders from yesteryear into the future. This book is the spark that will light the fire within every educator and empower today′s school leaders and those around them." -- Mary Madden, Principal Published On: 2007-06-22

"Provides a dynamic and powerful model for organizational change founded on practical, realistic principles. The generative approach enables leaders to meet the contemporary needs and complex challenges that schools face by calling on the talent, energy, and creativity of all individuals in an organization." -- DiAnne Pellerin, Superintendent Published On: 2007-06-22

"Students need to learn how to learn. This book is a tactical presentation of how to accomplish this goal, describing an ideal environment for teachers to instill students with critical reading and thinking skills." -- Kathryn Clark, Chief Executive Officer Published On: 2007-06-26

"A masterful synthesis of the most vital educational research findings and key leadership lessons of our time, presented in an engaging, accessible way. This book gives language, structures, and approaches for designing authentic learning environments that engage the vitality of those involved in any educational setting." -- Chris Koenig Seguin, Art Education Department Chairperson Published On: 2007-08-21

"What a contribution! This book should be required reading for all aspiring school leaders." -- Roberta E. Glaser, Retired Assistant Superintendent Published On: 2007-10-04

"Extremely helpful for today’s educational leaders working to improve schools for tomorrow. The book is well designed for both individual study and reflection as well as for group or faculty book study." -- Amy Allen, Educational Consultant Published On: 2007-10-04

"This book is unlike any leadership book I have seen in education, offering a team leadership model that offers hope for the future of education through more appropriate leadership styles." -- Renee Peoples, Teacher Published On: 2007-10-04

"The material is well integrated, building from a definition of each of the three foundational concepts of the book, an historical perspective on how each of the concepts was formed, and how the concepts impact leadership. The book goes on to show how the concepts meld together to become generative leadership and then shifts to how the leader might use the concepts in his or her workplace." -- Stephen D. Shepperd, Principal Published On: 2007-10-04

"The reader gets a clear picture of what a generative leader is and what tools and resources are needed for the generative leader to survive in an ever-changing world. I found ideas and suggestions that I could easily incorporate into my leadership style and use with my staff." -- Gustava Cooper-Baker, Principal Published On: 2007-10-04

"This book helps us see the positives that can be rescued from our attempts to over-emphasize using data and measurement solely for accountability at the expense using it to create the nurturing instructional environment that is necessary for creative human growth. I came away from the book with a new understanding of what I am seeing in the world of education today." -- Jane Belmore, Educational Leadership Doctoral Faculty Published On: 2007-10-04

"Our schools need leadership that challenges the imaginations of our students and teachers. They need leadership that can uncover the liberating opportunities concealed within daunting challenges―this is the defining ability of American genius. This is the ‘generative leadership’ we come to understand so clearly in this powerful and concise volume." -- From the Foreword by Senator John H. Glenn Published On: 2007-10-25

"Highly original in its synthesis of ideas. This is a wonderful book that is very much needed at this time. The stories are woven with great effect." -- Sam Crowell, Director Published On: 2008-01-23

"Provides the tools necessary for the transformation of traditional educational institutions and programs into vibrant, exciting, and creative centers for learning. This is a must-read for all educators and should be the foundation of professional development activities for both aspiring and experienced administrators." -- Arnold A. Kummerow, Superintendent Published On: 2008-01-24

"A winning guide that educators need." -- The Bookwatch, July 2008 Published On: 2008-11-20

Elsie Ritzenhein is the director of the Macomb Academy of Arts and Sciences in Armada, Michigan, a magnet school for mathematics, science, and technology that has been designed around a foundation of generativity, living systems, and brain/mind learning research. She is also president and CEO of Creative Sources, where she uses her vast experience as a principal, teacher, central office administrator, Title I director, arts administrator, and school board member to assist educators and leaders in designing and implementing generative environments in schools. She has consulted for many years in such K-12 areas as language arts, the fine and performing arts, creativity, integrated curriculum and instruction, and brain/mind teaching and learning, and has worked with community college faculty as well.

Ritzenhein has held adjunct faculty positions at a number of colleges and universities in Michigan, most recently Saginaw Valley State University. She is also currently on the faculty of the Natural Learning Research Institute and is a senior associate with Caine Learning. She is passionate about creating school and organizational environments in which all stakeholders and participants can work toward their full learning and creative potential.

Kathryn D. Sullivan is a scientist, astronaut, and award-winning educator. She currently serves as the founding director of the Battelle Center for Mathematics & Science Education Policy in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University. During her 15 years with NASA, Sullivan flew on three space shuttle missions and earned the distinction of being the first American woman to walk in space. She served as chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from 1993 to 1996. She became president & CEO of COSI (Ohio’s Center of Science & Industry), one of the nation’s premiere centers for hands-on science and public outreach.

Recognizing her lifelong work in science education, the National Science Board awarded her its Public Service Medal in 2003. Soon after, she was appointed to that board by the President of the United States, and now serves as vice chairman. Sullivan is an acclaimed speaker on the national and international levels and a strong advocate for bringing the passion and creativity of real science into the heart of teaching and learning.