Todd Nesloney - Stories from Webb: The Ideas, Passions, and Convictions of a Principal and His School Family

So often we read about what could be done in a classroom or should be done for kids by those who have never been inside the trenches. Stories from Webb turns that trend around by hearing from real teachers dealing with real kids each day. Todd and his staff do an amazing job of being honest and transparent about their successes and mistakes along the way in transforming Webb Elementary. From ways to be a voice for students to fun and practical ideas for your school, youll find yourself nodding in agreement as you read these personal tales from people like you and me that show the dedication and love in this school.

Adam Dovico , principal, author of Inside the Trenches and co-author of The Limitless School

If we had any doubt that Todd Nesloney was the real deal after reading Kids Deserve It! , we can now put it to rest. In Stories from Webb , this amazing principal has galvanized the staff, students, parents, and entire school community around the idea that we canand we mustdo everything within our power to help every single child grow and succeed and flourish. The better news? He and the legions of caring, loving, dedicated adults show us how to do just that. Thomas Edison suggested that being a role model is THE way to influence others. After reading this, youll be influenced in a dramatically, overwhelmingly positive way. Todd is a role model for all of us.

Pete Hall , co-author of Fostering Resilient Learners and president of Strive Success Solutions

Todd Nesloney is a passionate principal who shares heartfelt stories from teachers and learners. In this collection of anecdotes, you will be reminded why your role as a teacher matters. These stories highlight the real impact and life difference educators make every day.

Shelly Sanchez Terrell , international speaker, author, and digital innovator

Another wonderful book about the struggles, rewards, and heartbreaks of being an educator by White House Champion of Change Todd Nesloney. I was particularly moved by the stories of the Webb Elementary teachers who loved their students when no one else did, giving them the food, attention, and clothes when no one in their students lives would or could. You will take a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you walk in the footsteps and share the journeys of these remarkable teachers and discover how they truly touch lives and change them for the better.

Jack Andraka , inventor, scientist, and author of Breakthrough

Stories from Webb reminded me that Im not alone as an educator. There is a staff in Navasota, Texas, that knows all about the heartbreak, challenges, frustrations, and utter joy that comes with teaching. Hearing how they dealt with struggles and celebrated successes inspired me to be a better teacher, writer, and person. Todd Nesloney is a master at weaving all of these stories together, and its evident hes also a master at leading a staff under the mantra that every kid in that school is valuable and that they all deserve amazing teachers.

Trevor Muir , author of The Epic Classroom

Webb Elementary is clearly a very special place. Todd Nesloneys collection of its teachers most heartfelt moments is sure to inspire all who care deeply about the lives of children.

Sally Pla , author of The Someday Birds and Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

Our teachers arent celebrated nearly enough for their hard work, and its books like this that give them a voice and help us see just how much teachers care about their students. Todd & his team provide practical and inspirational lessons for us all throughout this book.

Josh Shipp , founder of OneCaringAdult.com

Todd Nesloneys exquisite Stories from Webb is a celebratory school-wide gathering of dedicated educators who bravely share their professional stories of hope, sorrow, and joy. In page after page, Todd generously swings open the doors of Webb Elementary and invites us to stand beside them as they push down walls and forge new paths, with children always in view. Through those stories from the heart, we willingly navigate the paths alongside them as we become the rich benefactors of collective wisdom fueled to mine our own stories that will illuminate new possibilities ahead.

Dr. Mary Howard , literacy consultant, author of Good to Great Teaching

Stories from Webb fills a desperate need we have in education today: to hear the voices of teachers who are in classrooms every day, pouring their hearts into creating a better world for their students. Todd Nesloney is the type of leader I aspire to be and the type that our schools need! He has empowered the staff at Webb Elementary to embody the Kids Deserve It movement and has woven together a beautiful narrative of the hard work, heartbreak, and triumph that comes from keeping students at the core. The stories found on these pages are raw, honest, and uplifting. I believe that, like me, educators everywhere will both laugh and cry as they devour these stories and will walk away feeling affirmed, with a renewed sense of empathy for those around us, and with an insatiable desire to never stop raising the bar, expanding our own horizons, and creating new opportunities for kids!

Dr. Steven Lamkin , elementary principal and adjunct professor

I loveand you, too, will lovethat stories are the heart and soul of Stories from Webb ! We learn from stories, and the stories by teachers from Webb will most certainly ignite your passion for teaching. Stories from new and experienced teachers will become your storiestheir students are like your students. Todd Nesloney, principal of Webb, creates a passionate and dedicated teaching and learning community by asking his staff to share their stories about interacting with students. Youll love the responsive teaching that always puts students at the center. Stories bond us to texts, and Stories from Webb will resonate in your head and heart and help you reclaim, reflect on, and share with colleagues your own stories about teaching and learning with students.

Laura Robb , teacher, coach, and author of The Reading Intervention Toolkit

In Stories from Webb , Todd takes on the task of not only sharing what he believes about education but also turns the spotlight, and gives a voice to, the other educators at his school that impact children every day. Every educator deserves the opportunity to share their stories, and the stories youll find in this book will break your heart, fuel your soul, give you hope, and make you want to get out there and do something amazing because, as Todd has always said, our #KidsDeserveIt.

Erik Wahl , artist and author

Stories from Webb is a collection of stories that, no matter the demographics you serve, will touch your heart and challenge you to reconnect with your why. For anyone struggling with their purpose in education, this book will help you reconnect with a calling greater than yourself. Be prepared to cry and be moved to take action in a fight that will require you to be all in for kids. I am so glad this team of educators armed themselves with vulnerability to share their experiences with the world.

This book is proof that test preparation and boxed programs are not the driver of student achievement. The staff at Webb Elementary validate that by cultivating relationships with all stakeholders and eliminating excuses that students thrive. Filled with lessons and wisdom, Stories from Webb offers hope to all educators no matter their role.

Lynmara Colon , principal

Stories from Webb is a love story from educators who care deeply for the education, health, and well-being of each and every one of the children in their charge. Its also a candid look inside an elementary school where there are no limits placed on growth. At Webb, students, teachers, and administrators are working together, learning and growing every day.