Starr Sackstein - From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader—without Losing Your Mind:

Another stellar book by Sackstein! From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader without Losing Your Mind really resonated with me. Many thoughts and ideas were shared that would benefit any leader whether a veteran, beginner, or aspiring. This book allows the reader to reflect, learn, and grow as they build their personal leadership style. I personally appreciate the honesty and transparency that Starr shared. The importance of relationships and feedback are addressed throughout and truly are the foundation of effective leadership. I cant wait to share this with my mentors and fellow aspiring school leaders!

Jodie Pierpoint, aspiring leader

Leaving the classroom for a leadership position is not always easy even after the decision has been made. In From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader without Losing Your Mind, Starr Sackstein uses her usual raw honesty (which I happen to find refreshing) to help new leaders negotiate their way through the transition. This book is about more than our profession; its about life.

Peter DeWitt, EdD, author/consultant, Education Week Finding Common Ground blog

Our very best teachers are also leaders, and our very best leaders never stop teaching. From Teacher to Leader is written by Starr Sackstein, a person who has always been a master leader, albeit while serving as a classroom teacher. As Starr moved from the classroom into an official administrative leadership role, she experienced many successes as well as challenges. This book captures her journey in a compelling way and will serve as an excellent resource for any educator moving from the classroom into an administrative role. The book is filled with sound advice, practical strategies, and inspiring stories. Each chapter includes helpful questions designed to help readers reflect on what they are doing, where they have been, and where they are going in their career. I highly recommend this well-written, important book.

Jeffrey Zoul, EdD, author, speaker, leadership coach, and president of ConnectEDD

Sackteins latest book on educational leadership in the twenty-first century is a shining star for the simple fact that it gives an honest look at what it takes to not only land your first job as a school- or district-based leader but actually be successful. This important book places a strong emphasis on relationships, growth, and a commitment to doing whats best for kids all day, every day. New to the world of leadership? Buy this book today!

Brad Currie, 2017 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year

This story of a remarkably gifted teachers journey into administration after her first year is a great read. After sixteen years developing consummate teaching skills, Starrs reflections, research efforts, and writing skills have resulted in a valuable resource for teachers considering a jump to administration and for experienced administrators as well. She truly lives up to her desire of becoming the kind of leader she would want to have. As an educator since 1969 and an administrator for thirty years, I find her advice to be spot-on. Make sure you and your professional development library have a copy.

Dr. Doug Green, educational consultant and blogger

Starr and I go back a few years now, and I have lived through her growth via conversations and online discussions but mostly by reading her books along the way. I have seen her progress from her initial foray into education with Teaching Mythology Exposed and observed her growth in blogging, questioning homework and grading, and even questioning questioning.

Starr is passionate about relevance in schools. She clearly demonstrated relevance in the classroom and is now seeking relevance as an administrator.

Her latest book, From Teacher to Leader, chronicles that journey clearly and concisely. Starr, never afraid to take on a new challenge, is approaching this new role in her positive style. The book flows very well, beginning with a succinct portrait of Starr by her current superintendent, Dan Rehman, and addressing many important topics for someone considering leaving the classroom for an administrative position.

Starr speaks to the differences in being a teacher as a leader and leading teachers as an administrator. Defining her experiences very well, Starr lays it out there so prospective administrators have a clear view and understanding of the challenges each may face.

From Teacher to Leader is a must-read for anyone considering leaving the classroom for an administrative position. Her latest creation will find a place on my bookshelf along with Starrs other books, reminding me that we must be passionate, caring, and questioning as we move through our educational lives.

Dr. Michael Curran, professor of teacher education at Rider University

I have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with and growing into the role of an administrator alongside Starr Sackstein. From Teacher to Leader is incredibly insightful, practical, and is written in a manner that provides someone entering the administrative realm with both practical strategies and big ideas that could immediately inform practice and pedagogy. This book is a must-read for administrators who are beginning their journey as well as for those who want to continually reflect on best practice in their leadership roles.

Greg Fredricks, assistant principal, LaGrange Middle School, New York

Not since former NYS Commissioner of Education Thomas Sobols My Life in School has there been such a powerful personal reflection by a leader about school leadership. Looking back over his career, Sobol revealed the effect of his struggles and successes. He shared how it felt to be a leader, not simply what happened. In complementary fashion, Starr Sackstein writes from where she presently stands and looks forward. Her experiences are those happening right now in an educational world we can all identify with because we are all living in that world. She describes the pull toward leadership as it sits in contrast with the hesitation to leave the classroom where comfort and success reside. Each of her steps and stages and struggles weave together to be an important story all can understand and learn from. Her story is happening now. Her compelling revelations serve as a shared journey that can help escort others to move from a classroom to a leadership team.