Joe Clark - If the Dance Floor is Empty, Change the Song: A Superintendents Spin on Making Schools Rock

No matter your role in education, Dr. Joe Clarks book is one you want to read. The book takes you on a journey through stories and passionate writing about what kids deserve from educators at all levels. It reminds us of our why as educatorswhy we do what we do. And what we can do to improve our craft. There is nothing fancy or technical to the art of building relationships, being available, listening, and if these are not working, changing the music. It is not only our job but our moral responsibility to help students find their Santa suits. Recognizing that each student has talents, gifts, and skills that we can help them to display for the world to see is a theme throughout this work. Dr. Joe Clarks writing should encourage others that there are still great educators out there doing what is best for students and helping progress the profession of education in positive ways!

Dr. Holly W. Sutherland, superintendent of Haleyville City Schools (Alabama) and moderator of #ALedchat

The raw vulnerability with impeccable humor and a whole lot of honesty is exactly what Joe has served up for you! If youve ever made a mistake or think you will, then this is a must-read. The lens in which he spins (pun intended) this book is insightfully hilarious!

LaVonna Roth, speaker, author, and chief illuminator of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.

If you are looking for a refreshing perspective on leading and learning from the lens of a superintendent with experience as a professional disc jockey and camp director, you will love If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song by Dr. Joe Clark. Woven through the pages are stories of connection, told with a candor and vulnerability necessary for promoting personal and professional growth. No matter your role in educationsuperintendent, district leader, principal, or teacheryou will be empowered to keep the music playing, no matter which generation you serve. There is something for everyone in this book!

Tamara Letter, MEd, instructional coach, technology integrator, and author of A Passion for Kindness

Its been said that we never know the struggles that someone is going through, so we should treat them kindly always. In If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song, Joe Clark embraces his own vulnerability to share how he reclaimed his story after a traumatic childhood and used his life experiencesand those as a deejay and camp directorto guide his work as a school leader. This book is an often humorous, sometimes melancholy look into what teaching and school leadership is all about. Its a tremendous read that I know youll enjoy.

Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation of Future Ready Schools and author of Personal & Authentic

Too often in education we overcomplicate things. In If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song, Joe Clark shares captivating stories from his life that will make you literally laugh out loud and fight back tears, and in doing so, gives the reader great practical advice for succeeding in the field of education. I would recommend this book not only to all school administrators but also to anyone in a position to positively impact kids.

Ryan McLane, principal, director of special education, and coauthor of Your School Rocks... So Tell People!

If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song is a look into the world of leadership, education, and how to treat students. Dr. Clark writes to inspire teachers, principals, and superintendents to reflect on the mission of being educators while being reminded to enjoy their work. This quick read will help you reflect and smile as Dr. Clark shares meaning and humor in everyday moments.

Todd Whitaker, leading authority on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness and author of What Great Teachers Do Differently

I thoroughly enjoyed reading If the Dance Floor Is Empty... by Dr. Joe Clark! This is a great book for any educator or administrator to read. His advice, stories, and experiences are authentic and will definitely hit home with anyone who has been in the field!

Dr. Bryan Pearlman, founder and head trainer of Most Valuable Professional Development

A refreshing read for both leaders and educators of all levels! This is the type of read that can rejuvenate a veteran or give new teachers tools to keep their morale and inspiration at their peak. The lessons you learn from this book can carry over throughout the year, even when you dont know if you can.

Amber Teamann, principal of Whitt Elementary in Wylie ISD in Wylie, Texas

If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song by Joe Clark is a cleverly written book that will not only make you think about how we approach our jobs as educators but make you chuckle out loud. Filled with personal stories, practical examples, on-point illustrations, and golden nuggets of wisdom, this book will be hard for readers to put down.

Jimmy Casas, educator, author, speaker, and leadership coach

If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song is a book that will leave you smiling and laughing at times. It will also validate your thinking about education. More importantly, it will challenge you to rethink why we serve as educators and what is most important when discussing education and the purpose of schools. This book is filled with scores of reflections on teaching, learning, and leading that are applicable to educators in all roles, especially school leaders.

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

As a newly appointed principal, I found this book witty, insightful, and inspiring. The real-life stories and anecdotes that Dr. Clark provides are relatable to teachers, school managers, and, honestly, anyone in a position of leadership. If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song should be required reading for both new and seasoned school administrators alike. It should be part of every principals and teachers motivational tool kit.

David Thomas, principal of St. Gabriels Special School, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland

Great, another leadership book! That was my first thought when I was asked to read If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song. Once I read the first few pages I was hooked; I truly wanted to dance. Finally, a leadership book with great advice and a vast amount of humor. Yes, school is serious business. But if you dont laugh and enjoy the experiences, then why even be a school leader? Dr. Joe Clark has created an informative, quick read that gives you relatable and useful information. I truly did laugh out loud at graphics, pie charts, and stories. If you cant relate to this book, then you truly have never danced to a good song or sat back and enjoyed the experience of being a school leader.

Jack Berckemeyer, presenter, author, humorist, and former assistant executive director for the National Middle School Association

A gourmet meal of insight offered up in perfect bite-sized portions. Devour it all at once like I did, or pick it up whenever you begin to doubt your role as a leader and educator in this world.

Drew Dudley, author of This Is Day One