Wholehearted School Leadership Rewiring our Schools for Courage, Justice, Learning, and Connection

Meet the Author

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part 1: Leading for Courage and Justice

I. Lead for Courage Overview

1. Commit to High Expectations

2. Celebrate Community Wisdom

Concept Study: Lessons from our First Classrooms

3. Keep Showing Up. Keep Listening.

4. Relationships Are the Heart of Great Leadership

5. Cultivate Gratitude

II. Lead for Justice Overview

Concept Study: Trauma-Informed School Leadership

6. Commit to Antiracism

7. Hold Space for Healing

8. Foster a Sense of Belonging

9. Practice Inclusion

Concept Study: What is an upstander?

10. Advocate for Inclusion

Continuing to Lead for Courage and Justice

Part 2: Leading for Learning and Connection

III. Lead for Learning Section Overview

11. Advance Agency and Opportunity

12. Support Learner-Led Projects

13. Leverage Emerging Technologies

Concept Study: Strengths-Based Perspectives in a Digital World

14. Lean into Brain-Based Leadership

15. Diversify Your Professional Learning

IV. Lead for Connection Overview

Concept Study: Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)

16. Practice Cultural Learning and Reciprocity

17. Build Accountability through Grace

18. Communicate Care Across Cultures

19. Progress is a Team Process

20. Expand Learning, Reduce Barriers

Concept Study: The Cognitive Triangle as a Support Tool

Continuing to Lead for Learning and Connection

The Brave Leadership Needed to Rewire our Schools

Biography

Kathryn Fishman-Weaver is an educator, author, and international lecturer. She is the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy, a global and blended K-12 lab school at the University of Missouri and an Associate Teaching Professor in Community Engagement and School Leadership, and serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth navigating the foster care system. 

"Wholehearted School Leadership doesn’t just talk about school leadership—it also models it. The chapters are filled with relatable stories, practical strategies, and impactful exercises. Whether you're a first-year principal or a veteran school leader, this book will impact how you lead your team, support your students, and think about school. Wholehearted School Leadership is a valuable addition to your professional library.” 

Todd Whitaker, Educator and Author of 65 Books. 

“Impeccable. Wholehearted School Leadership gets right to the heart of why we are in education and how to leverage this foundation to strengthen and grow from within. The reflective exercises are a powerful way to help school leaders individualize this work in their own school settings.” 

Jill Dunlap Brown, Founding Partner and CEO of Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) Education & Company, USA. 

“School leaders will benefit from reading Wholehearted School Leadership by Kathryn Fishman-Weaver. By embracing vulnerability and fostering a culture of empathy, trust, and connection, this book offers practical insights for creating student-centered environments while navigating challenges with grace and forgiveness. It’s an essential guide for leaders who prioritize relational, heart-driven, human-centered leadership.” 

Peter Stiepleman, Author and host of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. 

“Wholehearted School Leadership is an indispensable resource for school leaders seeking to inspire meaningful change and foster team connection. Blending personal stories with a values-based framework centered on courage, justice, learning, and connection, the book offers actionable strategies that align seamlessly with the school year. As both a transformative tool for professional growth and a guide for heart-centered leadership, it empowers educators to reshape schools with purpose and impact.” 

Ransford Pinto, Associate Director of Graduate Pedagogy, Princeton University, USA.