The Lifeworld of Leadership

"Sergiovanni's book gives life and meaning to the words 'lifeworld' and 'systemsworld'--bringing a new and insightful perspective to the discourse on school reform--and challenges school leaders to gain a more holistic view of students and interaction in the teaching-learning process."--Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, The National Association of Secondary School Principals

"Once again, Sergiovanni has used his remarkable and unique insight to bring clarity to a major challenge of current leadership--the use of standards. He has managed to contextualize the issue of standards, through looking at the 'lifeworld' of schools, in a way no one else has. This is a fresh and thought-provoking take on a subject school leaders must understand."--Paul D. Houston, executive director, American Association of School Administrators

This inspiring book calls for leaders who act according to the unique culture, values, and needs of their schools. Tom Sergiovanni examines why this "lifeworld" is so vital to school success and shows how local leadership can make the difference in creating healthy, rigorous schools. He explores the crucial link between school character and school improvement. By building institutional character at the local level, principals, superintendents, and policymakers can not only protect the lifeworld of their schools but also craft an educational system based on layered loyalties and shared accountability. The Lifeworld at the Center.

School Character, School Effectiveness.

Competence and Caring in Action.

Community in a Diverse Society.

Layered Standards and Shared Accountability.

Whole Child, Whole School, Holistic Assessment.

Teachers: Keys to School Improvement.

Deep Change and the Power of Localism.

Leadership, Democracy, and the Lifeworld.

Thomas J. Sergiovanni is Lillian Radford Professor of Education and Administration, senior fellow at the Center for Educational Leadership, and founder of the Trinity Principal's Center at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He is the author of several books, including Leadership for the Schoolhouse, Building Community in Schools, and Moral Leadership. The Lifework of Leadership

In this inspiring book, Thomas J. Sergiovanni examines why the "lifeworld" of schools is so vital to school success and shows how local leadership can make the difference in creating healthy, rigorous schools for our children. He proposes initiatives that invite all educational stakeholders to lead without compromising the legitimate interests of their school and communities.

"Leaders who are trying to act according to the unique culture, values, and needs of their schools while also meeting state and national standards will find this inspiring book a welcome addition to their professional libraries."
–The School Administrator

"Sergiovanni gets to the heart of school reform and renewal in this book. He shows how local school communities can construct standards that support serious learning and effective caring for students. This is a must read for anyone involved in education policy or practice today."
–Linda Darling-Hammond, professor of education, Stanford University, and codirector, National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST), Teachers College, Columbia University

"Sergiovanni’s book gives life and meaning to the words ‘lifeworld’ and ‘systemsworld’–bringing a new and insightful perspective to the discourse on school reform–and challenges school leaders to gain a more holistic view of students and interaction in the teaching-learning process."
–Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, The National Association of Secondary School Principals

“Leaders who are trying to act according to the unique culture, values, and needs of their schools while also meeting state and national standards will find this inspiring book a welcome addition to their professional libraries.”
--The School Administrator

"Sergiovanni gets to the heart of school reform and renewal in this book. He shows how local school communities can construct standards that support serious learning and effective caring for students. This is a must read for anyone involved in education policy or practice today."
--Linda Darling-Hammond, professor of education, Stanford University, and codirector, National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST), Teachers College, Columbia University

“Sergiovanni's book gives life and meaning to the words 'lifeworld' and 'systemsworld'--bringing a new and insightful perspective to the discourse on school reform--and challenges school leaders to gain a more holistic view of students and interaction in the teaching-learning process.”
--Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, The National Association of Secondary School Principals