Why School Communication Matters: Strategies From PR Professionals
No school administrator should be without [this book]. Surviving and thriving in today's complex school environment requires the ability to communicate well with our constituents. (Dr. Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA and former superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools (VA))Why School Communication Mattersis not only an interesting, but a really necessary project! (Brigid Schulte, staff writer, Washington Post)The authors are uniquely qualified to suggest innovative concepts in communications for school leaders. Their experiences come through loud and clear and form the lens through which their recommendations are viewed. School leaders would be wise to embrace the authors' philosophy and incorporate the hard learned lessons into their daily practice. (Fred Ellis, director, Office of Safety and Security, Fairfax County Public Schools (VA))Our inability to communicate what we do every day in schools makes our jobs much harder, and may even threaten public education as an institution. That is part of the premise of this powerful and compelling book. Happily, the other premise says that we CAN re-look our communications "thinking, and we CAN do it right now. Kitty Porterfield and Meg Carnes draw upon their years in the "trenches" as communication experts to provide practical, thoughtful, and critical ideas designed to guide and empower school leaders. (Denny Berry, director, Cluster VI, Fairfax County Public Schools)Drawing on years of experience in education and public relations, they present a unique business model for running more effective schools. With a focus on leadership skills such as listening, engaging the community, and managing crises, they provide school administrators with a clear and practical blueprint for success....The books is part instruction manual and part motivational seminar. While written primarily for superintendents, principals and other school leaders, it would be a useful tool for 'stakeholders' (i.e, parents) who want to become more involved in their children's education. (The Literary Hill)Why School Communication Mattersis written in a step-by-step format, ready for immediate application. It is an excellent resource and guide to help principals and school leaders build strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and business-relationships that will result in a more supportive and productive school community. (Stephen D. Hockett, Virginia Principal of the Year and Principal in Residence, Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education)Recommend this book to anyone involved or interested in school leadership. (Sandra L. HuskSchool Administrator, May 2009)