Wildflowers: A School Superintendent's Challenge to America - Inspiring Education Reform & Leadership Book for Teachers & Administrators | Perfect for Professional Development & Policy Discussions

As a parent and educator, the title of this book and cover illustration intrigued me. How and why could a book on education be called Wildflowers? So I bought a copy and wow was I surprised! This book exceeded my expectations for several reasons. It’s the first book on education that I could understand. The author’s style is refreshingly honest and direct, and his stories about his journey leading a large urban school district in distress, compelling. Once you read it you’ll understand the connection to Wildflowers - based on Sir Ken Robinson’s statement that “we are all gardeners called upon to set the optimal conditions” for our children.Second, it’s not a “how to do it manual” and lord knows we have hundreds of those already in print. We certainly don’t need any more “tool boxes.” We need more hope and honest inspiration, and reminders of what’s possible. This book paints a clear vision of what’s possible when we put children at the center of our education decisions.What struck me the most - Jonathan Raymond skillfully reminds us that educating the head, heart and hands - whole child education - is not new. In fact it was the pillar of a once proud and great US public education system. Raymond urges readers to remember this, and his narrative seems more like a wake-up call.Finally, in a world increasingly characterized by being “volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous”, Raymond shows us that a return to whole child education is not only desperately needed - it’s the one true path forward. True leadership and change is about bringing greater awareness to ourselves and others, and using the power of stories and relationships to spread hope and inspiration. A must read for you and your friends and neighbors.