In Ethical Leadership, Robert Starratt– one of the leading thinkers on the topic of ethics and education– shows educational leaders how to move beyond mere technical efficiency in the delivery and performance of learning. Starratt explains that educational leadership requires a moral commitment to high quality learning for all students– a commitment based on three essential virtues: proactive responsibility; personal and professional authenticity; and an affirming, critical, and enabling presence to the workers and the work involved in teaching and learning. He clarifies how essential these virtues are for leadership in the pressure-cooker of high-stakes schooling. He provides a vivid illustration in the story of a principal who struggles to do the right thing for his students and teachers, as they are pressured– and often punished– by state mandated tests. Starratt concludes by offering practical suggestions for aspiring and working leaders. Ethical Leadership is part of the Jossey-Bass Leadership Library in Education. " Starratt’ s deeply felt book helps leaders explore their own humanity and humane responsibilities to others while working in contemporary school settings." – Eric Bredo, professor and coordinator, Social Foundations Program, Department of Leadership, Foundations and Policy, University of Virginia " This book provides a brilliant fusion of the philosophical and the practical in analyzing the ethical and moral dimensions of educational leadership. The foundational ethics of authenticity, responsible and presence provides a new and very creative framework for the practice of moral leadership. A must read." – Patrick Duignan, foundation chair in education leadership, director, Research Center in Educational Leadership, Australian Catholic University
