From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader without Losing Your Mind

My daughter wanted this book, she is a teacher and just got her Doctorate and she said this book is very helpful for her future plans.

What a powerful journey through Starr Sackstein's first year as a leader. The reader gets a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles, successes, and inner thoughts of Starr's experiences as she grapples with her first year working with teachers as adult learners versus the autonomy of working with her students in the classroom. I wish so badly I'd had this book when I first made that transition. Even now, it's an excellent source of validation that I'm not alone and that others experience the same feelings I had. Highly recommended, especially to anyone ready to make the leap from teacher to leader!

This book has a nice personal feel to it, and I’m glad I read it. It’s a quick read. The advice feels like the author has adapted her personal diary of lessons learned as a first time leader.I really appreciated the discussions about isolation, being “one of them”, discussions on changes to professional managerial dress code, finding at least one confidant in management, etc. I also appreciated Starr’s discussions of removing oneself from the center of activity, and seeing management as a support, creating teacher-centered learning opportunities.I didn’t really care for the introduction—it felt more like a recommendation letter from the author’s boss, and I also thought the detailed weekly schedule of the author’s dream job should have been cut.You would like this book if you’re interested in reading more about the emotional adjustments that occur when you leave comfort of being a teacher to enter the a managerial role in education. You would probably not like this book if your looking for specific managerial techniques in education.

I love this book. I will be stepping into the role of AP next year and there are so many things I wonder about, especially how I will handle the transition from teacher to administration. Everything is covered—from mistakes made, to suggestions on how to process the “new.” This book will be my manual this next year!

From the evidence-based, student-centered feedback that leaders should give teachers, to the isolation new leaders may feel, to the checklists around keeping balance, Sackstein has written a practical, thoughtful, and honest read for new leaders or those considering making the shift.

I always enjoy books that capture honest reflections. Starr’s book gives the reader insight into her journey and allows the reader to feel the passion she feels towards what she does. Starr, at her core, is a teacher and she is also a leader. She shares her journey, the positives and the challenges that all come when we try something new, in her case a district leadership position. This book is honest and at times raw. Starr allows you, the reader, to experience her journey.As an experienced principal, I would recommend this book to anyone new to a leadership role or aspiring to find a leadership position. Starr is reflective, honest, committed, and smart. She is exactly the type of leader I would want on my team. When you read this book it’s comforting and encouraging to experience the journey of a younger leader doing exactly what she is meant to do.

Starr Sackstein has offered us a gift by sharing her journey out of the classroom and into administration. Her personal experiences give readers an authentic view of the struggles and sacrifices that many leadership books sugar coat to highlight success. Experienced administrators will recognize themselves and their teachers throughout From Teacher to Leader. Educators contemplating a career change will benefit from the multiple perspectives shared; these diverse views on leadership will help readers to anticipate situations they might not have even considered. Each chapter arms new administrators with advice they will be grateful they had in advance. Why go into a new position blind when you can be led by Starr Sackstein to prevent from learning the hard way and be more prepared for success?

This is a story of a remarkably gifted teacher's journey into administration after her first year. Starr's reflections, research efforts, and writing skills have resulted in a valuable resource for teachers considering a jump to administration and experienced administrators alike. She lives up to her desire of becoming the kind of leader she would want to have. As an educator since 1969 and an administrator for 30 years, I find her advice to be spot on. Make sure that you and your school's professional development library has a copy. Also consider her other fine books.