Reviews
James Cox, Midwest Book Review - July 20, 2018
“A complete and comprehensive course of study under one cover, ‘Eight Paths to Leadership’ is an ideal special education in-service curriculum text, and is unreservedly recommended for school district, college and university library Teacher Education collections in general, and Special Education supplemental studies reading lists in particular. For each path to leadership, teachers will get detailed guidelines for success, grounded in up-to-date research and the author's deep understanding of the everyday challenges educators face. Throughout this instructive study, ‘Voice of a Leader’ interview excerpts share nuggets of practical wisdom and show how real teachers evolved and triumphed on diverse paths to leadership. Individual chapters include learning objectives, definitions of key terms, thought-provoking reflection questions, interview excerpts, and follow-up activities to help teachers delve deeper into each leadership path. Full transcripts of interviews with eight teacher leaders are available online.”
Katharine Shepherd, College of Education and Social Services, University of Vermont - February 25, 2018
“Eight Paths to Leadership provides a fresh look at the multiple ways special education teachers can expand their roles to become tomorrow's leaders. This book is a call-to-action and a ‘must-read’ for higher education faculty and special educators who want to make a difference in the field.”
J. Matt Jameson, University of Utah - February 22, 2018
“As evidence accumulates that leadership is essential for the successful implementation of EBPs in educational settings there is a corresponding need for practical and useful tools to help special education teachers become actively engaged classroom, school, district, state, and national level leaders and advocates. Embedded into an overview of best practices for students with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Collins' framework for pathways into educational leadership should be required content for graduate level programs in special education.”
Robert Pennington, University of Louisville - February 21, 2018
“Collins' book gets right at the heart of what it means to be a leader in special education. She has operationalized leadership in a way that is accessible and achievable by every practitioner seeking to increase their impact on students, colleagues, and the field of special education.”
Melinda Ault, University of Kentucky - February 4, 2018
“Collins presents a much-needed practical resource to assist teachers in building their leadership potential within their own classrooms and schools and expanding their leadership into their states, regions, and the nation.”
Harvey Rude, Professor Emeritus, University of Northern Colorado, Director, Colorado Center for Rural Education - January 30, 2018
“I was impressed with the practical collection of strategies and tools for teacher leaders who work in the field of special education found in Eight Paths to Leadership. Dr. Belva Collins has compiled a masterful collection of evidence-based and practically applied approaches to support the major roles of special education teacher consultants/leaders, regardless of organizational size or scope.”