Deliberate Optimism

Still Reclaiming the Joy in Education

Debbie Silver, Jack C. Berckemeyer

• Publisher: Corwin
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN:
  9781071889053
• eBook ISBN:
  9781071889091
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Leadership in Education

Even more ways for educators to flourish

A lot has changed in schools since Deliberate Optimism was first published, but one thing hasn't: Attitude can make all the difference. When educators choose optimism—even in the face of the toughest challenges—they foster a school culture where students and staff feel safe, engaged, and productive, able to enjoy the healthy interactions that lead to real change.

Updated to address major changes in education since 2015, the second edition of this much-loved book features new doses of the same cathartic humor, plus

• Revised, more succinct Principles of Optimism
• Expanded focus on leadership
• Updated strategies and thought-provoking scenarios
• Interactive "Action Step" exercises
• A new chapter on mental health
• QR codes leading to additional resources such as self-assessments and videos

Optimism is the salve for overworked leaders and teachers, and this book delivers on outlining its indisputable benefits. Brimming with wit and honesty, the updated Deliberate Optimism demonstrates how changing your mindset can help you rediscover your motivation—and create a school environment bound for success.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Acknowledgements
• Half Title
• Acknowledgements
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• About the Authors
• Introduction Introduction Choosing to Enter Education Is a Telling Vote for Optimism
• Principle 1 Gather Information
• Principle 2 Control What You Can
• Principle 3 Do Something Positive
• Principle 4 Own Your Part
• Principle 5 Mental Health Is Health
• Principle 6 “But We Have This ONE Teacher Who keeps Ruining Everything!”
• Principle 7 Building a Positive Shared School Community
• Principle 8 Joyful School Communities—The Sum of Their Parts
• APPENDICES
• Appendix I.1: Life Orientation Test
• Appendix I.2: Happiness and Optimism Tests
• Appendix I.3: Life on a Roll
• Appendix 1.1: Four Principles of Deliberate Optimism
• Appendix 1.2: Four Principles of Deliberate Optimism
• Appendix 1.3: Realistic Awareness
• Appendix 1.4: Recognizing and Celebrating Staff
• Appendix 3.1: Tips for Writing Letters to Students
• Appendix 5.1: Some Simple Suggestions for Managing Stress
• Appendix 6.1: Ten Tips for Improving Interpersonal Relationships
• Appendix 6.2: Life Is a Theatre
• Appendix 7.1: Effective Team-Building Activities and Icebreakers
• Appendix 7.2: Student Accountability Sheet
• Appendix 7.3: Loyalty
• Appendix 8.1: Student-Led Conferences
• References
• Index
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