In this inspiring TED talk, principal Linda Cliatt-Wayman reflects on her experience as the head of a “low-performing and persistently dangerous” North Philadelphia school where students and staff had low expectations of themselves and each other. Linda shows how setting high expectations, enforcing discipline, and having love for students can turn a failing school into a prospering one in just one year. Leadership, according to Linda, requires a commitment to do the hard things even if it is not popular or well received. “If you are going to lead, lead!”
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Do you know what it takes to transform a chronically failing school?
Leading with heart, passion, high expectations, and a whole lot of daring are key ingredients to creating schools that work. What a pleasure it was to listen to principal Linda express what I knew intimately as an educator and some of the core values that guided how I lead as an educator. Brava to her and your community, and I wish them much continued success!