Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential
“Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.” — New York Times
Born to Rise is the inspiring account of Deborah Kenny’s pursuit of social justice for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Part memoir, part manifesto, it is a hopeful and practical exposition of what it takes to transform schools and create organizations where the staff lights up with entrepreneurial drive.
Students enter Harlem Village Academies, the network of charter schools Kenny founded, several years behind grade level, but in just a few years they are transformed, ranking among the highest in the nation. How did they do it? For the first time, Kenny reveals the secret to creating a powerful workplace culture that attracts the most talented people and brings out their passion and highest performance—a culture that produces stunning student achievement results and teachers who regularly use words like “magical” to describe the workplace environment. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and the future of this country and for leaders who want to inspire fierce dedication in their employees.
1110766589
Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential
“Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.” — New York Times
Born to Rise is the inspiring account of Deborah Kenny’s pursuit of social justice for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Part memoir, part manifesto, it is a hopeful and practical exposition of what it takes to transform schools and create organizations where the staff lights up with entrepreneurial drive.
Students enter Harlem Village Academies, the network of charter schools Kenny founded, several years behind grade level, but in just a few years they are transformed, ranking among the highest in the nation. How did they do it? For the first time, Kenny reveals the secret to creating a powerful workplace culture that attracts the most talented people and brings out their passion and highest performance—a culture that produces stunning student achievement results and teachers who regularly use words like “magical” to describe the workplace environment. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and the future of this country and for leaders who want to inspire fierce dedication in their employees.
9.99
In Stock
51
Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential
“Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.” — New York Times
Born to Rise is the inspiring account of Deborah Kenny’s pursuit of social justice for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Part memoir, part manifesto, it is a hopeful and practical exposition of what it takes to transform schools and create organizations where the staff lights up with entrepreneurial drive.
Students enter Harlem Village Academies, the network of charter schools Kenny founded, several years behind grade level, but in just a few years they are transformed, ranking among the highest in the nation. How did they do it? For the first time, Kenny reveals the secret to creating a powerful workplace culture that attracts the most talented people and brings out their passion and highest performance—a culture that produces stunning student achievement results and teachers who regularly use words like “magical” to describe the workplace environment. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and the future of this country and for leaders who want to inspire fierce dedication in their employees.
Deborah Kenny is founder and CEO of Harlem Village Academies, a network of public charter schools. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential educational entrepreneurs in the country and is regularly featured in national television and print media. Kenny holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in comparative international education and a B.A. Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in New York City.
Table of Contents
1 Searching 1
2 What Life Expects 17
3 People, Not Product 39
4 Providence 51
5 A School for My Children 73
6 Down to the Wire 85
7 Startup 103
8 Rock Stars 113
9 The Path to Justice 133
10 Drowning 141
11 My Child Is a Child Again 155
12 I Used to Throw My Books Away 177
13 People and Culture 187
14 Scenes from a Revolution 209
15 Be the Culture 219
16 Born to Rise 227
Epilogue: The Education Manifesto 235
Acknowledgments 241
What People are Saying About This
Hugh Jackman
“Deborah has created something extraordinary at Harlem Village Academies. You feel a warmth and an intellectual energy but most of all there’s a passion for learning like I have never before seen at a school.”
Michael Bloomberg
“Deborah Kenny’s inspiring story holds powerful lessons for parents, teachers, administrators, and elected officials across the country.”
John Legend
“Deborah’s passion and integrity are inspirational. This important story is a must-read.”
Jack Welch
“Leaders who want to light an entrepreneurial fire under every employee must read this book.”
Jason Mraz
Born to Rise is about Deborah Kenny’s ability to see greatness in every child and transform entire communities. Her journey is a passionate one and gives me goose bumps.”
Bill Cosby
“Deborah’s journey is a gift: she teaches children to love learning”