The League of Extraordinary Educators: The Secret Strategies of Transformational Teachers

by Shaun Woodly

Overview

Deliver on the promise of equity and transformational instruction in your classroom

In The League of Extraordinary Educators, veteran educator Dr. Shaun Woodly delivers a rousing narrative designed to take readers on a journey of empowerment, motivation, rich learning experiences, classroom synergy and even secrecy! You’ll learn how to transform teaching and learning through empowering connections at all levels in the classroom, saying goodbye to outdated, ineffective teaching practices and saying hello to instructional methods that authentically captivate students from diverse backgrounds.

In the book, you’ll also find:

• Transformative practices that emerge from a combination of inspiration, mindset shifts, as well as practical techniques and strategies
• A focus on the importance of human connection, culturally significant learning experiences and community in the classroom
• A revolutionary story the reveals the secret strategies of transformational educations in urban and culturally diverse schools

An indispensable resource for K-12 teachers, instructional staff, as well as leaders and administrators facing tough issues around creating meaningful learning experiences for students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, The League of Extraordinary Educators will set the stage for learning environments that authentically engage to create equitable academic outcomes for all students. All meaning all!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781119902652
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	11/07/2023
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 5.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Shaun Woodly, PhD, has dedicated his career to education, first as a decorated K-12 teacher and later as a university professor, author, and speaker. He is the architect behind the educator movement “Teach Hustle Inspire,” which seeks to redefine teaching as well as learning experiences in urban and culturally diverse schools so that the extraordinary gift of education unlocks the potential of every student, in every classroom.

Table of Contents

Introduction xv

Part I The Fable 1

The Scenario 1

Illumination Academy 4

What a Day 6

The Faculty Meeting 8

Guidance 10

An Emergency Meeting 12

Chloe’s Classroom 13

The Day Is Finally Over 15

A Whole New World 18

It’s on the Test 21

An Ordinary Teacher 25

The Manual 28

Are You In? 33

The Secret Society 36

Welcome to Extraordinary 39

Preparing for Extraordinary 44

The Letter 47

Helplessness 50

Keep Up the Pace 54

Connection to the Content 57

A Supportive Environment 59

Taking It All In 63

A New Chapter 64

Part II The Formula for Extraordinary 67

Chapter 1 How We Got Here 69

The Burden of Instruction 72

Why Manipulation Does Not Work 73

Alleviating the Burden 75

Conditions 76

Perception 76

Emotions 76

Actions 77

Results 77

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 79

Chapter 2 Becoming Extraordinary 81

Promoting Extraordinary Connections 83

Seeing the Extraordinary 84

Getting Extraordinary Results 85

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 87

Chapter 3 Extraordinary Learning Experiences 89

Encouraging Extraordinary Learning Experiences 90

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 93

Chapter 4 Extraordinary Peer Collaboration 95

Facilitating Extraordinary Connections 96

Making Students the Focus 98

Encouraging Connections Beyond the Classroom 100

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 101

Chapter 5 Extraordinary Teacher Connections 103

Connecting Emotionally with Students 105

How Is This Done? 105

Extraordinary Teacher Connections Versus Extraordinary Peer Collaboration 107

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 109

Chapter 6 Extraordinary Atmosphere 111

The Effect of Extraordinary Conditions 113

Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 116

Chapter 7 The End of Ordinary 117

About the Author 121

References 127

Index 129

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for The League of Extraordinary Educators

“Building upon his powerful Teach, Hustle, Inspire brand, Dr. Woodly has made a bold, powerful statement in his newest release where he states, The End of Ordinary. In these times of ongoing ‘pandemic challenges,’ he dug deeper in this book by sharing the strategies of extraordinary educators in culturally diverse schools. I believe strongly that if you want results, find the people who’ve already done it and at a high level of accomplishment. Dr. Woodly has done just that. This book promises to be a winner for all educators who read it and implement the strategies in earnest.”

-          Principal Baruti Kafele, Education Consultant, Author Retired Principal

“Dr. Woodly does a fantastic job of breaking down what it means and takes to be an extraordinary educator in order to support educators overcome the barriers of ordinary teaching. The beginning narrative paints a picture of the many overwhelming feelings and  misconceptions educators can hold and pushes against the false narratives in order to create breakthroughs. The follow up of tangible steps educators can take to create a culturally responsive learning environment where students are intrinsically motivated and feel connection to their work, peers, and teacher leading to extraordinary impacts. This book is both supportive and necessary for education today.”

-          Shane Saeed, Instructional Coach, St Vrain Valley School District 

"INCREDIBLE. A powerful guide filled with transformative, yet sustainable, strategies for those who desire to revolutionize the way they show up for students. A must-read for any educator who wants to make a difference."

-          Naomi O'Brien, Educator, Public Speaker, Author

“Wow! A professional development books that includes a fable? What a powerful and effective structure that will allow educators to feel seen and heard more than ever before. As I followed Chloe’s journey, I saw flashes of my own early classroom struggles, specific student faces, and the very educator/mentor who inducted me into our very own league of extraordinary educators. The second part of this book is beautifully paced and complete with research, experiences, and actionable steps that will induct readers as well. This was an incredibly powerful book—every educator needs this!”

-          LaNesha Tabb, Educator, Author, Speaker

“Part 1: The Fable is such a fun and fascinating read! It draws you in and keeps you engaged the entire time. Part 2: The Formula hits the nail on the pedagogical head! I believe that building positive relationships is what matters most in education, and Dr. Woodly seamlessly breaks down how to do just that, while also letting us know exactly how to be the extraordinary educators we've been called to be! Grab this one now, y'all.”

-          Dwayne Reed, America's Favorite Rapping Teacher

 

 

“Whether you have been in education for several years or just getting started, you will realize that the timing of this book by Dr. Shaun Woodly is very relevant today. Teachers and administrators are burned out and need tools to become extraordinary educators for their students and this book infuses tools that work. Like Chloe, I personally loved teaching but hated it at times due to several unforeseen circumstances out of my control. This can become frustrating and affect your attitude and make connecting with students tough. Shane put some things in perspective for Chloe as he challenged her to change her mindset to do better by speaking to her about his shortcomings and how he overcame them to become an extraordinary educator. As Shane stated, it’s time to end the ordinary and become ‘Extraordinary’ educators. It takes a secret society of educators to train other educators to ensure all students are given the opportunity to be successful and this book explains how educators can better connect with their students. There is so much power in connection. Every student is one caring adult away from being a success story. If you want to be that one caring adult your students need, this book will guide you in the right direction.”

-          Robert Jackson, International Speaker/Award Winning ASCD Author, Educator for 27 Years

 

“Shaun Woodly is a masterful storyteller who has the gift of providing fresh insight as our educational system continues to shift towards better. In The League of Extraordinary Educators: The Secret Strategies of Transformational Teachers, Dr. Woodly shows us how to succeed as educators so we don’t succumb to mediocrity, but more importantly create a lasting impact in our students’ lives.”

-          Michael Bonner, CEO of Bonnerville, 4th and 6th grade teacher at the Ron Clark  Academy, Disruptive Innovator, Entrepreneur, Ellen Degeneres Favorite Teacher, Published Author