Emotionally Intelligent School Leadership: Lead with Heart, Transform with Purpose

by Brandy L. Tackett

Overview

Emotionally Intelligent School Leadership is a powerful and practical guide for school leaders navigating the challenges of educational leadership, particularly in high-needs and turnaround schools.

The book explores the critical role of emotional intelligence in fostering a positive school culture, building trust, managing resistance, and sustaining transformational change. Drawing from real-life leadership experiences, research-backed insights, and practical strategies, this book challenges the traditional notion that leadership is solely about strategy, accountability, and instructional expertise. Instead, it emphasizes the impact of self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building on a school’s success. This timely book equips school leaders—principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and district administrators—with the tools to lead with both their head and heart. It provides actionable solutions for overcoming common leadership pitfalls, addressing toxic culture dynamics, and building an environment where teachers and students feel seen, supported, and motivated to excel. Emotionally Intelligent School Leadership serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for leaders who want to move beyond managing schools and instead inspire meaningful, lasting transformation.

If you’re ready to break the cycle of toxic leadership, boost staff morale, and create a school where people genuinely want to be, this book will show you how. Emotionally Intelligent School Leadership will help you become the leader your school needs!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781041151166
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/04/2026
Pages:	210
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Brandy L. Tackett is Principal of Nocatee Elementary School in Florida. With two decades of experience in education, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in high-needs, turnaround schools. She has also been recognized as a Florida State Turnaround Principal.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction  2. The Subtle and Devastating Ways Leadership Can Kill Culture  3. Where are all the Great Leaders?  4. Behind Every Child is a Teacher who Needs a Leader  5. What All School Leaders Need  6. Leading this Work without Losing Yourself  7. Managing Conflict: Leading Through Challenge  8. The Power of Self-Awareness  9. Recognizing Your Emotional Triggers  10. Cultivating Resilience: Managing Stress and Adversity in Leadership  11. Handling Resistance with Emotional Intelligence  12. Being Transparent  13. Cultural Awareness: Beyond Empathy – Toward Equity  14. Mastering Communication for School Transformation  15. Mastering Emotional Intelligence for a Lasting Impact  16. Lead With Your Head and Your Heart