From the Publisher
"Dr. Salome Thomas-EL's Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed is nothing short of extraordinary—a master class in leadership, vision, and the transformative power of education. During my tenure as a principal in Virginia, his 'Four Cs' were a guiding philosophy for me—the foundation for a nurturing and empowering culture. I am truly grateful to Principal EL for his dedication to young people and commitment to equipping educators with the tools to make a real difference. This book is a must-read for anyone committed to excellence in education." —Dr. Diron T. Ford, director of secondary instruction, Gloucester County (VA) Public Schools
"Are you looking for a book that keeps kids at the heart of decision-making? Meet Their Needs, and They’ll Succeed is exactly what you need! With sincerity and passion, Principal EL offers a relatable and community-driven guide packed with actionable ideas schools can implement tomorrow. A must-read for anyone committed to empowering students and transforming school communities." —Lauren M. Kaufman, instructional coach, author, and speaker
"If you're looking for a book that will simultaneously tug at your heartstrings and uplift your spirit, this is it. In Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, Principal EL shares the stories that compel his focus on the many paths that lead to student success. Organized in a clear and memorable structure, it's not just motivational; indeed, each chapter is laden with strategies, approaches, and examples that educators can put into place immediately. We have an obligation to do right by kids, and this book delivers. There are many reasons Principal EL chooses to stay, and we'd do well as a profession to follow his lead." —Pete Hall, administrator, education consultant, and co-author of Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners
"In an era when people use schools as a social, political, and religious football, it is refreshing to read a book focused on the true purpose of education: serving children! Principal EL has produced a comprehensive book that will touch the hearts and minds of readers. It provides guidance for educators and for strategically engaging families and communities. Anyone truly interested in learning how schools can transform the lives of children needs to read this book." —Anthony S. Muhammad, PhD, author and educational consultant
"This book is a poignant reflection on the state of education, stressing the importance of creating a supportive and caring environment for all students. Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed acknowledges the heavy burdens placed on educators and advocates for systemic changes to address the widening achievement gap and other critical issues. Through rich stories and expertise gained over a long career serving school communities, Salome Thomas-EL issues a serious call to action for educational reform." —Abigail W. French, career and technical education pathways coach, Frederick County (VA) Public Schools
"In my short career as a pro athlete in the NFL and long career as a high school and middle school teacher, I have always focused on being the educator and role model that my students needed. In his new book, Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, Principal EL shares his 'Four Cs' to help educators connect with their students and build brighter futures for our next generation. This is the right book for educators and administrators who need tools and strategies that work for all children. If we meet their needs, they will succeed." —Robert Jackson, international speaker and award-winning author
"Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed is just the book we have been looking for in education. My own life was saved by adults who embraced the challenge of developing connections with struggling students like me, and I have dedicated my work to highlighting the trauma and challenges young people face daily. If you are truly committed to shaping the persistence, resilience, and success of your students, then this book is a must-read for you." —Dr. Tommie Mabry, national education consultant, speaker, and author
"In Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, Principal EL has created a blueprint for teaching critical thinking skills and raising a new generation of problem solvers. I have learned so much from Dr. EL's books and recommend you read this one more than once." —Susan Polgar, chess grand master, four-time Women's World Chess Champion, coach, and author
"As a former elementary principal and now a district leader, I know firsthand that student success starts with meeting their most fundamental of needs. Salome Thomas-EL's insights in Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed remind us that relationships, engagement, and resilience are the cornerstones of a thriving school culture. This book is a powerful guide for any educator looking to create meaningful connections and lasting impact in their classrooms and beyond." —Amber Teamann, executive director of technology and innovation, Crandall (TX) Independent School District
"Principal EL has once again captured the essence of what transforms students' lives—relationships. Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed is a must-read for educators who believe curiosity, consistency, and a culture of love are the foundation for success. With practical insights and heartfelt stories, this book will inspire teachers and leaders to connect deeply with students and create schools where every child thrives." —Joseph Jones, EdD, superintendent, Newcastle County (DE) Vocational-Technical School District
"I love that Salome Thomas-EL begins this book with his 'Four Cs'—being crazy about kids, staying curious about their lives, being consistent adults who show up for them, and developing a culture of support where every student feels a sense of belonging. From the benefits of teaching critical thinking skills to the how and why of establishing after-school programs, this book covers everything that educators should know and do to establish a positive and caring school community." —Dr. T. J. Vari, senior director of product strategy, MaiaLearning
"It's a full-circle moment when your former high school student becomes an inspirational colleague! When I first met Salome Thomas-EL, he was an energetic and curious adolescent with leadership potential. Already a major figure in the field of education, Principal EL has cemented that reputation with this new book, Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed. True to his belief in the intrinsic worth of every student, he shares classroom practices that can be utilized by neophytes and veteran teachers alike. Dr. Salome Thomas-EL offers us ways to walk the walk." —Marsha Rosenzweig Pincus, educator, writer, and creative consultant
"Principal EL's new book, Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, is a must-have for every education library. I know firsthand what impact Dr. Salome Thomas-EL’s approach has had on student achievement and school improvement. I have seen the ideas in this book transform teaching, learning, and school culture. To that end, I recommend it with full confidence." —Marcus Jackson, EdD, chief academic officer, Lancaster (TX) Independent School District
"I’ve been learning from Salome Thomas-EL for over a decade through his books, speaking, and social media. But after reading Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, I realized he still has so much more to offer. This book moved my heart and gave me so many new perspectives and ideas that I found myself immediately calling colleagues and friends and sharing with them what I was learning. This book should be in every educator's library. Period." —Todd Nesloney, author, speaker, and director of culture and strategic leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA)
"As a longtime teacher and principal in Philadelphia, I was able to witness the impact of Principal EL's work. All leaders know that the relationships we develop are important to students and teachers. I am sure every superintendent and principal will want their teachers to own a copy of Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed." —Dr. Robin Cooper, president and principal officer of Teamsters Local 502: Commonwealth Association of School Administrators
"Principal EL has masterfully distilled the essence of effective school leadership into his 'Four Cs' for school success, providing a roadmap that is both inspiring and actionable. Grounded in practical strategies and enriched by powerful real-world stories, this book ignites the passion educators need to embrace their true calling. A must-read for anyone committed to shaping schools where every student, and educator, thrives." —Neil Gupta, EdD, superintendent of Oakwood City (OH) Schools, education leader, and speaker
"Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed is a game changer for educators everywhere. Principal EL has delivered a powerful student-centered approach that speaks directly to the issues today’s learners face. This book is the blueprint for anyone pursuing a career in education and touches on a multitude of topics that are pertinent to providing the best education for all students. A must-read for those committed to serving and uplifting the next generation." —Marques Stewart, community superintendent, Hamilton County (TN) Schools
"Once I started reading Meet Their Needs, and They'll Succeed, I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was in the room with Principal EL as his stories and insights unfolded! Through those powerful stories from his career in teaching and leadership, Principal EL breaks down complex challenges into tangible, accessible strategies for any educator. He doesn't shy away from the tough topics—high-quality reading instruction, trauma-informed practices, critical thinking skills, and alignment to the work that truly matters. This book is a must-read for teachers and administrators looking for inspiration, practical guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose." —Jessica Cabeen, award-winning principal, author, speaker, and leadership coach
