Book excerpt: "A brilliant distillation of the best thinking from one of the great minds in our field. This funny, uplifting page-turner inspires profound ′aha′ moments necessary for being a ′hope-pusher′ internally while effectively advocating for children in the larger community." —Alan M. Blankstein, President HOPE Foundation "Paul Houston thinks like a man of action and acts like a man of thought. His writings are packed with the wisdom, grace, and innovation that have made him one of the true leaders in American public education today." —Daniel H. Pink, Author A Whole New Mind "This book translates the real issues in public education into sublime teachings for life." —Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association "Paul Houston is a crusader for American public education. His fresh ideas provide answers to some of the toughest challenges our schools and school leaders face today." —Richard Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education "In these timeless essays, Houston opens our minds with his powerful thoughts, touches our hearts with his understanding and passion, and invites us to see public schools and the children we serve in a new light." —Gail Connelly, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals "Paul Houston′s extensive knowledge of the issues facing today′s busy school administrators is unparalleled. This collection is indeed a testament to Houston′s legacy and his deep love for and commitment to public education." —Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director National Association of Secondary School Principals A collection of influential, insightful, and inspiring articles from an educational leadership expert! In this resource, retiring executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, former superintendent, and best-selling author Paul D. Houston examines the growing complexity of the educational process and the challenge of transforming learning into an engaging, meaningful—and even joyful—experience. Houston offers enlightening perspectives on global competition, the widening economic gulf between social classes, the explosion of information, and a landscape of competing expectations. This provocative book views education as "soul work" touching the deepest part of the human spirit and covers: What it means to be a leader The challenges of transforming public education How leaders can champion learning and education Lessons from the field