"This book is a must read for any educator looking to transform their classroom or school to be more relevant for their students and staff. Ripp’s personality and warmth comes through in her writing and coupled with first-hand experience, this is a great resource for teachers and administrators alike. In addition, the author weaves in specific examples from professionals practicing the advice she puts forth.
In this day of increasingly standardized educational practice, this book helps to navigate ways in which to empower the work we do as teachers and leaders. Many books are written from so called “experts” with little in-school experience, but Pernille is living and breathing what she writes about. Her narrative and those she shares are authentic and from the perspective of practicing educators. When she puts forth an idea, it is backed up with a powerful story from practitioners who are working in schools and with kids every single day. This allows readers to not only gain access to Pernille’s ideas but see how they play out in numerous contexts and situations. "
"As a long time blogger, Pernille has been sharing her insights and challenges for a number of years. Her following grows as she presents an honest reflection of life in a classroom. These reflections reveal a vulnerability that endears her readers and instills hope about the possibility for change.
This book’s theme of “empowerment” is what Pernille has been living for years. She’s been able to eloquently share this idea, providing practical steps, addressing the challenges and reasoning behind change. It’s a quick read but one that will get pulled off of the shelf time and time again. "
"As of now there are about 20 books in the Corwin Connected Educator Series, a seemingly ever-growing set of titles masterminded by Peter De Witt and Corwin Press. Each book is short enough to be read in one sitting, which makes the collection ideal for book studies and professional development, both during the summer and throughout the school year. Also, each paperback is authored by one or two educators who speak (and blog, tweet, etc.) with a credible voice in the world of connected education. Some of the topics include:
• Flipped leadership
• Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities
• Blogging for educators
• Best practices for establishing a makerspace
• Tools to connect and empower teachers
Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books. "
"Pernille Ripp gives great examples not only on how leaders can empower teachers to hone in on their leadership skills in the school community, but also how teachers can empower students to create a positive learning environment in the classroom. Pernille’s story about her own classroom is truly inspiring and makes you think as a teacher ways in which you can empower your own students to take ownership in the classroom. I look forward to suggesting this book to my colleagues as a must read. "
"In this book, Pernille makes a case for the need to change from a traditional hierarchical approach of control to a shared, empowering approach. This book outlines steps that administrators can take to share leadership in their schools and teachers can take to share the responsibility of learning with the students.
I have known Pernille for many years and my respect for her as a classroom teacher, educational thinker, and student advocate has continually grown. When Pernille speaks about empowering students I listen as should you. She is one of those rare voices, a classroom teacher who shares openly and honestly about changing practices to create a student centered classroom. "
