Learning from Lincoln

What can 21st century educators learn from the example of a 19th century president? In this intriguing and insightful book, Harvey Alvy and Pam Robbins show how the legacy of Abraham Lincoln can guide today’s education leaders--principals, teachers, superintendents, and others--as they tackle large-scale challenges, such as closing the achievement gap, and everyday issues, such as communicating with constituents. The authors identify 10 qualities, attributes, and skills that help to explain Lincoln’s effectiveness, despite seemingly insurmountable odds:


1. Implementing and sustaining a mission and vision with focused and profound clarity

2. Communicating ideas effectively with precise and straightforward language

3. Building a diverse and competent team to successfully address the mission

4. Engendering trust, loyalty, and respect through humility, humor, and personal example

5. Leading and serving with emotional intelligence and empathy

6. Exercising situational competence and responding appropriately to implement effective change

7. Rising beyond personal and professional trials through tenacity, persistence, resilience, and courage

8. Exercising purposeful visibility

9. Demonstrating personal growth and enhanced competence as a lifetime learner, willing to reflect on and expand ideas

10. Believing that hope can become a reality


Chapters devoted to each element explore the historical record of Lincoln’s life and actions, then discuss the implications for modern educators. End-of-chapter exercises provide a structure for reflection, analysis of current behaviors, and guidance for future work, so that readers can create their own path to success--inspired by the example of one of the greatest leaders of all time.