Essays, Articles, & Quotes
Ideas & Perspectives
Writing on leadership, learning, and the development of people.
Here you will find essays and articles, as well as occasional thought-provoking quotes drawn from Dr. Dai's reading, reflection, and practice, brief provocations to sit with between longer pieces.
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Joy and Rigor Are Not Opposites
Reclaiming a tradition that refused to choose between them.
The Adults Must Learn, Too
Adult development as the hidden curriculum of school improvement.
Belonging Before Achievement
What school culture actually does, and why it cannot be an afterthought.
Leading from the Middle
Reflections on women, race, and the practice of educational leadership.
Families as Authentic Partners
Moving beyond the language of involvement toward the practice of partnership.
What Adult Development Asks of Leaders
A conversation on developmental supervision and the conditions adults need to grow.
The Holding Environment
A brief reflection on what leaders actually provide.
A Standing Invitation
Two thoughtful resources for the work of leadership.
Subscribe to receive two complimentary one-page resources, plus occasional essays and reflections from the field on leadership, learning, and developing people.
Complimentary Resources
Two thoughtful resources for the work of leadership.
Subscribe to receive two complimentary one-page resources, plus occasional essays and reflections from the field on leadership, learning, and developing people.
Take Up Space
A reminder to lead with presence, purpose, confidence, and love.
Before the Difficult Conversation
An adult development-informed reflection for seeking to understand, making your perspective heard, and holding your authority with care.
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