Courageous vision and planning are the bedrock of any successful implementation, especially when it comes to blending an equity-centered approach into the frontier offered by a new job. This book offers neophytes and seasoned school leaders guidance, tools, and a charge to effectively navigate politics, long-held norms, and misplaced energies in pursuit of opportunities for all students. — Sonja Santelises, CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools

Entry Planning for Equity-Focused Leaders will change how superintendents think about entering a new role or school district. Offering both a conceptual framework and hands-on guidance, the authors provide leaders with what they need to begin their role proactively and deeply from an equity stance. Stories throughout the book provide additional inspiration and modeling to show what can be done on behalf of students, families, and communities. — Max Silverman, executive director, University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership

Disrupting inequities and creating more culturally responsive schools and systems requires intentional leadership moves. Cheatham, Thomas, and Parrott-Sheffer offer the gift of lifting stories of leaders who entered their leadership journeys with purpose and who model what it looks like to display your values and center equity in how you listen, learn, and iterate even when things get tough. — Nancy Gutierrez, President & CEO of The Leadership Academy