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Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators

Structuring Schools That Serve Students in Poverty

Foreword by Douglas Reeves

Washington Collado presents four pillars to support education leaders in developing a systematic approach to educational excellence for all students, particularly those from low-income families.

Full description

Product Details
  • Grade Level: PreK-12
  • ISBN: 9781071931646
  • Published By: Corwin
  • Year: 2025
  • Page Count: 248
  • Publication date: February 03, 2025
Price: $35.95

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Description

Address the challenges of high-poverty communities with visionary school leadership.

In this essential guide for education leaders who aspire to effect meaningful change in the lives of students from high-poverty communities, Washington B. Collado presents four pillars to support education leaders in (1) creating a shared vision and mission, (2) engaging families and communities, (3) maintaining a focus on equity, and (4) developing systems to support students’ academic and social-emotional development. Together, these four essential elements provide a coherent and systematic approach to educational excellence for all students, particularly those from low-income families.

Refusing to shy away from the challenges within high-poverty schools, Collado combines decades of leadership experience with the latest research on effective interventions for students. Through nine compelling chapters, he presents actionable strategies, key takeaways, and reflection questions for education leaders. Additional features include

  • vignettes showcasing real students and administrators, illustrating the successful implementation of key strategies;
  • activities that encourage leaders to apply the chapter lessons to their specific contexts; and
  • research-based data explicitly detailing the additional obstacles faced by low-income students.

Visionary leaders hold a pivotal role in reshaping schools for students in high-poverty communities. By embracing the four pillars outlined in this book, education leaders can foster equitable and supportive learning environments that address the academic and social-emotional needs of their students so that all students can thrive.

Author(s)

Washington B. Collado photo

Washington B. Collado

Washington “Nino” Collado was born in the Dominican Republic in 1962, in a small town called Jánico (Ha-Nee-Co). He was raised in an environment surrounded by educators. His mother, María Tejada, along with seven of his uncles and aunts, were teachers. After his mother’s death in 1970, Dr. Collado and his three sisters moved to the United States to live with their father in 1975. In New York, he began studying in NYC public schools in the 7th grade and later attended Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Dr. W. B. Collado is a lifelong learner who has earned several college degrees:
  • • Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, 2018
  • • Educational Specialist from Florida International University, 2002
  • • Master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, 1999
  • • Both Master's and Bachelor’s Degrees in Spanish from Queens College of the City University of New York in 1986 and 1990.

Dr. Collado began his career in education in 1986 in New York, where he taught Spanish and English as a Second Language in New York City Public Schools. In 1992, he and his family moved to Florida and continued teaching at Miami-Dade Public Schools. In 1998, he joined Broward County Public Schools’ Multicultural Department to develop curricula and provide training for teachers and administrators on the contributions of Latinos, African Americans, and women throughout U.S. history. Dr. Collado started his career in school administration as an assistant principal at Broward County Public Schools and was promoted to principal in 2005. He has spent 17 years as a principal at the middle and high school levels and served as president of the Broward Principals and Assistants Association (BPAA).

In February 2021, Dr. Nino Collado received the Principal of the Year award for Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest school district in the country. Dr. Collado is also an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, where he teaches courses on educational leadership, and he serves as an associate at Creative Leadership Solutions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Nino Collado has devoted much of his time to teaching and guiding others. He has traveled to numerous countries and over 30 states as a motivational speaker on topics related to school leadership and family engagement. He has also appeared as a panelist on CNN Español, NPR (New York), Telemundo, Univision, and others. Additionally, he has written over 100 articles for newspapers and magazines, including the Miami Herald, and has authored or co-authored the following books:

  • Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Leaders (2025)
  • Beyond Conversations About Race (June, 2021)
  • Liderazgo y escuelas efectivas (2014).
  • Parents, Don’t Forget your Homework (2009),
  • Padres, no olviden su tarea (2004),

Dr. Collado has received numerous honors and recognitions for his work in schools and communities. He has been married to Carmen R. Collado, and together they are proud parents of four sons: Mario, Alejandro, Miguel, and Victor.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Douglas Reeves


Introduction


Pillar 1: Vision and Mission


Chapter 1: Leading for Organizational Vision and Mission


Chapter 2: Finding Purpose: Why Do I Lead in a High-Poverty School?


Pillar 2: Family and Community Engagement


Chapter 3: Reaching out to Families and the Community


Chapter 4: Cultivating Family and Community Engagement


Pillar 3: An Equity-Driven Focus


Chapter 5: Dropouts or Pushouts? Reducing Systemic Obstacles That Lead to Leaving School


Chapter 6: Understanding the Impact of Education on Poverty


Chapter 7: Aligning Equity: How to Maximize Students' Potential


Pillar 4: Academic and Social-Emotional Support


Chapter 8: Creating Systems for Student Academic and Social-Emotional Support


Chapter 9: Expanding Learning and Creativity Beyond the Bell


References


Price: $35.95

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Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. Request review copy