Doing the Right Thing for Children - by Maurice Sykes (Paperback)

About the Book

The dynamic and respected Maurice Sykes's call to leadership within the early childhood community to do right by children

Book Synopsis

Maurice Sykes has made advocating for and advancing high-quality early childhood education his life's work. Through mentorships, presentations, and personal example, Maurice challenges and inspires educators to become effective leaders who make a difference in children's lives. He does the same in this book as he shares stories of the hills and valleys of his personal and professional journeys throughout the presentation of eight core leadership values: human potential, knowledge, social justice, competence, fun and enjoyment, personal renewal, perseverance, and courage.

Use this book to develop the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind you need to be a successful leader--and do the right thing for children, whether you serve at the individual, organizational, or classroom level.

Maurice Sykes directs the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia's National Center for Urban Education.

Review Quotes

"Building the quality of the early childhood workforce and developing competent leaders is one of our greatest challenges. Maurice's voice is clear and strong as he outlines a set of core principles that serve as a roadmap to successful and enlightened leadership. In this autobiographical blueprint, he takes us on the journey of his own evolution as a thought leader while reminding us of the social justice basis of our work and challenging us to continue cultivating leadership abilities in ourselves and in our colleagues. It's a must for novices as well as for those more seasoned in the field."
--Jacqueline Jones, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning, US Department of Education; Former Assistant Commissioner, Division of Early Childhood Education, New Jersey State Department of Education

"A fascinating story of the search for meaning in professional leadership. Maurice has told his story with such clarity and passion it will energize young readers to aspire and help oldsters reexamine their own commitment."
--Barbara T. Bowman, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development, Erikson Institute

"Maurice Sykes has written an incredibly important book about the need for leadership in early childhood education. He rightly suggests that the benefits of investing in young children will not be fully realized without investing in a training and development strategy that builds highly effective leaders to support our early childhood education system. Our business leaders at the Committee for Economic Development understand the importance of training and that developing leadership skills is a key ingredient to the success of any enterprise. Our children deserve nothing less."
--Michael J. Petro, Executive Vice President, Committee for Economic Development

Maurice Sykes offers the unique perspective of a leader who has worked at the policy, administrative, and practice levels, and across the boundaries of early childhood development, K-12, and higher education. Leaders with the qualities and skills that he outlines are badly needed for today's challenging education environment.
--Martin J. Blank, President, Institute for Educational Leadership

About the Author

Maurice Sykes: Maurice Sykes, director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia's National Center for Urban Education, has spent his career advancing high-quality early childhood education and advocating for educational reform and teacher professional development. Maurice formerly served in the District of Columbia Public School System as deputy superintendent for the Center for Systemic Educational Change and director of Early Childhood Programs. Sykes has also advised the U.S. Department of Education on educational policy and programs related to urban school improvement. Sykes has served as teacher, teacher trainer, and curriculum developer. He has also directed the Education Policy Fellowship Program at the Institute for Educational Leadership where he trained mid-career leaders. He was profiled as an Early Childhood Champion in a national study released in 1997 by the National Association of State Boards of Education and in 1999 was elected to the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Maurice has written for numerous publications and has traveled nationwide inspiring and challenging schools and communities to do the right thing for children.