Drawing from social science research, The Nurturing Leader provides a powerful alternative to traditional leadership models that prioritize authority and control. Leaders should embrace a leadership style that embodies what researchers call “communal” leadership traits: empathy, compassion, support, collaboration, and kindness. Through discussions of belonging, well-being, and ethical decision-making, the author demonstrates how nurturing leaders build community trust and resilience, highlighting ways that good leaders cultivate well-being among their students and team, and balance in their own lives.

Jennifer Gallagher, Ed.D,. has been an innovative educational leader for more than thirty years, as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. She is a recognized expert in curriculum and instruction, and in change leadership, and is an impactful communicator and author. Her works have been published or featured in several journals, newspapers, and podcasts, especially as she advocates for relevance and joy in learning, and passion for educational change.