Book Review: Passion, Guts, and Leadership

July 23, 2023

Michael

Term 4, 2012, marked a significant turning point in my life. As an 11th-year secondary school teacher, I had the joy of welcoming our daughter into the world with my wife Rachel, who is also an educator. After much consideration, we decided that Rachel would return to work full-time while I would take on the role of the stay-at-home dad.

Now, those who work in secondary schools know that part-time teacher timetables are the hardest things to create, so I was not going to be able to get the 2 straight days I was after. Enter Deborah Patterson.

I had never worked in a Primary School before, but I knew it could give me the timetable I was looking for. I resigned from my middle leadership position at a Melbourne Catholic Secondary School and started the hunt for an arts specialist role. After submitting an application, including my first time completing a key selection criterion (standard for a government school application), I was lucky enough to score an interview.

Walking into the interview, I had no idea what to expect. I had done lots of reading about working with pre-teens and made sure I know the school’s values. I sat waiting for the first question, and then Deb asked in her matter-of-fact manner, ‘why would a secondary Drama teacher, currently in a leadership position, want to teach Primary Arts.’ It broke the ice, and the rest is history.

Over the next 4 years, I had the privilege of working under Deborah’s guidance, and it was during this time that I witnessed many of the insights and tools she shares in her book, “Passion, Guts, and Leadership.”

In this book, readers are granted an intimate glimpse into her extensive experience within schools, the education system, and leadership positions. This is a great read for anyone who is already a leader or is aspiring. Deb weaves together engaging anecdotes and practical advice and truly brings the world of principalship to life, empowering readers to reach their fullest potential as unconventional and successful educational leaders.

Throughout her career, Deborah has been known for her no-nonsense approach. There’s no room for politics or unnecessary fuss—she prioritises what’s best for her staff and students. Reading this book, I felt like I was back in Deborah’s office, soaking in her wisdom and guidance once again. “Passion, Guts, and Leadership” is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in leadership and education.

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