Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan is the cofounder and president of the Praxis Institute for Early Childhood Education, a new, racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse college that provides graduate and undergraduate education and professional development for people who work with young children. Prior to beginning the Praxis Institute, she served six years as the dean at Pacific Oaks College Northwest. Dr. Sullivan has worked in higher education for the last twenty-three years as a teacher, researcher, curriculum developer, and administrator. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Seattle University. Currently, Dr. Sullivan serves on Washington State's Early Learning Council, the Foundation for Early Learning Advisory, the Families and Education Levy Oversight Committee, the National Association for the Education of Young Children Professional Development review panel and nominating panel, and the Parent Map  Magazine  editorial board.

In Learning to Lead, Debra Sullivan appears to look directly into the reader's eyes as she emphatically declares that leadership is not mysterious. And, most important, it is well within the reader's capabilities. She shares that there are many ways to lead, but the key is purposeful self-reflection as well as making room for the perspectives of others. Anyone in search of a set of formulaic "right answers" will soon learn that there are none. Dr. Sullivan alerts the reader to the "potential smog" that emerges when various needs and perspectives come together. She clarifies the options through vignettes and suggests questions for consideration. Learning to lead is not serendipitous. It is an intentional journey done with a purpose in mind. 

--Jerlean Daniel, former Executive Director of NAEYC and emeritus faculty at the School of Education, University of Pittsburgh

Our times require enhanced leadership skills that confront change and unforeseen challenges. Debra's work in Learning to Lead continues to provide a practical framework in adapting to new worlds while maintaining a steady vision of professional growth and integrity. 

--Luis A. Hernandez, ECE Specialist/Consultant

Are you a leader? Debra Sullivan would say, "Yes!" Whatever our role is with young children, we are leaders. Debra carefully constructs an inclusive vision of community that includes both good leaders and followers. After reading this book, you will be inspired to continue your own  path to leadership. 

--Sandy Heidemann, past president of the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children

 Learning to Lead  provides an uncommon view of a common topic. In a unique way, Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan blends her reverence for the contribution each person brings with a vast body of scientific knowledge to help each of us understand what leadership is and how to become an effective leader--no matter where we might be. 

--Carol Brunson Day, president of the National Black Child Development Institute

Publisher: Redleaf Press

Pub date: 2022-11-01

Length: 176 pages