Praise for The Revolution
“The world is shifting with a rapid and increasing pace of change that is complex even for adults. The need to transform education is crucial for our children to be prepared for this new world and their future. The Revolution addresses this need by sharing how we can embrace learning that can be messy, and even a little bit crazy. Ellwein and McCoy, middle school principals, are passionate about how and why they make this happen for their students. The authors weave in stories and examples, challenges to begin unlearning in order to relearn, points to ponder, and suggestions for revolution@ry work. The Revolution is a compelling call for all of our schools to change—and to do what children need now.”
—Barbara Bray
author, speaker, blogger, and host of the Rethinking Learning podcast
“A child-centered revolution is waiting to begin from within these pages. When it comes to empowering learners, this manifesto doesn’t pull any punches. The authors write from a place of deep credibility and anchor their aspirational message in very real terms. This book will be a juggernaut in leading school change.”
—Brad Gustafson, EdD
award-winning principal, author, and speaker
“This book is the key to moving middle schools into the twenty-first century and out of the stone ages of educational tradition! The four descriptors of the ‘New Middle School Learners’ were spot on as I have witnessed this very real transformation of our learners from my eighteen years of educational experience. I’m recommending this book to all educators who are risk-takers who are willing to face the challenges of preparing the next generation of leaders through a revolution of instructional delivery and student engagement!
Great job, Derek and Darren. Thanks for the support and the plan of action to guide us to sustainable success for our students and the communities we serve!”
—Derrick O. Dalton (@derrick22dalton), EdS
middle and high school transformational principal
“Darren and Derek share the vision of what schools should be for our students in The Revolution. They give us glimpses of how education can be relevant for every student in the classroom by encouraging us to move past outdated practices and provide a future-thinking, students-centered educational experience.
The Revolution shows educators a path toward building the schools our students deserve.”
—Todd Bloch (@blocht574)
seventh-grade science teacher and #mschat founder
“Darren Ellwein and Derek McCoy have written a must-read book for anyone wanting to #BecomeBetter and improve their practice. Read and learn alongside many educators, just like yourself, who are ready for the education revolution.”
—Melanie Farrell (@MelanieCFarrell)
digital learning coordinator, Wake County Public Schools
“Immensely practical, The Revolution will challenge you to take your school on a journey to the next level of relevance and empowerment. Filled with powerful stories and new ideas, you’ll be given the tools to create authentic learning, develop compelling spaces, and foster outstanding relationships. I couldn’t put it down. It’s amazing to see what’s possible when learners are given opportunities to take greater ownership of learning.”
—David Geurin (@DavidGeurin)
author of Future Driven, award-winning principal, and international keynote speaker
“Derek and Darren hit it out of the park! Throughout the book they provide you with their insight into the culture of learning in revolutionary schools and make you rethink what school should be. They push you to think differently about how we create learning environments and provide learning opportunities for the learners—both students and teachers—in our schools. I guarantee you will pause, reflect, and then implement at least one of their ideas the day after you read their book.”
—Jay Posick (@posickj)
principal, Merton Intermediate School
“If you are looking to be part of a revolution that will impact you as an educator and, more importantly, make a greater impact on your students, then The Revolution by Darren Ellwein and Derek McCoy is the book you’ve been waiting for. Filled with practical examples and personal anecdotes, this book will push you to reimagine how schools can look for all learners.”
—Jimmy Casas
educator, author, and speaker
“Darren Ellwein and Derek McCoy have produced a powerful book about educational transformation. Drawing from personal experiences as middle school principals who have led revolutions in their own contexts, Darren and Derek provide an honest account of the joy, the struggle, the moral mandate, and the challenges of revolutionizing education to better serve all children. But this book is more than personal tales. It includes wonderful insights, practical strategies, and friendly guidance for anyone who wants to transform education from top-down knowledge transmission to a student-driven journey of discovery.”
—Yong Zhao
Foundation Distinguished Professor, University of Kansas, and author of Reach for Greatness: Personalizable Education for All Children
“In The Revolution, Darren and Derek challenge all of us to move out of our comfort zones and take risks as educators and leaders! The call to action is to lead with grit and compassion and to develop a culture of empowerment and collaboration in every school. I pray that we answer the call soon, as our students will need us to be courageous! Start the revolution now!”
—Salome Thomas-EL
award-winning principal, author, and speaker
Special thanks to Bethany Smith (@bethanyvsmith) for her revolution@ry visuals.
The Revolution
© 2019 by Darren Ellwein and Derek L. McCoy
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing by the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. For information regarding permission, contact the publisher at [email protected].
This book is available at special discounts when purchased in quantity for use as premiums, promotions, fundraisers, or for educational use. For inquiries and details, contact the publisher at [email protected].
Published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Cover Design by Genesis Kohler
Editing and Interior Design by My Writers’ Connection
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019901898
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-949595-26-0
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-949595-27-7
First Printing: March 2019
