Leading with a lens of inquiry
When teachers learn through inquiry, they teach through inquiry.
Typical models of training and professional development focus on telling. It’s a model that far too often trickles down to classrooms where the traditional way of "doing school" limits the way educators teach and students learn.
Fortunately, there is a better way to learn: through wonder, agency, and inquiry. From Leading with a Lens of Inquiry administrators, educational instructors, and peer leaders learn how to cultivate learning spaces that ignite curiosity and inspire critical thinking in adult and student learners alike.
Educational Coordinator and Instructional Coach Jessica Vance shares her hands-on experience as an inquiry leader in this powerful and thought-provoking book. Outlining the six dispositions of an inquiry educator and then modeling the inquiry mindset, she provides leaders with practical and effective ways to bring learner voice, reflection, and better learning experiences to professional development—and to the classroom.
Lead with a lens of inquiry to spark curiosity in every learner.
WHAT THE AUTHOR is SAYING…
“An inquiry mindset is one that’s cultivated through time, critical thought partners and an insatiable curiosity to connect and make meaning with what we know is best practice in our classrooms. It is my hope that Leading with a Lens of Inquiry provides the support that you need to further embody the mindset of an inquiry leader, cultivating spaces that honor our natural curiosity yet tenderly balance our roles as leaders. Through gentle nudges and countless questions, I hope that you find this work empowering and inspiring to you and those you lead. ”
THE REVIEWS ARE IN…
“Leading with a Lens of Inquiry will stretch readers to consider how to look at leading in a new way. Instead of undertaking the actions of a ‘task and tell’ manager, Vance encourages leaders to adopt an inquiry mindset that encourages teachers to be more curious around their practice and become an even more reflective practitioner. She provides questions to consider, strategies to use, and resources to support readers to take this mindset into their meetings, discussions, and professional learning opportunities. Education needs this inquiry mindset, and Vance helps us make it a more common way of thinking in our schools.”
- JENNIFER ABRAMS - communications consultant and author of Having Hard Conversations
“Vance’s book offers a sensible and indispensable guide for leading inquiry-based schools. No matter your role in the school community, Leading with a Lens of Inquiry offers just the right mix of thoughtful prose, personal stories, reflective questions, and creative structures. What a gift this book is to the global inquiry community.”
- KIMBERLY MITCHELL - educator and author of Experience Inquiry
“Leading with a Lens of Inquiry inspires and guides leaders to transform their daily work from drudgery to joyful, creative, and reflective inquiry. By shifting their frame of reference from leadership as a directive practice to leadership as an inquiry process, Vance encourages leaders to apply the principles of constructivism, creativity, and collaboration in their role as lead learners within their schools and school systems. Using authentic examples and strategies from her own leadership journey, Vance invites readers to investigate how curiosity, questioning, and listening serve as core skills to engage colleagues and staff in continuous exploration. The inquiry lens holds potential to inspire educator and student learning.”
- JOELLEN KILLION - senior advisor at Learning Forward
INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH ME?
Work with the author and collaboratively design professional development for your school, district, or organization.
