“Swan Dagen and Bean have put together the definitive book on literacy leadership. The book explains the key roles of formal and informal leaders in initiating, supporting, and sustaining instructional improvement. It provides educators with powerful, research-based ways to enhance literacy learning for all students. The second edition explicitly recognizes that literacy instruction is an important part of children's entire educational trajectory—from PreK through the secondary grades—and features new chapters on issues and challenges at different levels of the system. It also presents a deeper treatment of the culturally diverse children served in our nation’s schools. This book should be required reading in teacher preparation, teacher leadership, literacy specialist, and school leadership programs.”

—Cynthia E. Coburn, PhD, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University


“Each chapter in the second edition takes a close look at an essential topic through the lens of the literacy leader, using ILA's Standards 2017 as an anchor. Readers will be active from the start as they work their way through guiding questions, case examples, and engagement activities. This is my text of choice for learners in my graduate Leadership and Literacy course!”

—Bethanie C. Pletcher, EdD, Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi


“The go-to resource for today’s increasingly diverse schools and classrooms. This book is required reading for educators seeking to improve their understanding of the complex and nuanced roles of literacy leaders and to enact change in their school contexts. Written in an accessible style, the second edition covers hot topics ranging from culturally responsive instruction to literacy leadership in the digital age. Highly recommended!”

—Evan Ortlieb, PhD, School of Education, St. John’s University


“This stimulating, timely, and actionable book is a 'must read.' Swan Dagen and Bean’s fully revised second edition will inspire and aid countless literacy specialists, coaches, principals, classroom teachers, and teacher educators, guiding them wisely toward improving students' literacy learning.”

—Patricia A. Edwards, PhD, University Distinguished Professor of Language and Literacy, Michigan State University