The Leadership Brain

Cognitive neuroscientists are gaining greater insights into how the brain interacts with and learns from the environment. Now David A. Sousa, one of the foremost experts in translating this research into classroom practice, examines the brain-compatible leadership practices that sustain effective teaching and learning.

The Leadership Brain provides a new model for a whole-brain approach to educational leadership. Examining what we know about the adult brain, and how to apply these lessons to effective school leadership and team management, this powerful resource provides you with the necessary tools to:

• Understand the differences in learning and retention, left and right hemispheric preferences, higher-order thinking, and the nature of creativity
• Initiate and lead productive change within your school
• Effectively shape and manage school culture
• Address the call for ethical and spiritual leadership
• Understand how thinking habits influence our actions, especially with problem solving and conflict resolution
• Reduce misconceptions about students with disabilities, gifted, and minority students
• Use information about the influence that modern society has on student learning and their different expectations

The Leadership Brain includes valuable self-assessment tools, resources, and practical applications that will help instructional leaders develop a modern, creative, team-centered school where all students and teachers can reach their full potential.

DR. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of more than twenty books that suggest ways educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the preK–12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than two hundred thousand educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Dr. Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, a master of arts in teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science and served as a K–12 director of science, supervisor of instruction, and district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University for ten years and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University.

Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France) and served for five years as a foreign service officer and science advisor at the US diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria).

Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on professional development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators include How the Brain Learns, now in its sixth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read, second edition; How the Brain Influences Behavior; How the ELL Brain Learns; Differentiation and the Brain, second edition (with Carol Tomlinson); and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, second edition, which was selected by the Independent Book Publishers Association as one of the best professional development books. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today’s schools more effectively. Dr. Sousa’s books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and several other languages. His book Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others is written for business and organizational leaders.

Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now called Learning Forward). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater State University and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Gratz College in Philadelphia.

Dr. Sousa has been interviewed on the NBC Today show, by other television programs, and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.