"Frances O’Connell Rust and Helen Freidus have compiled compelling narratives of what it means to be a change agent in schools…. Rather than offer simple recipes and remedies, the authors present layered analyses and powerful insights. In the end, these make a more effective case for change agent preparation and support than do more technical and ideologically prescriptive volumes."
—Lynne Miller, Director, Southern Maine Partnership, University of Southern Maine

Inspirational and focused, this volume will guide individuals on the front lines of school reform. Written by leading teachers and scholars and drawn from the real life and work of practitioners committed to change, these narratives shed much light on an increasingly important subject–the role and work of change agents. Highlighting the critical roles of change agents as negotiators, nurturers, teachers, learners, and curriculum developers, the contributors show why the preparation and support of those who take on the mantle of facilitator in a change initiative must be better understood and articulated.

To read this book is to step inside the critical role of change agents who face the formidable obstacles that challenge educational reform in our schools.

Contributors include: Ann Lieberman, Cheryl J. Craig, Margot Ely, Cynthia McCallister, Margaret McNamara, Claudia Grose, LaMar P. Miller, Michael Kass, Maris H. Krasnow, Charlotte Lak, Anna Ershler Richert, Pamela Stoddard, Jon Snyder, Marianne D’Emidio-Caston, and Kim Grose.