In The Trust Imperative: Practical Approaches to Effective School Leadership, Andrew Dolloff offers readers an exceedingly insightful, substantive, and terrific reflection on leadership. Andrew has crafted an important read and resource for aspiring and practicing school leaders. As a gifted and reflective practitioner, he has captured the essence of leading effectively, not only in schools, but in all walks of life. And as an astute observer of schools and their communities, he offers an important glimpse into the authentic fabric of school leadership, recognizing and championing the cornerstones of trust, relationships, ethics, and equity.

J. Duke Albanese, former Maine Commissioner of Education

In his book, The Trust Imperative, Andrew Dolloff presents a thoughtful and practical exploration of the part trust plays in creating a safe, equitable, productive, and respectful environment for student learning. Both emerging and experienced leaders will find insights and methodologies that remind us of ways to build trust on a consistent basis. This book can also serve as a handy reference to help school leaders periodically reflect upon their own wellness, and upon their progress toward building trust throughout the educational community.

Arthur L. Bettencourt, executive director, New England School Development Council

Whether you are a seasoned administrator or an aspiring school leader, The Trust Imperative will assist you in examining and building leadership practices based on trust, ethical leadership, and strong relationships with all stakeholders. Any leader interested in building equitable, innovative school communities will benefit from the insightful recommendations, vivid accounts of situations and decisions school leaders face, and thought-provoking questions interspersed throughout each chapter. Readers will emerge from this book with a renewed commitment to seek opportunities to build trust through each interaction and to continuously reflect upon and improve their leadership practices.

Dr. Anita Stewart McCafferty, chair, department of educational leadership and adult and higher education, University of Southern Maine

The Trust Imperative is a must read for any educator who is a current school leader or considering a career in administration. Whether you are a veteran administrator reflecting upon your practice, in the early days of your career seeking direction or affirmation, or an aspiring school leader, Andrew Dolloff provides a practical perspective on the effective and necessary skills needed in building a “trust filled” school. Simply and succinctly, it is about ethical leadership based on integrity, empathy, and trust. The Trust Imperative should be required reading in any graduate school’s educational leadership course and should have a place on the shelf of every school administrator.

Jeff Rodman, executive director, New England League of Middle Schools