The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is an inspiring and practical guide for school leaders and educators seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence, responsibility, and ongoing improvement. Why was this an important book for you to write?

My first book, The Teaching Guarantee: Every Day is Different, was finished to coincide with the start of my 50th year in education. The apparent second part of The Teaching Guarantee was the importance of making a difference as a school leader. As I mentioned in the first book, each new appointment for me had to provide me with two things: an opportunity and a challenge. Each challenge required me to make a difference at each school. So, this second book guides leaders, especially school leaders, on how to make a difference in their organisation or school. It was completed in time to mark the end of my 50th year in education.

I have been very fortunate to have a breadth of school leadership experiences encompassing all aspects of school education. For Tema International School, the opportunity provided me with a boarding school environment, the missing link in my experience base. The school’s chairman of the board, Anis Haffar, has mentioned several times over the past eight years that I should share my experience with others. This Teaching Guarantee series enables me to do this.

How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?

My research involved 50 years of personal experiences in schools across three continents, which I have applied to my writing. The reader feedback from my first book inspired me to write a second. The first book was crafted over 12 years, with many chapters completed while I was in hotel quarantine during COVID-19 on three separate occasions (in Fortress Australia). Using a format similar to my first book, I found it easy to complete my second within 12 months. In terms of the book’s organisation, I broke the process of making a difference, or change management, into what I considered were the key aspects (sections) and elements (chapters).

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

There were several key ideas that I wanted to share with readers and future leaders.

Leadership and culture are essential to change management.

The first task of a new leader is to survey the organisation and identify the biggest issues to address. Then, fix the first issue effectively within the shortest timeline. This will establish your credibility. Continue the process to enhance the reputation of your school or organisation.

Adopt a growth mindset across the organisation and a Kaizen approach to continuous improvement.

Over time, establish a culture that embraces change according to standards and adopt a ‘team of leaders’ approach.

Ensure your vision and values are authentic.

Let performance be your evidence in terms of organisational growth.

Adopt a mantra of making a difference. It is a gratifying experience.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Teaching Guarantee?

I am concerned about the global challenges so many schools face since the return to the ‘new normal’ after the COVID pandemic. It is critical that school leaders make a difference by addressing the priority issues effectively and not using a band-aid approach. Keep things simple and enjoy what you do.

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The Teaching Guarantee series, offering invaluable insights for aspiring school leaders. This dynamic guide emphasises that making a difference is not just a responsibility but the core mission of any thriving organisation.

Drawing on 50 years of authentic school leadership experience, Ken Darvall reveals how leaders can create a powerful impact on schools and beyond. The principles he shares are not only practical but also adaptable across various industries. This book serves as a hands-on manual for school change, offering clear, actionable steps without the usual complexities that hinder progress. It empowers leaders to take charge and ignite positive transformations in their schools and organisations.

Addressing Issues Through Change: Discover how effective change management can resolve problems and boost the effectiveness of your school or organisation.

The Importance of Quality Leadership: Learn how to tackle the most challenging issues head-on for meaningful and lasting impact.

Building a Strong School Culture: Uncover the secrets to cultivating a robust school culture that epitomises making a difference.

The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is a rallying cry for schools and their leaders to embrace the mantra of making a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting, Ken Darvall provides the tools and inspiration needed to drive significant, positive change within your organisation. Get ready to make a lasting impact and transform your leadership with this must-read guide!