The tools I will describe in Growing Leaders have evolved out of a lifetime of experiences, and each one has a story.  My hope is that my stories will evoke your stories.

For the purposes of this book, this is how I define the word “tool.”

TOOL:  A generic template, process, procedure, strategy, structure, map, model or metaphor designed to help a teacher accomplish a specific purpose.

Some of the tools are very simple and can be implemented easily and without very much thought or planning.  Others are complex and will probably be attached as “stand alone” pieces – even perhaps separate e-books.