A New Way Forward for Schools
Advancing Teaching and Learning in the Era of Overwhelm
Dr William DeJean
In A New Way Forward for Schools, Dr William DeJean speaks directly to one of the most pressing challenges in education today: the sense of overwhelm many educators experience in a system that feels increasingly complex. From shifting curriculum priorities to competing initiatives, staff burnout and relentless accountability measures, the book captures the reality of working in schools today with clarity and care.
Drawing from decades of experience across classrooms and leadership contexts, DeJean introduces the Unleash Learning System, a research-informed approach that supports whole-school alignment. It encourages schools to move beyond isolated strategies and focus instead on embedding practices that make learning stick for all students.
What makes this book especially relevant is its honest acknowledgement of specific challenges that exist within schools, such as the disconnect between initial teacher education and the demands of everyday teaching. DeJean doesn’t blame or oversimplify. Instead, he offers tools that help bridge this gap, supporting teachers and leaders to build consistency and clarity in their work.
Another particularly memorable section explores the way data is used in schools. DeJean examines not only the types of data collected, but how it is interpreted and applied. He challenges readers to reflect on whether data use is improving learning or simply adding pressure without purpose.
Rather than layering on more, this book helps educators strip back and refocus. It is accessible, well-structured and written with the working professional in mind. Suitable for school leaders, teachers, and teacher educators alike, it offers a shared language and a path toward collective impact.
For those navigating the daily pressures of modern schooling, A New Way Forward for Schools is a compelling read that invites change, not just discussion.
