You get to choose what kind of life you want to live. Every day. But it doesn’t always seem that way. When challenges arise and throw you off course, life can feel frustrating, maddening . . . heartbreaking. Even in those moments, you have the choice to find the gift. Through tragedy and triumph—and even in the many mundane moments in between—life offers love, wisdom, and self-discovery. The best gift of all is the freedom to choose who you want to be and what kind of life you want to live. The Path to Serendipity by education leader Allyson Apsey is a funny, genuine, and clever look at the fortunes we can gain from even our worst experiences. Through her personal, relatable stories, you will learn strategies for living a meaningful life regardless of the craziness happening around you. Don’t miss the gift.

The Path to Serendipity: Discover the Gifts along Life's Journey

Apsey, Allyson

Religion & Spirituality

Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated

What Makes a Great Principal: The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership

Education & Teaching

Couros, George

Schools & Teaching

ImPress

The Princes of Serendip

When three spoiled princes set out to see what life is like outside the castle, they end up finding new friends and unexpected treasures. In The Princes of Serendip, Allyson Apsey offers a twist on an age-old tale and reveals the true meaning of the word serendipity. Join the three princes as they learn that hard work, love, and living life to its fullest just may be the path to discovering the greatest joys life has to offer. "This delightful story will be appreciated by children as well as the adults in their lives . . . Congratulations to Allyson Apsey for this impressive debut in picture book writing."--Nell K. Duke, professor of literacy, language, and culture, University of Michigan "Allyson Apsey has created a sweet story about three princes and the lessons they learn about kindness, gratitude, and pride--lessons that are so important for every child to hear."--Todd Nesloney, award-winning educator and bestselling author "The Princes of Serendip is a must-read for all learners and ages." --Jessica Cabeen, author of Hacking Early Learning and coauthor of Balance Like a Pirate "My daughters love this book They loved how the princes learned kindness, love, and gratitude. My oldest daughter said, 'The story made me feel great because the princes were working hard to help people in need. I love how they saw the beauty in others.'" --Karen Festa, wife, mom, and passionate educator

Children's Books

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.

When three spoiled princes set out to see what life is like outside the castle, they end up finding new friends and unexpected treasures.  In The Princes of Serendip, Allyson Apsey offers a twist on an age-old tale and reveals the true meaning of the word serendipity. Join the three princes as they learn that hard work, love, and living life to its fullest just may be the path to discovering the greatest joys life has to offer.    “This delightful story will be appreciated by children as well as the adults in their lives . . .  Congratulations to Allyson Apsey for this impressive debut in picture book writing.”—Nell K. Duke, professor of literacy, language, and culture, University of Michigan “Allyson Apsey has created a sweet story about three princes and the lessons they learn about kindness, gratitude, and pride—lessons that are so important for every child to hear."—Todd Nesloney, award-winning educator and bestselling author  “The Princes of Serendip is a must-read for all learners and ages.” —Jessica Cabeen, author of Hacking Early Learning and coauthor of Balance Like a Pirate “My daughters love this book! They loved how the princes learned kindness, love, and gratitude. My oldest daughter said, ‘The story made me feel great because the princes were working hard to help people in need. I love how they saw the beauty in others.’” —Karen Festa, wife, mom, and passionate educator

Dave Burgess Consulting

He is driving me crazy! Why is she acting this way? I just can’t deal what that person anymore! 
How do you handle a student, coworker, or family member whose rude, withdrawn, or challenging behavior leaves you feeling hurt, frustrated, or even angry? Before you blow up or walk away, education leader Allyson Apsey suggests gaining a little perspective into the motivation behind that behavior. 
In Through the Lens of Serendipity, Allyson examines how our basic needs motivate all behavior. Through personal, relatable stories, Allyson shares practical ideas for responding to and connecting with people in ways that empower them to meet their needs in a healthy, positive manner. You also learn what it means to HANDLE yourself and others with care—with the ultimate goal of bringing out the best in everyone.
As you read Through the Lens of Serendipity you’ll be equipped to. . . 
<ul>
<li>Better understand yourself and the people around you. 
</li>
<li>Look past the surface to find the heart of someone’s story. 
</li>
<li>Seek out the good in others—even those that frustrate you most. 
</li>
<li>Understand the long-term impact of childhood trauma. 
</li>
<li>Respond to others’ needs with compassion and hope. </li>
</ul>
“Through the Lens of Serendipity is an eclectic blend of inspiration, research, and practical strategies that will help you be a more caring and consistent version of your best self.” —Brad Gustafson, national distinguished principal and author of Reclaiming Our Calling
“If you are looking for a book that will make you and those around you better and make the world a better place, this is a great read.” —George Couros, author of Innovator’s Mindset
“This book will have you intentionally pausing and building empathy for people you see every single day.” —Ben Gilpin, Warner Elementary principal, Western School District, Michigan

Through the Lens of Serendipity: Helping Others Discover the Best in Themselves--Even if Life has Shown Them Its Worst

A new town, a new school, no friends . . . and now Kip has to deal with a bully. It's going to take more than luck to make it through sixth grade; it's going to take some serendipity. When Kip's dad loses his job, her family packs up and moves to Jackson. She misses her friends, her old school, and having her own room Then, just when she thinks things can't get any worse, a boy at school tries to make her life miserable. Kip's Serendipity Journal is the one place where she can share how she really feels. And it's where she discovers that sometimes serendipity is even better than luck.

The Serendipity Journal

Animals

Gypsy Heart Press

My Serendipity Journal (The Serendipity Journal)

Arts, Music & Photography

What Can Leaders Do for Teachers? 
Amid the growing teacher shortage crisis and the extra demands placed on teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, if there’s anything we’ve learned as educational leaders, it’s that some things are out of our control. But we do have agency in ensuring that our teachers are well supported and that we’re meeting their needs, and when teachers are nurtured, they are better able to nurture their students. As Allyson Apsey illustrates in her groundbreaking new book, every teacher brings their whole self to school: their dreams, their personal challenges, their hopes and fears, and their desire to be valued, to be connected, and to learn and grow. As school leaders, we have a duty to create an environment that can support every part of a teacher, that can help them stay connected to their why, and that can fulfill their servant hearts. 
Changing a school culture takes careful planning and it takes time, and leading the whole teacher calls for a deeper level of systematic change than typical teacher appreciation efforts. Let’s dream for a moment about what school could be for teachers. How could school leaders create a school environment that nurtures the whole teacher? What impact could a school that sets teachers up for success have on student achievement? This book explores the six components of the whole teacher with strategies and ideas to create the environment that teachers need to thrive. 
Endorsements 
“Recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of classroom educators, Allyson Apsey gives leaders essential insights on how to improve teacher effectiveness, engage their hearts, and regain their commitment to our profession. At a time when many teachers are burned out and traumatized, Apsey offers hope.”—Douglas Reeves, author, Fearless Schools: Building Trust and Resilience for Learning, Teaching, and Leading\n“With deep credibility and an authentic voice, Leading the Whole Teacher will provide you a clear path to protecting the most important part of education—the people. This book will engage your heart and mind as you serve your staff and school in a manner that’s meaningful to them.”—Dr. Brad Gustafson, award-winning principal (MN), author, and speaker\n“As a service-oriented leader, Allyson has created a resource that is a necessary addition to the field. Leading the Whole Teacher is a book you will keep close to your desk and return to throughout the year.”—Jessica Cabeen, principal of Austin Online Academy, author, and speaker

Leading the Whole Teacher: Strategies for Supporting the Educators in Your School

Design Meetings Your Team Will Love 
In the age of time-strapped teachers, shifting standards, and distance learning, how can educational leaders ensure that every staff meeting absolutely could not have been an email? Jessica Gomez and Allyson Apsey set the agenda for planning—and leading—meetings that are purposeful, impactful, and inspiring. 
Lead with Collaboration serves as a meeting guidebook for educators who understand that leadership is a collective endeavor. Staff centered and outcome oriented, these carefully curated strategies are designed to serve the needs of any team in any situation. So, whether you’re helping new hires to build confidence, or you’re navigating a crisis with a group of veteran teachers, Lead with Collaboration can offer you the tools you need to make every meeting an opportunity for connection.\nEndorsements 
“Lead with Collaboration is a top-notch resource for all educational leaders. Apsey and Gomez share strategies that are purposeful and practical.”—Dr. Majalise W. Tolan, superintendent and author of She Leads: The Women’s Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership\n“Apsey and Gomez provide experienced and aspiring leaders with daily guidelines for effective collaboration with colleagues, students, and families.” —Douglas Reeves, founder, Creative Leadership Solutions, and author of Fearless Schools\n“An indispensable resource that emphasizes the power of human interaction and the art of engaging others.” —Jerry Almendarez, superintendent

Lead with Collaboration: A Complete Guide for Transforming Staff Meetings

Gómez, Jessica

Bold Humility: Growing students by empowering teachers

Stewart, Julie

Carlin, Eric

Ed.D., Dr David M. Schmittou M

Leach, Emily

Coker, Laua

Ribaudo, Liz

Meza, Santiago

Quattrucci, Jen

Mendler, Brian

Independently published

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Books by Apsey, Allyson