Leading with Aloha: From the Pineapple Fields to the Principal’s Office

What works and what doesn’t? An innovative educator and student advocate shares the many lessons learned from her 45 years in Hawai‘i’s public schools. Both a personal memoir and a guide to creating a positive educational environment, Leading With Aloha: From the Pineapple Fields to the Principal’s Office offers reflections and recommendations from educator Jan Iwase. The many lessons learned during Iwase’s career in Hawai‘i’s public schools as she rose through the ranks, beginning in the Head Start program and ending her teaching years as principal of Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School, provide a blueprint for successful schools and classrooms with happy students, empowered teachers and involved parents.

“As a practitioner who has walked the walk, Jan Iwase provides current and aspiring leaders with invaluable knowledge on what it means to be a change agent. She weaves in both personal and practical experiences to create a compelling narrative that will inspire readers to not only grow but continually reflect on their practice. The lessons gleaned from this book will inspire and push your thinking.”
—Eric Sheninger, best-selling author and Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education

“Leading with Aloha, is more than a documentary. It is an opportunity to catch an intimate glimpse into a sometimes painful, always joyful and humble story of a life well lived. As you read, you’ll feel as though you’re sitting at the kitchen table with Jan, soaking up her wisdom, gentleness and passion. Thank you for the gift of this beautiful story.”
—Cris Waldfogel, Director for School and District Leadership, PBL WorksLeading

Softcover, 108 pp.
Author: Jan Iwase
Release Date: July 2019

Connect with the author at her website