Nothing's Impossible: Leadership Lessons From Inside And Outside The Classroom

by Lorraine Monroe

In 1991, Dr. Lorraine Monroe founded the Frederick Douglass Academy, a public school in Harlem, in the belief that caring instructors, a disciplined but creative environment, and a refusal to accept mediocrity could transform the lives of inner-city kids. Her experiment was a huge success. Today the Academy is one of the finest schools in the country, sending graduates to Ivy League colleges and registering the third highest SAT scores in New York City. The key to its success: a unique leadership method Monroe calls the "Monroe Doctrine," which she developed through decades as a teacher and principal in some of America's toughest schools. In this book Monroe tells her own remarkable story and explains her "Doctrine" through pithy, memorable rules and observations and a host of wonderful true stories. This is an inspiring read for both new and experienced educators—and for anyone who wants to succeed in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 1999

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to meet this extraordinary leader at an AP conference for teachers in Orlando and she was just dynamic. I would work for this woman in a microsecond because she "gets it." I teach in a small, rural school and often feel such despair when teachers just provide the basics. These children need to be pushed further because they are icebergs with so much beneath the surface. Dr. Monroe knows how to chart a course through the icebergs. She embodies the true servant-leader balance. I read selections from this book every year now for preparation for the waters ahead. This is a must read for principals and teachers alike.

[Yvetta Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years back and just now writing my review. Ms. Monroe speaks to leaders in the making. She gives non-negotiables. I learned how to persevere, in other words how to stand against obstacles, cut through the red tape, and use best practices in the area of education.

I appreciate how she shared her journey of leadership in education and slowly evolved to a great leader. I was totally inspired. Excellent book !!!!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

LM is way more dynamic in person, plus her book leaves out a lot of the actual nitty-gritty on how she got her school going. She makes it seem too easy.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring and insightful books about the urban education field I have read. Its a breath of fresh air and revitalizing. A great read on leadership too! Enjoy!

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book requires you to be familiar with the author. If you have not heard of Lorraine Monroe or read any of her earlier works, it is not very accessible.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of someone who has had every reason to be average, but she persevered through obstacles to do great things and to make a difference for kids.

[Jennifer Dines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read: I finished it all in one night. Dr. Monroe is funny and assertive, two qualities that are too-often missing from portrayals of career women! I admired her self-confidence and keenness throughout the book. It is basically a memoir of a woman's career in education, from public school teacher at age 21 to educational administrator and consultant along with tips and advice for those aspiring to school leadership. I feel that this woman was someone who was very motivated to help students achieve entrance to prestigious colleges, the ultimate goal of a public education, which is often viewed as an impossible feat for urban students. Dr. Monroe is very straightforward about how to move schools from point A (the frequently under-tended urban school landscape) to point B (a thriving community of motivated teachers and scholars): test prep skills, exposure to the arts, strict behavior standards. The book was refreshingly free of complaints about policy changes and full of common-sense (which at one point she points out is frequently uncommon) and straightforward practices (i.e. a list of behavioral expectations, staff-monitored hallways). I was also pleased to see the piece of the book that addresses maintaining physical health through healthy eating practices; this is SO important for anyone in public education. Indeed, paying attention to my diet and exercising regularly is what has allowed me to successfully complete my first few years of full-time teaching in the public schools! I recommend this book to anyone working a public school; this book reveals what school administration should and could resemble: things moving quickly for the best interests of the children without bureaucratic barriers.

[Blossom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because it is personal. Monroe tells *her* story, not someone else's. There are a few curse words but it is reality and that is what she was hoping to portray. Life isn't always rainbows and flowers and sweet stuff. Monroe took a tough situation and made it awesome, with the help of those who believed in the kids and each other. She started out, in her own school experience, being just put through so to speak. But she went on to do great things and through her I think a lot of kids were helped. Not just those kids either; each person that came into contact with those kids, Monroe, and her staff; they were all affected.
The writing is easy-going. I laughed in many places because it felt like a friend telling me what she was up to. Much that she talked about in terms of her own growing up reminded me of mine; different of course but so similar. What she saw in others that she really appreciated, she took with her and used to help another when she was in a leadership position. Those traits that were not so favorable, even if she were prone to have them, she set aside and did not allow to grow. I especially appreciated the stories of her teachers when she was in school. I have had a few great teachers; those are the ones I remember. Much more than the couple that were not good (not just not great but bad).
Inspirational book.

[Lainadiamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by the founder and former principal of the Fredrick Douglass Academy in NYC. My new principal recommended it to me so I decided to read it. I was struck by how much of the rules/procedures that Ms. Monroe developed were adapted by the SEED school. I felt like a lot of things I had been told in staff meetings were lifted from this book and that surprised me and made me smile.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, this woman is an incredible public speaker, very motivational in person, the book didn't do as much for me.