Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times

by George Couros

Behind moments of tension in schools and communities lies an opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and move forward with purpose. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, technology facilitator, school and district administrator, and parent, George Couros offers a practical and deeply human guide for leading through challenging times. Through honest reflection, vulnerability, and purposeful humor, he shares lessons learned not only from success but from missteps, growth, and difficult conversations. Rather than relying on quick fixes or easy answers, Forward, Together focuses on how leaders create the conditions for collaboration, understanding, and shared ownership.

Part one introduces clear principles that help leaders reflect, listen, and guide people toward connection. Part two brings those principles to life through real stories, candid moments, and hard-earned lessons that acknowledge the complexity of leading people with differing perspectives.

Throughout the book, Couros demonstrates what it means to lead with intention by knowing when to step forward, when to step back, and when to step aside so others can lead, grow, and recognize their own value. Forward, Together is a guide for school and community leaders who want to foster belonging, elevate voices, and build resilient communities where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to flourish together.



“Forward, Together is George at his very best, wrapping powerful challenges in stories so familiar you can’t help but see yourself in them. What makes this book so compelling is that it calls us not just to lead better, but to see people better. The six principles are not abstract ideas; they are lived experiences. An anchor for anyone leading in schools.”—Joe Sanfelippo, PhD, retired superintendent, author, and speaker

“George Couros has long been a trusted voice for reimagining what’s possible in our schools, and in Forward, Together, he brings that same spirit to one of our most urgent how to move forward in a time of deep division. Through honest storytelling, practical principles, and a deep belief in the power of community, he reminds us that progress doesn’t come from winning arguments but from building trust, fostering connection, and working side by side. A must-read for leaders in any role who want to emerge stronger, together.”—Jill Siler, leader, speaker, and author of Thrive Through the Five

“As always, George is raw and vulnerable as he shares his own change process and leadership. This book is both a warm bath and a cold shower, and you’ll have to read it to fully appreciate that analogy. If you know George, you can literally hear him talking as you read. It is inspirational, at times laugh-out-loud funny, and always grounded in both experience and heart. I read it in a single sitting.”—Katie Novak, educational consultant and author of The Shift to Student-Led and Elevating Educational Design with AI

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

Reviews

[Travis Marcum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently finished this one and really enjoyed Couros’ candid style, his passion for education and leadership, and the way he managed to work Van Halen in—and somehow make it work.

My favorite part was the last chapter, where he says that “every school is a community school”—not doing its work in isolation, but partnering with the community to remove barriers to learning and support every child’s well-being.

This really resonated with me and I agree that it should be the norm for all schools, no matter where they are in their journey.

I’ll be sitting with these ideas—and the principles and perspectives he shares—for a while.

#forwardtogether
#leadership

[Dara Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful and inspiring read

What an inspiring book! Be the light you want to see in others or the leader you needed early in your career! Excellent book!