Lean Think: Revolutionizing Education by Doing Less

by Julie Laub, Linda Lawliss (Editor)

Do less and get more! This revolutionary approach to education marries tried-and-true success principles from Lean Manufacturing to classroom practices. Students perform better and teachers work less. The book models the quality and efficiency of Lean Think in schools so education personnel learn how to optimize student learning within contract time. The driving question, “Does this add value?” emboldens educators to remove waste and sharpen processes across multiple areas in education that affect student learning. Developed by Julie Laub, a master teacher and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Think has been applied successfully at the state, district, and local levels, resulting in measurable student improvement and increased teacher job satisfaction.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2021

About the author

Julie Laub is currently the Science Department Head and Advanced Placement/Concurrent Enrollment chemistry teacher at Davis High School and an adjunct professor at Weber State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Utah and Master of Arts in Teaching Science from Western Governors University. In 2011, Julie entered the education world and has been voted teacher of the year many times and received district recognition as an outstanding educator. Earning her Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma, Julie hosts Lean Think workshops for state, district, and school personnel. For more resources and workshop information visit LeanThink.org.

Reviews

[Diana Suddreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book so much when I was in about year 5 of teaching. Julie Laub has done a remarkable job of linking the ideas that come from Lean in Industry to the classroom. By looking for value-add and removing waste, today's teacher can free her time to focus on her customers' needs, those being the needs of her students.

Julie's book is both a memoir of her own improvement journey and a handbook for those willing to try the methods that have worked so well in industry. She documents the data-based proof that the methods not only simplify and focus teaching, but also result in better outcomes for students.

Julie's writing style is friendly and approachable and her points are made in a clear and focused way, giving the reader a chance to think about how the elements of Lean Think can be applied. For any teacher who has a few years under their belt, this Lean Think could be revolutionary.

I received this book as a gift from the author in thanks for the Lean Think workshop I held with my staff a few years ago. I am so happy to see that Julie has captured the ideas from her workshops in a way that has the potential for even greater impact.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a retired educator and a friend and former coworker of the author. She has written a very useful, approachable book. I love her numerous examples. This book can definitely be used to improve education, but I believe it can also be used to improve so many things in life.