Public education is facing an unprecedented crisis. Exhausted educators are leaving the profession in record numbers, while persistent systemic issues and polarizing debates distract from the core mission of education--student success. Shaping the Future offers educational leaders a compelling guide to meet these challenges head-on and transform their leadership approach to improve outcomes for students and staff alike. Grounded in original research and rich experience in over 400 school districts, Lyle Kirtman introduces four pivotal leadership shifts to align vision, leadership practices, and student success. Additional features include: (1) Practical frameworks and real-world examples demonstrating how to overcome persistent barriers in workforce challenges and accountability; (2) Strategies to integrate diversity and social emotional learning into goals and actions for academic excellence; and (3) Reflection tools, case studies, and step-by-step guidance to help you act immediately and effectively in your unique context. This book equips leaders with tools to address misalignment in improvement strategies, low morale, and the retention crisis, while reigniting a collective focus on student achievement. "Shaping the Future" is more than a leadership guide--it's a solution-driven call to action for anyone dedicated to sustaining public education and unlocking the potential of every learner.