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#OwnYourEpic is a culmination of stories and experiences from the perspective of a high school teacher turned principal. Through these stories and experiences, Dr. Jay Dostal shares the leadership lessons he has learned. While his perspective is from the vantage point of an educational administrator, #OwnYourEpic is relatable to all people who are ready to challenge themselves to be vulnerable and real so they can begin to own their epic. Through storytelling, readers are challenged to read, reflect, and write their own stories and experiences in the hope they will develop, write, and share their epic with others. Anyone can tell stories, but writing them down and reflecting on what you have learned from them is the act of taking ownership. By the end of the book, readers will be well on their way to writing their own epic story. Click on the link above to order your copy today!
Value Added Feedback is the answer to the repetitive and monotonous problem of trying to provide value to the teacher evaluation process. It is a model that provides a road map for building level administrators to begin the process of having meaningful interactions with teachers that are focused on reflection and growth. The 6 Phase Value Added Feedback Model can work in conjunction with any evaluation tool that school districts subscribe to. The model takes the mundane task of writing lengthy teacher observations to engaging teachers in the process of continuous improvement. Click on the link above to order your copy today!
#OwnYourEpic Blog
Check out the #OwnYourEpic blog filled with leadership lessons in owning your voice and your story
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"This book is a guidebook to leadership, and really explores the fundamental elements of a leader. At it’s core, Jay writes about being honest about your own journey and the mistakes you’ve made along the way. However, it’s in this process that you discover the wisdom you need to lead others. Jay models this throughout the entire book. He is a master storyteller, and beautifully shares stories from his own leadership journey to illustrate the wisdom he’s picked up along the way."
"“Own Your Epic,” written by Jay Dostal, is a book filled with engaging stories from Jay’s experiences as a school principal. This book will challenge you as a reader to reflect on your own journey as a school leader and encourage you to embrace your own successes and failures so that in turn, you can share your own epics to benefit others."
"Reflection is a powerful tool. The stories and activities provided are thought provoking. Dr. Dostal inspires you to identify key moments in your educational journey. The combination of reflection and identification of these moments aid you in telling your story. "
"There is no harder job than leading a school and no job more fulfilling ... if you're doing it right. In Own Your Epic, Dr. Dostal nails what that "right" work entails. This is an epic job with epic responsibilities. Adhere to his advice in this book, and the pay off for students, staff, and the greater community will be epic as well."
"Absolutely authentic. This is Jay both on top of his game and at his most vulnerable. Like Jay, we can learn from both."
"In this honest and vulnerable reflection of his leadership journey in school administration, Jay Dostal truly does honor his voice. He embraces not only the successes but also the failures and the gut checks that we all have as we tackle new adventures. From the realizations of his first assistant principal job to his current role, he weaves his stories together with lessons we can all use for our own adventures. Raw, real, and full of love for people, Jay’s passion to learn and to lead will inspire you. "
About the Author
Dr. Jay Dostal
Principal, Author, LeaderDr. Dostal has spoken at a variety of conferences on the topics of improving school culture, improving graduation rates, the value of career and technical education in today’s high schools, and leveraging the power of technology in school administration. His bride, Melanie, is a special education teacher and they have two children who remind them on a daily basis why the field of education is the noblest of professions with the greatest impact to change the world.
Dr. Dostal’s passion in life is to listen and share stories that enable others to find relevance and purpose. His hashtag, #OwnYourEpic, on Twitter provides regular encouragement to others to tell their stories and be proud of the person they are and who they can become. He believes that we need to travel our own paths, but along the way, we will meet a number of characters that will fill out our life story.
Contact #OwnYourEpic
If you have questions about #OwnYourEpic or need some guidance from an experienced education leader, please fill out the contact form. Dr. Dostal is happy to assist you.