Writing & Research: Bridging Theory & Practice

I find immense pleasure in transforming complex, abstract ideas into actionable insights through research and writing. As Lewin aptly stated, "There is nothing as practical as good theory." I believe this to be true, especially when we can effectively apply these theories and learn from our experiences.

My writing focuses on critical areas such as:

  • Leadership and Social-Emotional Skills: Exploring how leaders can develop and leverage emotional intelligence to create more resilient and cohesive teams.

  • Improvement Science: Providing evidence-based strategies to enhance educational practices and outcomes.

  • Teacher Retention: Investigating the factors that keep teachers engaged and committed to their profession.

  • AI in Leadership: Navigating the growing need for leaders to understand and manage artificial intelligence within their organizations.

  • Productivity: Investigating how leaders can better focus their time and attention in a distracted world.

Through my work, I aim to offer clear, practical guidance that helps leaders at all levels thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Books

Blogs

Retention

Matters

on Substack

Articles

Peer Reviewed Journals

Bailey J.A. and Weiner R. A social-emotional model of teacher retention. Invited submission for Social Emotional Learning: Research Policy & Practice

Bailey, J.A. and Weiner, R. (2022). Interpreting social-emotional learning: How school leaders make sense of SEL skills for themselves and others. School Leadership Review, Vol. 16 (2), Article 4. https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/slr/vol16/iss2/4

Bailey, J.A. & Weiner, R.B. (2022, Spring). Are Schools Deliberately Developmental for Adult SEL? Journal of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 6 (1). https://go.southernct.edu/jelps/#issues

 McNulty, B.A. & Bailey, J.A. (2004, Spring). McREL’s balanced leadership framework: School leadership that works. Invited submission for Journal of Effective Schools. Vol. 3 (1).

Popular Press

Bailey, J.A. & Weiner, R. (2021, October). Lead with Social and Emotional Support. The Learning Professional.

Bailey, J.A. & Weiner, R. (2021, November). Stress Reduction for the Selfless. Invited feature for the NAESP Principal Magazine.

Michelson, J. & Bailey J.A. (2016, April). Common goal unites district: Leaders and teachers build literacy

and a collective responsibility for student learning. Journal of Staff Development. Vol. 37 (2).

Bailey, J.A. (2014). Why we chose blended learning [invited Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.edelements.com/about/blog/

Selected Presentations

Bailey, J. (July, 2023). Keeping Our Educators: Three Strategies to Improve Job Satisfaction. Presented to the Summer 2023 School Administrators of Montana Summer Conference.

Bailey, J. & Weiner, R. (April, 2021). Flourishing as a Leader: Creating Your Own SEL Practice. Presented at the Philadelphia Charters of Excellence Conference.

Bailey, J. and O’Connor, R. (November 2019). Mindtraps. Presented at the ASCD Educational Leadership Conference.

Bailey, J., and others (May 2016). From Coast to Cliff: Making Personalized Learning Stick. Presented at the Education Elements Personalized Learning Summit.

Panel member (November 2014). Blended Learning in Rural Districts: Big Successes in Small School Systems. Presented at the iNACOL conference.

Panel member (November 2014). Points in Time in a Personalized Learning Implementation: Lessons Learned and Next Steps for Big Thinkers. Presented at the iNACOL conference.

Bailey, J. and others (September 2013). An Overview of the Wyoming Educational Accountability Act: What School Boards Need to Know. Presented for the Wyoming School Boards Association.