CHAD H. THOMAS
A small spark each week-to help you lead with heart and keep your fire lit.
A Weekly Spark For School Leaders
Chad Speaks at TEDx Wrigleyville
How the Story of Refugee High Can Solve Society's Problems
In this TEDx talk, Chad shows us how the story of Refugee High, a school that overcame poverty and trauma through healing and empowerment, can inspire the rest of America to follow suit.
Chad Speaks at TEDx Wrigleyville
How the Story of Refugee High Can Solve Society's Problems
In this TEDx talk, Chad shows us how the story of Refugee High, a school that overcame poverty and trauma through healing and empowerment, can inspire the rest of America to follow suit.
Where I've Been Published and Featured
Refugee High
Coming of Age In America
Elly Fishman chronicles one school year (2017–18) at Chicago’s Sullivan High—one of the nation’s most immigrant- and refugee-rich public schools—portraying resilient teens and dedicated educators amid trauma, xenophobia, and everyday teenage life as they build identity and belonging in America.
Breakthrough Principals
A Step-by-step Guide to Building Stronger Schools
Breakthrough Principals: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Stronger Schools distills lessons from more than 100 high-gaining, high-poverty schools into a practical framework for transformational leadership. Rejecting the “superhero principal” myth, it offers a research-based roadmap built around five key areas—learning and teaching, school culture, talent, operations, and personal leadership. Through real-world case studies (including my own experience), the book shows how intentional systems, staff capacity building, and shared ownership can drive lasting school improvement.
News Articles/Media
News Articles/Media
Looking to Make an Impact?
If you're consistently running into obstacles that you don't know how to overcome, you're in the right space. With over two decades in school leadership, I've learned what it takes to keep going and lead when you feel like everything is falling apart. Know you're in good company, because...it doesn't have to be that way.
If you need to talk, email me at [email protected]