2 + 2 Leadership
Great schools don’t happen by chance. They are shaped by leaders who know where to focus their time, attention, and energy.
School leaders face an endless stream of demands. It can feel as though success depends on keeping every plate spinning. Leader or Plate Spinner? 2 + 2 Leadership offers a practical framework for stepping beyond the daily demands of the job and focusing leadership where it can make the greatest difference.
Written by experienced school leaders for school leaders, the book introduces the 2 + 2 Leadership Framework—a clear, practical approach centered on two essential responsibilities: leading learning and building a positive school culture.
About the Book
School leaders are pulled in countless directions every day. Leader or Plate Spinner? 2 + 2 Leadership offers a practical framework for moving beyond the constant demands of the job and focusing leadership where it can make the greatest difference.
The 2 + 2 Leadership Framework centers leadership on two essential responsibilities—leading learning and building a positive school culture—and explores two ways leaders can strengthen their impact: leading directly and developing the leadership of others.
Drawing on decades of experience as school leaders, the authors combine practical guidance, reflection, and real-world examples to help both emerging and experienced leaders bring greater clarity, confidence, and purpose to their work.
About the Authors
Jeanie Reed Cash
Jeanie Reed Cash retired as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District following a distinguished thirty-three-year career as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. A Founding Partner of Lead Learner Associates, she coaches educational leaders throughout California and serves as an executive consultant with Leadership Associates. She is the coauthor of Becoming an Evocative Coach (Corwin, 2021) and has trained leadership coaches for ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program. Her numerous honors include the NAESP National Distinguished Principal Award, Curriculum and Instruction Leader of the Year, the CASCD Outstanding Educational Leader Award, and ACSA’s 2026 Ferd J. Kiesel Award.
Erin Kominisky
Erin Kominisky retired after thirty-eight years in public education, including thirty-four years as a school administrator. During her tenure as a site administrator in both Rowland and Los Alamitos Unified School Districts, she led schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, California Distinguished Schools, and Golden Bell Award recipients. Her honors include California’s National Distinguished Principal Award, ACSA Region XVII Administrator of the Year, and California State Legislature Woman of the Year.
Derrick Lawson
Derrick Lawson devoted more than four decades to public education, serving as a teacher and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He spent nine years leading his alma mater, Indio High School, and opened two new campuses while serving diverse communities throughout California. A California and National Principal of the Year, Derrick continues to support educational leaders as Co-Executive Director of the California Association for Teaching, Leading, and Learning.