Fulfillment from Fullan.

It's always a treat to approach one of the acknowledged greats in the school leadership field about contributing to an upcoming issue of the magazine that's in the works. Michael Fullan, who surely ranks as one of the experts, has always been most gracious whenever we've extended an invitation.

A prolific book author, researcher and regular on the conference speaking circuit, Fullan has composed three full-length pieces for The School Administrator in just the last four years (September 2002, February 2005), including his article in this issue, "Leading Professional Learning." (We've also reviewed at least four of his books since the mid-1990s and referenced his ideas on dozens of occasions in articles and columns.)

In this issue, Fullan, who has worked the last three years as a special adviser to the minister of education in Ontario, Canada, questions the role of professional learning communities in their capacity to create cultural change that endures.

Fullan told me recently that he tries to challenge superintendents through his writing "to push the boundaries." He also sees it as a personal challenge to write something clearly and succinctly for a demanding readership. "Short articles help me formulate ideas that I can use in my next book," he says.

I hope you'll read Fullan's latest contribution to our pages. We know it won't be the last.

Jay P. Goldman

Voice: 703-875-0745

E-mail: [e-mail]