About the Book

At its core, THRIVE: Breaking Free from Survival Mode in Education encourages educators and school leaders to grow beyond simply managing the demands of the profession and instead build fulfilling, lasting careers in education. It highlights the importance of resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and creating meaningful impact within schools and learning communities.

Through personal insights, practical approaches, and experiences from the field, the book offers guidance for both new and experienced educators navigating the realities of teaching and leadership. It aims to empower current and future generations of educators to remain committed to the profession while continuing to grow, inspire others, and lead with confidence and passion.

About the Visionary Author

 Trelane Clark 

Trelane Clark is a visionary author and career educator whose decades of experience span public, private, urban, suburban, and faith-based schools. Known for her gift of connection, she bridges divides between teachers and administrators, strengthens curriculum and instruction, and champions equity in learning environments and outcomes.

As the founder of T.H.R.I.V.E. Consulting Group, Trelane has inspired educators nationwide and abroad through her leadership, coaching, and presentations. She is also a contributing author to three anthologies and now leads this powerful new project amplifying the collective wisdom of educators.

Grounded in gratitude, joy, and love, Trelane leads with her heart, integrity, models resilience, and deeply believes in the transformative power of relationships — all components of equitable schools with educators who thrive.

  This isn't just a book about education—it's a guide filled with strategies to help educators grow, adapt, and build meaningful careers in the profession.

About the Foreword Author

Principal Kafele

A highly-regarded educator over the past 38 years, Principal Baruti Kafele distinguished himself as a master teacher, a transformational school leader and an internationally-renowned education speaker, consultant and author. As an elementary school teacher in East Orange, NJ, he was selected as the East Orange School District and Essex County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year finalist.

As a middle and high school principal, Principal Kafele emerged as a turnaround school leader which included the turnaround of "The Mighty" Newark Tech, that went from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition, including U.S. News and World Report Magazine recognizing it three times as one of America's best high schools with Principal Kafele being awarded the coveted Milken Educator Award for his leadership.

Known as America’s “AP & New Principals Leadership Coach,” Principal Kafele is one of the most sought-after school leadership presenters in America. Over the past 40 years, he has delivered more than 3000 conference and program keynotes, professional development workshops, parenting seminars and student assemblies. Additionally, he is the creator and host of the popular AP & New Principals Academy, streamed live every Saturday morning on his AP & New Principals Academy YouTube channel at 11:00 ET.

In addition to writing several professional articles for popular education journals, he has authored fourteen books, including his seven ASCD best sellers. He is the recipient of over 150 educational, professional and community awards which include the prestigious Milken Educator Award, the National Alliance of Black School Educators Hall of Fame Award, the East Orange, NJ Hall of Fame Award, recognition as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals for seven consecutive years  (2020 – 2026) by Global Gurus Top 30, recognition by District Administration as one of the Top 100 Influencers for Educational Leadership in America for 2025, president-elect of the NJ affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and the City of Dickinson, Texas proclaiming February 8, 1998 as Baruti Kafele Day.

Meet the Thriving Authors

Empowering the Future of Education

What to expect:

• Inspiring Real-Life Experiences: THRIVE: Breaking Free from Survival Mode in Education brings together authentic stories from educators across different stages of their careers. These experiences highlight the realities of working in education while showing how challenges can be transformed into moments of learning, strength, and renewed purpose.

• Practical Strategies for Growth: Beyond personal stories, the book offers grounded approaches and insights that help educators navigate the demands of teaching and leadership. Readers will learn ways to manage challenges more effectively, stay aligned with their values, and build resilience in the face of everyday pressures in the profession.

• A Path Toward Thriving in Education: This book encourages reflection on one’s own journey as an educator and how it can continue to evolve. Through its honest discussions and supportive tone, THRIVE aims to guide aspiring, current, and retired educators toward a more sustainable, meaningful, and fulfilling experience in education.