ABSTRACT
In this opening chapter we outline and discuss the key concepts related to leading from the middle. This includes an overview of the conceptual ideas developed related to the leading practices of ‘middle leaders’. While there has been a significant body of literature that focuses on the educational leadership of principals, there is very little related to the work of middle leaders, and yet middle leaders are best placed to effect leadership close to the hot site of education – the classroom. Their knowledge and sense of place forms an indivisible connection between practices and places. Thus, we position middle leaders as critical curriculum and professional leaders for site-based education development in schools. The chapter concludes with an outline of the chapters in the book.
