In July 2022, Zac Bauermaster of Quarryville published a 40-day devotional and leadership guide, titled "Leading With a Humble Heart." Although this was his first time publishing a book, Bauermaster is no stranger to filling leadership roles; for over a decade, the veteran educator has worked as a school administrator across Solanco, Warwick and Manheim Central school districts. In October 2023, Bauermaster published his second book: "Leading With PEOPLE: A Six Pillar Framework for Fruitful Leadership."

The two books have a few similarities: Each one seeks to equip its reader with an arsenal of skills that can be applied to any leadership role, from those working as CEOs to leaders of church youth groups. Both books also weave in Scripture passages and stories from Bauermaster's personal and professional life experiences.

Despite the books' parallels, there are a number of key differences between them. As a 40-day devotional, "Leading With a Humble Heart" follows a specific framework, and Bauermaster wrote it for readers to engage with the material on a day-to-day basis. Each day of the devotional begins with a Bible verse followed by a personal story, concluding with reflection questions that tie into the Scripture passage. "Leading With PEOPLE," however, follows a more traditional book format. The opening details how to lay a foundation for successful leadership through Christian faith, followed by six chapters. Each chapter focuses on one of six concepts that Bauermaster defines as essential to leading others: prioritizing people, empathizing with them, observing their needs, praying for them, loving them and encouraging them.

"(Each book) is similar in the sense that they contain lots of personal stories, some humor and my own struggles," Bauermaster said. "I tie that in with Scripture, but ultimately I focus on how people can apply it to their lives."

Bauermaster began to work on "Leading With PEOPLE" before the ink had even dried on the pages of his authorial debut. Bauermaster said the idea for his six-pillar leadership framework came to him while he was on the couch with his family and watching TV; he grabbed a pen and the nearest writable surface - which happened to be a cardboard box - and jotted down his thoughts. He continued to refine the concept over the next year and completed the book this past summer. "I received a lot of great feedback from the first book, not even just from other educators but the local community as well. That really helped me work on the next one," Bauermaster said.

Bauermaster is a Quarryville native and a graduate of Solanco High School. He officially returned to the area last December to become principal of Providence Elementary School. "It's been great to be back in the Solanco community," Bauermaster said. "Wonderful people, school staff members, students and great families make this place special."

For more information, visit http://www.zacbauermaster.com.