Full Description
"For those aspiring to be school principals, this book brings into focus the realities of serving in a leadership role. A must-read for tomorrow's principals!"
—Gerald Tirozzi, Executive Director
National Association of Secondary School Principals
"Villani offers stories and vignettes that capture the deepest questions and concerns faced by new and aspiring principals and reminds readers that they are not alone."
—Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director
National Staff Development Council
A wealth of leadership craft knowledge from a principal who has "been there"!
Establishing collaborative relationships with staff, building trust, and fostering a climate of mutual respect are goals that principals strive for on a daily basis. The second edition of Are You Sure You're The Principal? helps school leaders build upon these authentic leadership qualities by combining practical advice and theoretical insight with no-nonsense leadership and reflective strategies to improve principals' professional practice. Ideal for new and experienced school leaders, this resource discusses how to balance listening and leading, work through conflict, be a mentor, and seek out advisors for guidance and support. This second edition is updated with:
A new chapter on career fulfillment
Advice on evaluating goals, preferences, and opportunities
Study guides related to each chapter for group or individual professional development
Through personal stories and commentaries, the author provides a mentor-in-a-book that helps principals feel more supported within the school community.
Contents
Foreword by Roland S. Barth
Preface
About the Author
Introduction
1. Are You Sure You're the Principal?
First Impressions
Larger Than Life
The Look of Leadership
A Little Respect
2. Working Through Conflict
Saving Face
The Pain of Ostracism and the Power of Understanding
Knowing When to Hold and When to Fold
What's Worth Fighting For
Diversity in the Principal's Office
Establishing Credibility
Lessons Learned
3. Communicating Who We Are and What We Believe
Using Symbols to Convey Values
She Smiles Too Much
Being Clear
Expressing Outrage
Telling Our Truths
How We Are Known
Accepting Ourselves
4. Building Community
Making All Students Feel Part of the Community
Acceptance Based on Being
Hiring New Teachers and Promoting Teacher Development
What We Have in Common
Lonely at the Top
Sharing Leadership: When and How
5. Advisors, Mentors, and Allies
Demonstrating Caring
Seeking or Accepting Support
The Serendipity of Mutual Mentoring
Passing the Torch and Sharing Its Light
6. Reflecting on a Career: Committing to Pursue Professional Passion
Am I in the Right Place Doing the Work I Want to Be Doing?
My Choices and Yours
People Whose Work Is Featured in the Sudy Guides
Study Guide for All Chapters
Study Guides for Individual Chapter
References
Index
