Beginning the Principalship: A Practical Guide for New School Leaders

By John C. Daresh

Book Overview

If you′re a new principal, the best way to learn the ropes is to have an expert at your side. But that′s not always possible. So here′s a way to get exactly that kind of intensive encouragement and help even when you′re all by yourself. Find out how you can: * Deal with others′ expectations of you as principal * Master the technical skills necessary to run a school * Create and clarify your personal professional growth plan This book is filled with information designed to help you survive your first year so you can become a strong and effective leader. It provides resources you need to grow in your chosen profession. Daresh and Playko share the real-world stories of other first-time principals in a series of vignettes. They offer valuable insights based on each person′s experience. You′ll learn practical skills for developing a network, how to find mentors, and why it′s important to participate in professional organizations. Use the questions at the end of each chapter to document your expectations, progress, and goals. There′s also a resource section to consult for further assistance. With the tools this guide offers, you′ll be able to formulate a plan for dealing with issues before they turn into problems. The tips and techniques in Beginning the Principalship will enable you to build the skills you need to thrive as principal. You′ll grow more comfortable--and more confident--in your role as school leader.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803965672
• ISBN13: 9780803965676
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: Corwin Press
• Length: 120 Pages
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 8.8" x 0.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book for All Principals

This book, Beginning the Principalship: A Practical Guide for New School Leaders, was selected because it had the potential of providing realistic, practical, yet theoretically based information about being a principal. I was not disappointed nor were the 30+ students who used the book. The book was the class text for students taking the course which focused on the principal and how that position influences the organization and administration of a school. Students took the course via an indepdendent study format as well as in the traditional in-class format. Student comments were positive about the book and to a person they indicated they would keep the book as reference. They liked its useability, the examples the authors provided, and the way it was organized. What surprised me were the supportive comments from existing school principals who, out of curiosity, looked over the book that was being used by a colleague. I had three principals inquire about how they could get a copy. The title indicates the book is for "beginning" principals but the book is valuable for all prinicipals. Through excellent organization of aspects of leading and administering a school the authors provide sound examples of life as a principal. The checklists are excellent reminders for all principals, they sensitize principals to the expectations colleagues and constituents have for principals, and the result of the book is a clear understanding of the demands of the job and what a new or experienced principal values as an educator and person. The educational platform that emerges from the book synthesizes professional and personal values will serve as a foundation for whoever reads the book.This is an excellent book for potential, new, and experienced school administrators. Its value goes beyond classroom walls as it can be used to help make the adjustment to being a new principal or gaining perspective about being a principal. It is a must read for all school administrators and teachers would benefit from it as well.