Category: Leadership

Effective Principals Must Listen, Learn & Lead

Russell Quaglia advocates for “principal voice” using a creative Three L’s framework, surfacing our awareness of things that we know are good leadership practices. Former principal Rick Jetter finds Quaglia’s tips and take-aways thoughtful and easy to implement.

How to Build a Vibrant School Culture

Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker do a phenomenal job of taking the reader on a guided journey to define, assess, and learn to transform a school culture, says principal Doug Dunn. School Culture Rewired includes surveys, culture-building strategies and much more.

Hiring the Best Staff for Your School

What makes an educator a good fit for a school? While knowledge, skills and abilities are essential, candidates also need the right attitudes and dispositions. Rick Jetter’s narrative interview approach can help reveal those aspects, Allison Wilson says.

A Possible Introductory Ed Leadership Text

Karen L. Sanzo’s book offers ideas for changing the paradigm of leadership development through the use of practical and useful tools that are not difficult to implement. Also see how others are implementing leadership programs, says reviewer Margaret Jones-Carey.

Principalship from A to Z: A Book for All Leaders

In “The Principalship from A to Z” Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn offer a detailed, practical resource that works as PD as well as an effective manual to help all educators navigate the challenges of leadership, says assistant principal Mike Janatovich.

Excellence through Equity: Courageous Leadership

With their strong focus on the presentation of real school stories blended with research based strategies, Alan Blankstein, Pedro Noguera and Lorena Kelly offer practical solutions leading to an equitable, high quality education for every student, says Tamekia McCauley.

Leadership Practices for High-Performing Schools

Wherever you are in your school’s leadership journey, Five Critical Leadership Practices can be the map to help you become a leader for student success. Assistant Principal Mike Janatovich appreciates the authors’ ability to weave the practices into an interconnected whole.

Effective Time Management for School Leaders

In “Get Organized!” Frank Buck offers a fast, functional read to help all educators get and stay organized. It will be a favorite go-to manual for any school leader eager to increase the most valuable resource in education – time, says ASCD Emerging Leader Michael Janatovich.

A Checklist for New & Aspiring Principals

Matt Renwick recommends The Principal 50 by Baruti Kafele to principals and AP’s just transitioning from the classroom to the front office. The book’s 50 topics range from a leader’s attitude to school culture, instructional leadership, accountability and more.

How Expert Principals Make Tough Decisions

Dionne V. McLaughlin’s process of continually directing the reader through the decision making process with guidance from 21 expert principals is what makes this book a useful tool for any novice or aspiring principal, says assistant principal Bret Olson.