Description
Book SynopsisThe Successful Principal takes its reader through the arc of the principalship, beginning with teaching, moving on to promotion to the administrative office and how to achieve it, describing how to go about entry planning, going into depth about the challenges and opportunities the principal faces in leading a school, and moving into a focus on how to thrive as a principal while growing the skills of others. This is a book designed to give principals advice on how to do the job well. The book is buttressed by research where appropriate, and it pays particular attention to the principal's basic conundrum, which is this: while he/she is arguably the face and leader of the school, he/she is often the person with the least actual power in the system. The book takes a realistic look at the principal's power, opportunities, and structural and political limitations and then teaches its readers how successful principals find a way forward in spite of those challenges.
Trade ReviewIn addition to being a profoundly gifted educational leader, Robert Cunard has both the audacity and skill to show others how to do it well. This is the first book about school leadership I've read that truly applies to what I do on a day-to-day basis. If you aspire to be a school principal, be sure you read this one. -- John Briquelet, Principal, Gretchen Whitney High School (California’s Top-Ranked High School and America’s 16th Ranked High School)
Cunard’s book is a lifeline for new and aspiring principals with dozens of tips on getting—and more importantly, keeping—the job. He covers the waterfront: proven interview techniques, political savvy, face time in every classroom, the power of the pen and even the right shoes for the job. Read it and save yourself a whole lot of grief. -- Laurel Schmidt, author of Gardening in the Minefield: A Survival Guide for School Administrators
In The Successful Principal: Concrete Strategies and Essential Advice, Robert Cunard offers invaluable insight on how to successfully “conduct the faculty orchestra.” This book shines light on the multiplier effect a principal can have in building the culture of a school, and the practical advice found in these pages should be read by every principal, superintendent, and school board member. This is a smart, useful book. -- Kelly Gallagher, teacher of English at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, California, and author of Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts
A candid assessment of school leadership with equally candid paths to success, The Successful Principal makes a compelling argument for today’s school leader. Robert Cunard provides what every superintendent wishes for her principals: practical and timely strategies based on hard-fought and compassionate experience. What schools of education don’t teach you about school administration, Cunard does! -- Jan Billings, Superintendent, Anaheim Union High School District – Retired; Association of California School Administrators – Superintendent of the Year
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: The Essential Principal Chapter 2: The Selected Principal Chapter 3: The New Principal Chapter 4: The Prioritized Principal Chapter 5: The Strategic Principal Chapter 6: The Defined Principal Chapter 7: The Empowering Principal Chapter 8: The Motivating Principal Chapter 9: The Principal in Flow Chapter 10: The Departing Principal References About the Author
