Description
Book SynopsisWhat Do You Do Around Here Anyway? candidly reports the experiences of one middle school principal for 160 consecutive days, or one school year, with little or no editing. The material is much more than the typical case study. The events are presented in context; the results of actions taken are seen in the daily lives of all affected.
Trade Review…A pragmatic study; informative and reflective. He provides a nice blend of his own experience as a leader with that of being a scholar of the discipline. Thus his study compliments theoretical reflection with actual leadership praxis. A must-read for future principals. -- Dr. Steven White, associate professor, leadership and educational studies, Appalachian State University
…[A] candid collection of snapshots of the real world of the school principal. Those who have 'been there and done that' will wear a smile of recognition as they read his journal of a school principal's life. Smith's journal is [a] vivid, nuts and bolts job description of the school principal. -- Richard Heimer, former principal, Sheffield-Chapin High School (West Fork Schools), Sheffield, Iowa
Smith describes what principals experience all the time…to the glimpses of hope that draw us to education — the chance to make a difference. …this is real stuff from the principal's diary. -- Dr. Nick Pace, educational leadership, counseling, and postsecondary education, University of Northern Iowa
…An engaging and important book. His astute observations are of value for not only present/future school administrators, but maybe even more so, for educational policy makers… -- Dr. John Smith, Professor, Educational Foundations and Psychology, University of Northern Iowa
Dr. Smith's book reminds me of the classic text by Harry F. Wolcott entitled The Man in the Principal's Office. Except this time it is the principal who does the talking. -- Ellen Calderone, associate superintendent, Lexington City Public Schools, North Carolina
…Insightful, candid, and chock-full of insight, humor, and time-honored wisdom. Principals, those who want to be principals, those who prepare principals, even teachers and parents will find something both humorous and telling within the books' pages. It's one of the truest accounts of the principalship I've had the pleasure to read in some time. -- Duncan Waite, Ph.D., professor of education and community leadership, Texas State University; editor, The International Journal of Leadership in Education; and director, The International Center for Educational Leadership and Social Change * International Journal of Leadership In Education *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Chapter 2 INTRODUCTION Chapter 3 THE DISTRICT Chapter 4 1. Yes, I Will Do My Best Chapter 5 2. Someone Call 911 Chapter 6 3. I've Been Robbed, I've Been Robbed Chapter 7 4. Well, It Was Dark and I Guess I Was Wrong Chapter 8 5. Happy Valentine's Day, Dr. Smith Chapter 9 6. My Dad Wants to Be a Barber Chapter 10 7. What Do You Do Around Here Anyway? Chapter 11 8. Maybe We Should Call It Gangster High Chapter 12 9. There Is a Plumbing Problem in the Building Chapter 13 10. Maybe This Will Give Us Something to Laugh at During Our Sleep Overs
