Description
Book SynopsisThe author describes here the various perceptions of the principalship, based on interviews with students, teachers, parents and community members. She then offers some implications these perceptions might have for the profession. Viewpoints of practising or former principals are also included.
Trade ReviewIs it any wonder people's perceptions of the principalship are so varied? This book is a great read for principals or future principals, an interesting read for school personnel, an important read for community members, and an enjoyable read for students. I highly recommend it. -- Mary Jenatscheck, Principal, Hartley Elementary, Waseca (Minn.) Public School District
Sharon Pristash has captured both the essence and the mystery of the principal's position in her highly entertaining and engaging work. After 25 years as a principal I mistakenly thought I had examined this position from all angles and had seen just about everything. Fortunately Sharon has found another useful perspective for studying the principalship, that being the perceptions of others. Her recording of the stories from parents, teachers, and students ring with authenticity and bring a smile to the face of the reader. -- David W. Peterson, principal, South View Middle School, Edina MN
Dr. Sharon Pristash has written an amazing book with real 'food for thought.' It is written in a friendly and down to earth style that makes for easy reading. As an aspiring principal, I now see how different audiences view the principal's job. -- Chery Takkunen, Aspiring Principal and Instructor, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth Minn.
Sharon Pristash brings humor and truth to the everyday challenges facing principals of the 21st century. Having been a principal in both Texas and California, I find Dr. Pristash pinpoints the common issues facing principals nationwide. A must read for aspiring, current and former principals. -- Emma A. Chavez, Director of Religious Education, St. James Parish
Through the perceptions of students, parents, teachers, community members and principals, Sharon Pristash has captured the essence of the principal's role. Observers tend to oversimplify the responsibilities of the principal, but this book doesn't. Though a quick read, it comprehensively captures the scope of the job. -- Larry Johnson, Retired Principal, Duluth, Minn.
An insightful and humorous account of the perceptions stakeholders hold regarding the responsibilities of this unique educational leadership position. I'll be using Sharon's profiles of the principal's role from the view of students, parents, teachers, and the community in my Principalship class this summer. -- Michael Wallschlaeger, Professor & Chair, Educational Administration Department, University of Wisconsin, Superior
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgments Chapter 2 1 Introduction Chapter 3 2 What Students Think Principals Do Chapter 4 3 What Parents Think Principals Do Chapter 5 4 What Teachers Think Principals Do Chapter 6 5 What Other Community members Think Principals Do Chapter 7 6 How Hollywood Portrays Principals Chapter 8 7 Principals' Reactions to What People Think Principals Do Chapter 9 8 Final Thoughts Chapter 10 About the Author
