Description
Book SynopsisA leader's position can be a lonely one even in the best of times. A school leader faces many challenges —some of them daunting. Principals and other school leaders benefit from good mentors, but now that many established principals are reaching retirement age a good mentor may be hard to find. What They Never Told Me in Principals School attempts to fill the gap left by an absence of mentors. Drawing upon his many personal experiences as a principal in urban, suburban and rural schools in the USA as well as his work in a variety of international schools, Mike Connolly shares with leaders what they need to know in order to develop, be successful and feel fulfilled in the important work of educating the students of the next generations.
Trade ReviewConnolly offers a brimming toolbox of both practical and soothing advice on how to make a difference as a principal. This is insightful, reflective, and attentive to real, day-to-day issues rooted in the genuine story of the principalship. -- Bambi Betts, director, Principals' Training Center for International School Leadership
I found it difficult to put down and was disappointed when it ended. * Earcos Triannual Magazine, May 2010 *
In What They Never Told Me in Principal's School, Michael Connelly offers readers a mix of uncommon sense and time-tested advice rooted in years of experience as an elementary, middle school, and high school principal in U.S. public schools and in international schools around the world....the insights that he shares throughout teh book should be readily accessible to all principals striving to be fair, ehtical and effective leaders....I half expected a 'How To' book, but unlike those dry mannuals, I found it difficult to put down and was disappointed when it ended (the book runs just short of 100 pages.) Connelly includes many warm, humorous, and personal anecdotes to illustrate and enhance the rewards, complexities and frustrations of the role of principal. * Earcos Triannual Magazine, May 2010 *
What They Never Told Me in Principal's School is the one book that every veteran principal promises to write, including myself. After spending fifteen years as a principal and eighteen years as the executive director of the New Hampshire Associationof School Principals, I readily acknowledge that Mike Connolly captures it all! The strong memories and the richness of experiences resonate for anyone who has ever sat in the principal's chair. This book is both instructional and entertaining. His survival strategies will stand the test of time. Connolly gives everyone a sense of just how time-consuming, at times difficult, and richly rewarding the daily life of a principal can be. It is often said that the role of the principal can be 'lonely'; What They Never Told Me in Principal's School goes a long way to show principals that help and support can be found in this valuable book. A must-read for all principals and aspiring principals.. -- Peggy McAllister, executive director, New Hampshire Association of School Principals
What They Never Told Me in Principal's School is the one book that every veteran principal promises to write, including myself. After spending fifteen years as a principal and eighteen years as the executive director of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals, I readily acknowledge that Mike Connolly captures it all! The strong memories and the richness of experiences resonate for anyone who has ever sat in the principal's chair. This book is both instructional and entertaining. His survival strategies will stand the test of time. Connolly gives everyone a sense of just how time-consuming, at times difficult, and richly rewarding the daily life of a principal can be. It is often said that the role of the principal can be 'lonely'; What They Never Told Me in Principal's School goes a long way to show principals that help and support can be found in this valuable book. A must-read for all principals and aspiring principals. -- Peggy McAllister, executive director, New Hampshire Association of School Principals
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 3 The Principal's Toolbox Chapter 4 Are You Listening or Only Hearing Chapter 5 Time Out for Reflection Chapter 6 Principals Need to Stay Focused Chapter 7 Aylmer's Mistake and the Process of School Change Chapter 8 It's Time to Discipline School Reform Chapter 9 Harried Principals Aren't Helpful Principals Chapter 10 So You're the Principal; Well What have You Done for Yourself Today? Chapter 11 They Never Told Me That in Principal's School Chapter 12 A Reality Check for a New School Leader Chapter 13 "Say Something Nice to Me": Dealing with the Chronically Cranky Chapter 14 Principals Must Avoid Doggy Behavior Chapter 15 The Courage of Educational Leaders Chapter 16 A Principal Must Protect the Social Ecology of the School Chapter 17 When Will We Ever Learn? Chapter 18 Discipline Isn't a Dirty Word Chapter 19 Seek the Story Within: Interviews That Reveal the Heart of a Teacher Chapter 20 What a Revolting Development This Is: The Homework Rebellion Chapter 21 How Do You Spell Friendship?: The Intergenerational Spelling Bee Chapter 22 Educators' Responsibility for Creating a Public Chapter 23 Should Schools Offer Parent Training? Chapter 24 Musings Chapter 25 We Are the Lucky Ones
