Tagged: principals

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.

Principals: Teaming with Families & Community

Involving parents and families in a partnership with schools has a positive impact on students. What can principals do to ensure the partnership is sustained, vibrant and diverse? Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn suggest strategies to build connections.

The 5 Critical School Leadership Practices

Education leaders Ruth Ash and Pat Hodge examine how middle level principals, working with teachers and students, are creating high performing learning cultures using five key leadership practices. It’s not magic, they say, but method, logic, perseverance, and heart.

5 Trends Impacting Middle Grades Leaders

Being a school leader is incredibly demanding, requiring principals to stay current on education trends while managing day to day operations. Williamson and Blackburn share five actionable trends they’ve observed in their work with middle grades leaders.

Richard DuFour’s Praise of American Educators

If demoralizing teachers worked, then our educational system would already have reached a state of perfection. Instead, says reviewer Jenni Miller, policymakers can find a true roadmap for change in Richard DuFour’s “In Praise of American Educators And How They Can Become Even Better.”

How Leaders Grow a Positive School Culture

Because of the powerful way school culture shapes the activity of students, teachers, and administrators, it’s worth investing the effort to assure it sends a positive message. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn suggest leadership actions to build values.

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.

A Good Learning Model for New Teachers to Use

Author and literacy consultant Regie Routman is a passionate cook who loves to make fresh fruit tarts. Here she draws connections between learning to bake and learning to teach, using her Optimal Learning Model as a framework. Fruit tart recipe included!