Understanding the Role of Today's School Principal: A Primer for Bridging Theory to Practice

by Richard D. Kellough, Phillys Hill

Overview

The second edition of this handbook is an easily understood desk companion for new school principals and aspiring school leaders. The common-sense approach of the handbook guides new administrators through daily routines and challenges. In-service and university professionals, who provide coursework that includes a multi-topic overview of the principalship, will also find a condensed representation of many facets of school leadership. The broad range of subjects includes important understandings and mindsets for effective school leadership. Information regarding the principal’s responsibilities, instructional leadership, managing student behavior, school safety, and connecting with external community stakeholders provides readers with essential tips for success.

The format and scope of the book balance research-based materials and practical advice so that readers can quickly locate reliable and relevant information. The authors, Richard D. Kellough, and Phillys Hill, are experienced teachers and administrators. This updated and revised edition includes new information regarding school safety, professional learning communities, shared leadership, and tools for field application and reflective practice. This unique resource bridges theoretical learning and sound advice for effective school leadership.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475809268
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/26/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	120
File size:	455 KB

About the Author

Richard D. Kellough has spent eleven years as a high school teacher, including three years as a teacher-principal and thirty-four years as a university professor at California State University, Sacramento.

Phillys Hill, a former National Distinguished Principal, spent twenty-two years in public school administration, including thirteen years as a school principal. As the Associate Superintendent of Fort Bend Independent School District in Texas, she is responsible for the Department of School Leadership, where she supports and supervises elementary and secondary principals.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. A Foundation for Successful Leadership: Understanding Your Role, First Impressions, and Communication
2. Leadership and Management: Developing and Determining Your Leadership Style
3. Support, Survival, and Success: Navigating Your Areas of Responsibilities
4. School Safety: Prevention, Responses, and Resources
5. Providing Instructional Leadership: Supporting Effective Teachers and Increased Student Learning 6. The Off-Site Community: The Principal’s Credibility and Connections
7. Self-Assessment: Characteristics of the Ideal Principal
8. Getting Started for the New School Year: Practical Actions for a Smooth Start
9. Your Professional Knowledge: Continued Learning and Awareness of Educational Research and Trends

Glossary
References and Recommended Reading
Index

Editorial Reviews

What a wonderful book, teaming with years of insight that will guide beginning administrators while reminding experienced administrators of several strategies that are effective in the operation of a school. I believe this book would be a valuable tool in a district professional development program or when mentoring new administrators.

Ronald Knight

This book provides what every school principal needs. It is concise, practical, based on actual experience and full of cutting edge research.

Brandon Bringhurst

I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short, yet powerful. The advice is supported by research. If I had this guidance my first year as a principal, I feel I would have been more effective. This is a must read for all aspiring and current administrators.

Cassandra Spearman

This book provides aspiring school leaders or new principals with very practical examples of how to successfully respond to typical performance responsibilities which are often overlooked in higher education training programs. The authors’ years of experience in school leadership have enabled them to condense these critical topics in a concise manner in this easy to read book.

Gary Schumaker

The conciseness of this book makes it a practical read — great for first year principals and full of excellent reminders for experienced principal. This is a book to keep on the desk, not one for the bookshelf, as it is a helpful companion resource to refer to throughout the year.

Anthony Indelicato