Principal Matters (Updated & Expanded): The Motivation, Action, Courage and Teamwork Needed for School Leaders

School leadership can often be a lonely calling. But it doesn't have to be that way. William D. Parker offers insights from over twenty years of experience as an educator, and over ten years as a school administrator. You are invited to this one-on-one conversation to learn how to better understand your purpose, lead others, influence change, and successfully manage the challenges of school leadership. Whether you are an aspiring principal or leading your own building or district, you will find Principal Matters both inspiring and instructive. Read ahead for insight into how to lead with courage, action, motivation, and teamwork! Here's some feedback from some others who recommend the book: “Will is a great storyteller, and his use of these connections makes this book easy to read but also memorable. His focus on ‘purpose’—going beyond what you do in school—is something that all leaders should really consider if they are going to make a difference in both their professional and personal lives.” –George Couros, Principal, founder of ConnectedPrincipals.com, and an Innovative Teaching, Learning and Leadership consultant “Will generously shares experiences from his personal and professional life to remind principals of the big picture as well as the small details that are essential to the success of our school communities…Being a school leader can be lonely work, as the role of principal is only truly understood by those who have served in the position. Mr. Parker has utilized his time occupying the principal’s office to develop practical yet inspiring tips for administrators. I’m excited to politely steal many of his great ideas with my own students and staff this school year!” -Rachel Skerritt, Principal of Eastern Senior High School, a D.C. Public School. 2013 Principal Ambassador Fellow for the U.S. Department of Education “Will writes with passion, conviction and insight. This book will equip you with the tools you’ll need to face the frustrations you’re sure to encounter as an educator, while enabling to you find renewed purpose and meaning as you influence your students to be the best they can be.” -Daniel Wong, author of The Happy Student “This book explains the why of school leadership, not just the how. If you want to understand the right motives for school leadership and the steps to being a successful principal, you should read, Principal Matters by William D. Parker.” –Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and Soup This book captures the essence of effective teamwork and leadership. A great read for school administrators!”–Annette Breaux, educator, co-author with Todd Whitaker of The Ten Minute Inservice

William D. Parker Biography William D. Parker is principal of Skiatook High School, just north of Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A. As a high school teacher, he taught Language Arts, creative writing, and Advanced Placement English. He has also taught writing in summer student academies through Oklahoma State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, and he has taught adult education courses through Tulsa Technology Center. An Oklahoma educator since 1993, he was named Broken Arrow Public School's South Intermediate High School Teacher of the Year in 1998. He became an assistant principal in 2004. A member of the National Association of Secondary Principals, Parker was named the 2011 Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year. As principal of a Title I school, his school's innovative approaches to collaboration, remediation and mentoring have resulted in marked improvements in student performance. He is regularly asked to speak to principal associations, school leadership conferences, and graduate classes on effective leadership practices, organizational behavior, and digital tools for enhancing school communication. In 2014 he released his first book, Principal Matters: The Motivation, Action, Courage, and Teamwork Needed for School Leaders. His second book, Messaging Matters: How School Leaders Can Inspire Students, Motivate Teachers, and Communicate with Parents, is scheduled for publication August 2017 with Solution Tree Press. Parker hosts a weekly podcast called Principal Matters and writes a weekly blog that he shares on his website www.williamdparker.com. He is also a contributing author on ConnectedPrincipals.com, and a guest blogger for the National Association of Secondary Principals. He also hosts monthly webinars for his state's principal association members where he shares innovative ideas for growing in school leadership. Mr. Parker earned his bachelor's degree in English Education from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his master's degree in education leadership from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He has been married for twenty-three years to his wife Missy, and they are the proud parents of four children: 3 girls and 1 boy. When he is not supervising school events or shuttling his own children to practices, he also enjoys running, hiking, and playing guitar or piano.