I'm the Principal: Principal learning, action, influence and identity

While an immensely rewarding role, the work of a school principal can be a lonely one, made up of brief encounters and regular interruptions, steep in responsibilities and accountabilities and free from accolades. Research shows that principals often feel there is nothing that really prepares them for assuming full and ongoing responsibility for a school.

The I'm the Principal project utilised the Australian Professional Standard for Principals as a framework to consider key aspects and contributors to principal learning, action, influence and identity through interviews with 50 practising principals drawn from the various sectors and levels of Australian school education.

I'm the Principal is a record of the study of the work of the principal today, containing personal, first-hand comments, experiences, values, beliefs and concerns. It speaks to the successes and the challenges of the role.

I'm the Principal is a timely and thoughtful must-read for anyone wanting to explore and understand the value and worth of a school.

Stephen Dinham OAM PhD is Emeritus Professor in the Melbourne School of Education, University of Melbourne. At the time of researching and writing this book he was Professor of Instructional Leadership and Associate Dean (Strategic Partnerships and Engagement) in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne.

Kerry Elliott is a lecturer in Instructional Leadership in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne. Her research interests include educational leadership, school improvement and teacher professional learning.

Louisa Rennie is Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School at Southern Cross Grammar, an independent, coeducational school in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Louisa is also undertaking research in educational leadership at the University of Melbourne, Australia.