Principaled: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

While the principal’s office may sometimes feel like the loneliest place in the building, it doesn’t have to be. In Principaled, veteran principals Kate Barker, Kourtney Ferrua, and Rachael George draw back the curtain on their years of experience, revealing the strategies, mind-sets, and practices that have helped them flourish in their roles. With humor, humility, and candor, the authors detail the key ingredients to finding balance as a school leader: taking time to reflect and learn, seeking out mentors, crafting simple and clear goals, and not neglecting self-care. The authors present a step-by-step approach to facing the challenges of school change and demonstrate that achievement and improving culture are not mutually exclusive goals. Strengthened by their hard-earned wisdom, the dynamic trio behind Principaled will elevate school leaders and help them find their footing along the route to career contentment.

“Being a principal is a rocky ride. Tomorrow always has surprises waiting,there are always too many priorities, and for most of us good is not good enough. This is a rare book, written from the front line. A must-have for future, new, and experienced school leaders.” —John Hattie, PhD, director of the Melbourne Educational Research Institute

“Barker, Ferrua, and George’s Principaled should be required as the go-to playbook for every education leader seeking to lead effectively. The reader is left with the seeds of effective leadership and a developed purpose, and presented with a comprehensive game plan on how effective principals can be cultivated through strategic reflection.” —Dr. A. Katrise Perera, 2015 NASS Superintendent of the Year

“Barker, Ferrua, and George masterfully identify the areas where it matters the most: knowing yourself, knowing your people, and knowing your skill sets. The authors share personal stories and relevant examples with refreshing honesty and insight.” —Jimmy Casas, leadership coach, educator, author, and speaker