"The book is unique in that it addresses the socioemotional stages of professional transitions…this was an easy read that had me highlighting passages on almost every page or citing relevant quotes I want to use or share with others. The material is well integrated so you can see the more global picture of administration, yet allows the reader to focus and actively reflect on the very real scenarios used as examples."
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Michelle Kocar, Principal
Liberty Elementary School, North Ridgeville, OH
"I found myself making stars in the margins or writing YES!, Been There, Done That, I can relate!, Interesting, Good Suggestion, True..."
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Ann Porter, 2002 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Lewis & Clark Elementary School, Grand Forks, ND
When you maintain your perspective, you find fun in the most unlikely places! Are you apprehensive about leaving the realm of teaching for the world of school administration? Do you wonder how your current relationships will evolve with a change in job title? School administrators fill a crucial need in education, but all too often their social and emotional worlds turn upside-down when they make this momentous career move. This second edition provides an insightful look at the unwritten and unspoken rules of school administration, helping new and sitting administrators work through the initial adjustment and discover the satisfaction that comes with success.
Who Said School Administration Would Be Fun? is filled with real-life examples, exercises, and strategies meant to guide school leaders through the motley challenges that they will encounter each day. Sigford draws on years of experience as teacher, leader, and administrator to develop tactics for:
- Maintaining perspective through humor
- Managing and leading like a successful systems thinker
- Transforming school culture into a climate of trust and compassion
- Responding to all levels of accountability faced in today′s schools
Fun may not be the first word to describe school administration; however, understanding and self-reflection will lead to the fun of success and satisfaction.
Jane Sigford is the executive director of curriculum and instruction for a suburban school district. She is also an adjunct professor at Hamline University, where she teaches in the Educational Leadership doctorate program.
Sigford’s doctorate in educational policy and administration was earned at the University of Minnesota. Her strengths and interests lie in shaping education to meet the needs of the 21st century. In her current district, Sigford’s role is to loosen the traditional paradigms of education so that they can shape their own future. They conduct future searches to see where they want to be in five years and then design their curriculum and assessment accordingly.
In addition, Sigford facilitates large group discussions about complex issues, such as self-examination of middle school programs. Rather than strategic planning, she facilitates self-studies with a future focus.
Corwin Press has published Jane Sigford’s two books, including The Effective School Leader’s Guide to Management (2006) and Who Said School Administration Would be Fun?, Second Edition (2005). The second title is used as a text in several local administrative licensure programs.
Sigford has conducted trainings internationally. Her experience includes being a classroom teacher, special education teacher, high school principal, and district-level curriculum director, in addition to teaching in higher education. She has licensure in teaching students with emotional disorders and learning disabilities.
