A Year of Leading: A 40-Week Leadership Compass for Principals and Vice-Principals

A practical, inspiring guide for principals and vice-principals navigating the complexity of school leadership—one week at a time.

Whether you’re a new administrator finding your footing or a seasoned principal seeking renewed purpose, A Year of Leading offers 40 weeks of leadership wisdom, grounded reflection, and real-world strategies that align with the rhythm of a school year.

Written by Kevin Reimer—an award-winning principal, ICF-certified executive coach, and former President and Executive Director of the BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association—this book blends vivid metaphors, candid insights, and actionable tools to help school leaders thrive.

What You’ll Find Inside:

• 40 concise, focused chapters—each designed to be read weekly throughout the school year or explored flexibly based on need.

• Metaphors that stick—From orchestrating as a conductor to navigating change like a river guide, these metaphors challenge you to rethink what leadership really looks like in schools

• Reflective prompts—to help you deepen insight, build trust, and make strategic decisions amid daily pressures.

• Practical strategies—for leading change, managing conflict, fostering relationships, and aligning your actions with your values.

• A research-informed framework—based on six leadership competencies: Authentic, Relational, Visionary, Instructional, Operational, and Equity-Centered Leadership.

• School principals and vice-principals

• Leadership coaches and mentors

• Educational leadership graduate programs

• District professional development teams

Leadership doesn’t have to feel lonely, reactive, or overwhelming. This book will help you lead with clarity, courage, and purpose—all year long.