Beginning the Principalship: A Practical Guide for New School Leaders

If you′re a new principal, the best way to learn the ropes is to have an expert at your side. But that′s not always possible. So here′s a way to get exactly that kind of intensive encouragement and help even when you′re all by yourself. Find out how you can: * Deal with others′ expectations of you as principal * Master the technical skills necessary to run a school * Create and clarify your personal professional growth plan This book is filled with information designed to help you survive your first year so you can become a strong and effective leader. It provides resources you need to grow in your chosen profession. Daresh and Playko share the real-world stories of other first-time principals in a series of vignettes. They offer valuable insights based on each person′s experience. You′ll learn practical skills for developing a network, how to find mentors, and why it′s important to participate in professional organizations. Use the questions at the end of each chapter to document your expectations, progress, and goals. There′s also a resource section to consult for further assistance. With the tools this guide offers, you′ll be able to formulate a plan for dealing with issues before they turn into problems. The tips and techniques in Beginning the Principalship will enable you to build the skills you need to thrive as principal. You′ll grow more comfortable--and more confident--in your role as school leader.

John C. Daresh is professor of educational leadership at the University of Texas at El Paso. Over the years, he has held faculty or administrative appointments at the University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Illinois State University. He has also worked as a consultant on high school reform and administrator professional development for universities, state departments of education, national and state professional associations, and individual schools and districts across the United States, and also in Barbados, Canada, France, Holland, Israel, Turkey, South Africa, and Taiwan. By far, the bulk of Daresh’s international service has been in the United Kingdom where he served an advisor and trainer for the School Management Task Force that developed and promoted support programs for beginning headteachers, the National College for School Leadership, the Welsh Office of Education, the North West Network for Diploma Development in Cheshire, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Lincoln, the University of Hull, CREATE Consultancies, and literally dozens of Local Education Authorities and individual schools across England and Wales.

Daresh recently completed three years of service as the lead consultant on principal mentoring programs for the Chicago Public Schools as that megadistrict was faced with the challenge of bringing in mostly inexperienced principals to serve in nearly of the school system’s elementary and high schools.