Beginning the Principalship: A Practical Guide for New School Leaders

This book, Beginning the Principalship: A Practical Guide for New School Leaders, was selected because it had the potential of providing realistic, practical, yet theoretically based information about being a principal. I was not disappointed nor were the 30+ students who used the book. The book was the class text for students taking the course which focused on the principal and how that position influences the organization and administration of a school. Students took the course via an indepdendent study format as well as in the traditional in-class format. Student comments were positive about the book and to a person they indicated they would keep the book as reference. They liked its useability, the examples the authors provided, and the way it was organized. What surprised me were the supportive comments from existing school principals who, out of curiosity, looked over the book that was being used by a colleague. I had three principals inquire about how they could get a copy. The title indicates the book is for "beginning" principals but the book is valuable for all prinicipals. Through excellent organization of aspects of leading and administering a school the authors provide sound examples of life as a principal. The checklists are excellent reminders for all principals, they sensitize principals to the expectations colleagues and constituents have for principals, and the result of the book is a clear understanding of the demands of the job and what a new or experienced principal values as an educator and person. The educational platform that emerges from the book synthesizes professional and personal values will serve as a foundation for whoever reads the book.This is an excellent book for potential, new, and experienced school administrators. Its value goes beyond classroom walls as it can be used to help make the adjustment to being a new principal or gaining perspective about being a principal. It is a must read for all school administrators and teachers would benefit from it as well.