The New Principal's Fieldbook: Strategies for Success

This book was required for a class...I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure it'll be helpful:)

As I begin to send out applications for my first administrative position, thoughts of the great responsibility, the challenges, and the complex and often unpredictable nature of the job are daunting. Throughout my training and internship I have received numerous helpful resources and read many inspiring texts, but after reading The New Principal's Fieldbook, I can say one thing with certainty: If I could only take one book through the door with me on my very first day as principal, this would be the one. The New Principal's Fieldbook is an absolute gold mine of information. Written by seasoned administrators and including tales of trials and successes from countless others, this book takes a true "rubber-meets-the-road" approach that addresses the actual challenges new leaders will face. The New Principal's Fieldbook goes well beyond theory and philosophy to provide new principals with practical tools and suggestions that can be applied on the job. Within the fifteen well-organized chapters are dozens of tips, strategies, check-lists, and activities dealing with extremely helpful topics such as how to prepare for the first day of school, navigating the "hidden culture" and informal lines of communication within the building, ideas for how to cultivate cooperation with parents and community groups, crisis management, and working with the media to just name a few. Even if the New Principal's Fieldbook sold for twice as much, it would be worth every penny of its purchase price. I am going to keep it close at hand and refer to it often!