Are You Sure You're the Principal?
A Guide for New and Aspiring Leaders
- Susan Villani - WestEd, USA
Foreword by Roland S. Barth
"For those aspiring to be school principals, this book brings into focus the realities of serving in a leadership role. A must-read for tomorrow's principals!"
—Gerald Tirozzi, Executive Director
National Association of Secondary School Principals
"Villani offers stories and vignettes that capture the deepest questions and concerns faced by new and aspiring principals and reminds readers that they are not alone."
—Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director
National Staff Development Council
A wealth of leadership craft knowledge from a principal who has "been there"!
Establishing collaborative relationships with staff, building trust, and fostering a climate of mutual respect are goals that principals strive for on a daily basis. The second edition of Are You Sure You're The Principal? helps school leaders build upon these authentic leadership qualities by combining practical advice and theoretical insight with no-nonsense leadership and reflective strategies to improve principals' professional practice. Ideal for new and experienced school leaders, this resource discusses how to balance listening and leading, work through conflict, be a mentor, and seek out advisors for guidance and support. This second edition is updated with:
- A new chapter on career fulfillment
- Advice on evaluating goals, preferences, and opportunities
- Study guides related to each chapter for group or individual professional development
Through personal stories and commentaries, the author provides a mentor-in-a-book that helps principals feel more supported within the school community.
"Through the use of stories, Susan Villani brings to life the essence of school leadership. For those aspiring to be school principals, this book brings into focus the realities of serving in a leadership role. A must-read for tomorrow’s principals!"
"Susan Villani offers stories and vignettes that capture the deepest questions and concerns faced by new and aspiring principals and reminds readers that they are not alone; others have faced these challenges and survived to tell the story."
"An engaging storyteller, Villani models the caring, compassionate, and reflective practice that characterizes effective principals. A vivid picture of authentic leadership emerges as we experience Villani's sometimes painful, yet always instructive actions recounted with humor and grace. We are privileged to witness the emotional as well as the cognitive side of Villani's journey to greater self-awareness, and to benefit from the voices included in the study guide."