On Being a Principal: The Rewards and Challenges of School Leadership
Author: Gordon A. Donaldson, Jr.
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Published: 1997-11-19
Total Pages: 102
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →The principalship is increasing in complexity and responsibility to the point where principals themselves find it increasingly difficult to know their function in schools. Principals were invited to write for this volume about what is rewarding to them about the work they do. This book explores what makes the position worthwhile to these school leaders in 10 chapters: (1) "Seeing the Possibilities" (Gordon A. Donaldson, Jr.); (2) "My Inspirations" (Suzanne Olson); (3) "Getting It Right" (Al Narvaez); (4) "A Few Big Lessons From a Few Small Teachers" (Phil Hunsberger); (5) "Throwing Rocks in the Pond" (Fran Vandiver); (6) "There's No Doubt We're Alive" (Paul Bianchi); (7) "My Nonnegotiables" (Barney Hallowell); (8) "On Raccoons, Beatles, and Relevance" (Gordon Nunemaker); (9)"Relax and Enjoy the Show" (Walter McClennen); and (10) "Hardly a Week Goes By" (Jack Pickens). The stories of these school leaders reveal just how immediate and human the rewards are, such as the interchange with a child, or the sudden realization that a long sought-after change has indeed taken root. These stories also reveal just how subtly principals discover that they are making a difference. (RT).