The Rookie's Playbook

Book excerpt: Most principals have little or no time to reflect in their first year on the job. Leadership books that are heavy on text are not as attractive to busy administrators. Here, Autumn Tooms offers tips for those new to the principalship and those who support them. Designed in an easy-to-read format, this handy guidebook provides clear, practical advice with concrete examples. Includes: Tips on the daily aspects of managing, Insights concerning politics, implementing change, and finding a sense of personal balance, Brief anecdotes from experienced principals in the field, An 'Instant Replay' at the end of each chapter to summarize information. While the dialogue is woven through sports metaphors, the ideas behind the insights are strongly grounded in the best practices in leadership. This book will be of interest to new and aspiring principals, graduate students, superintendents, administrators, school board members, and teacher leaders.