Author: Justin Thomas

Publisher:

Published: 2020-08-30

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13:

Being a school principal is tough. And there's a lot that nobody told you before you took the job. The Principal's Toolbox picks up where most leadership training leaves off, exploring the reality of life as the head of a school. Covering 275 topics from the obvious to the obscure, The Principal's Toolbox gives aspiring, new, and seasoned leaders an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of the principalship. Entries address issues principals WILL encounter, such as "How do I begin to craft a master schedule?", "What if a teacher is so good I can't come up with quality feedback?", "How do I stay out of trouble with the fire marshal?", "How should I handle it when a teacher's kid misbehaves?", and " A pipe burst - where do I turn off the water?"Written by an experienced and currently practicing elementary school principal, The Principal's Toolbox doesn't exist to tell readers WHAT to think; it exists to challenge readers TO think. By honestly (and often humorously) presenting a variety of scenarios common to the principalship, the author gives readers the freedom to accept his viewpoint or form their own. With their engagement in each entry, leaders will sharpen their mind and increase their skill.The Principal's Toolbox consists of 9 sections (with example topics from each): -FACULTY (Relationship with faculty, candor, tough conversations, caring for people, human nature)-CULTURE (Gathering feedback, giving credit, parent support organizations, influential stakeholders, honoring traditions)-INSTRUCTION (Understanding data, state testing, lesson plans, grading, coaching vs. evaluating, quality questions)-PARENTS (Perceptions, sharing bad news, handling requests for a teacher, admitting when you're wrong, confidentiality)-KIDS (Communicating with, party invitations, tardiness, nurse visits, the purpose of discipline, dress code, child abuse, bullying)-LOGISTICS (Class sorting, school pictures, reassigning teachers, interview questions, school floor plan, professional learning)-SELF-MANAGEMENT (Discretion, emotions during difficult situations, personal biases, giving recommendations, precedent)-MONEY (Teacher wishlists, employee benefits, discretionary funds, tax-exempt status, restricted vs. unrestricted accounts)-THIS AND THAT (Student residency, physical plant maintenance, the laminator, ADA compliance, drills, employee injuries)With its straightforward tone and extensive content, The Principal's Toolbox is equally suited to a graduate school book study as the shelf of a veteran principal needing a quick reference. No more need we say, "Well they didn't teach us THAT in principal school!"