| Title | : | What Great Principals Do Differently: 15 Things That Matter Most |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1930556470 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781930556478 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 117 |
| Publication | : | First published October 17, 2002 |
What Great Principals Do Differently: 15 Things That Matter Most Reviews
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Quotes:
"There are really two ways to improve a school significantly: Get better teachers or improve the teachers you have." (p. 5)
"All principals are aware that the students in their schools have individual needs. Great principals are even more aware that their faculty members vary in their individual abilities. Effective principals focus on the people in their schools." (p. 10)
"Ineffective teachers and leaders consistently think they can force or bribe others to do what they want. We all know the diminishing returns of this approach. Effective people build relationships, so then others are eager to please them." (p. 10)
The 18 Things (as I get to them)
1. Great principals never forget that it is people, not programs, who
determine the quality of a school. -
Finished this book and my biggest ah-ha was to write down my 3 core principles as an educational leader:
1. Every student can learn, just not in the same way or the same day. Have high expectations.
2. Teachers are your most valuable commodity in a school. Hire well & take your time to find the right fit for your district, train them well, encourage/celebrate/expect their best daily. Coach 'em up or get 'em out.
3. It takes a village to raise a student. Families & community members are the backbone of a school. Everyone is needed and it's all hands on deck. -
The author shared many insights that I would hope to see in all schools and that should be common sense. Whitaker stressed 18 characteristics that I hope principals already understand such as , “it is people, not programs, that determine the quality of the school or great principals take responsibility for their own performance” and other similar ideas. While many of these seemed to be obvious, perhaps these need to be shared because they are not evident in all schools or because a refresher is always good. I will keep this book as a resource to check in on because the ideas, while simple, are timeless.
One other note.... while there are practical suggestions, I would have to say this is definitely written more with an American model of education in mind with discussions on standardized testing and frequent teacher observations for purpose of evaluation. -
I know a lot of people love this book and its companion: What Great Teachers Do Differently. I don’t. This is a quick read, great if you want a little motivation. However, if you like something meatier that will really help you reflect and evaluate your practices, this is not the book for you.
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Todd Whitaker solidified what I already knew as it relates to doing what's best for kids. His insight is both inspirational and resourceful for current and emerging school leaders.
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Read this for my master's class and thoroughly enjoyed it. It confirmed what I've known for quite some time..."people before programs..."
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Every time I read this book, I walk away with something new. Highly recommend.
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This is a highly readable book with many great insights cogently expressed. However, as a teacher expected to do so much in a pandemic year I find myself increasingly concerned about how we expect so much from ourselves. Whittaker repeatedly stresses to rely on the best teachers and that the best teachers will always be willing to tale on more. Conversely this means if you are not willing to take on more you cannot be one of the best. There is something wrong with this mentality which we are seeing this year particularly. At a certain point there is only so much more anyone can do. We’ve always burned teachers out and this is why.
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For a book that takes on the tedious task of school administration, this one does so with a fresh energy and even a sense of humor. This book is a very quick read-it isn't technical, but rather psychological, but then again, isn't that the key to management? This could be easily read in a single sitting, but really should be read more than once to really glean the most use from the text.
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For someone who has never been a principal, I found this book easy to understand, honest, and full of sound, practical advice. I can’t stand when leadership books speak in generalizations. I can say with confidence that this book doesn’t do that. It’s to the point, and I walked away from it with valuable do’s and dont’s.
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I read this book for a class I am taking, and while I don't intend to become a principal, I did find lots of helpful insights while reading this book! I liked Whittaker's "What Great Teachers Do Differently" book as well!
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Great advice
Lots of strategies for facing pernicious problems that principals are likely to face. Lots of plugs for the authors other books too unfortunately. -
Read this for my administrative Tier 2 course, but it was a good read for the work that I do.
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Informative
Great ideas to help people be successful. If you want a better school to work in this is the book -
Terrific advice from an amazing educator who "gets" the real work of education--making and sustaining relationships with students and their families.
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Great Read
This is a great read for anyone in a leadership position. The various scenarios could be true in a corporate setting as well. -
Todd Whitaker offers some great suggestions to help improve your performance as a principal. The suggestions are very easy to implement and will help create a great school culture.
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I recommend this for all aspiring leaders.
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Simple. Clear. Practical advice. More research would be good, But there’s other books for that too :)
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Decent but doesn't go in depth. The passable writing is what I expect from K-12 leaders at this point.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
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great book for whom who wants to be a great leader.
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Book #2 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! What Great Principals Do Differently by @toddwhitaker. This fantastic book is becoming an annual reread for me and is a must read (and reread) for school leaders!
Book #1 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! As I wrap up my school year and begin planning for next year, this seemed like the best book to kick off my summer! A must read (and reread) for school leaders!
Book #11 of my #30BookSummer Challenge!
This is exactly the read I needed as I prepare to begin another school year. Many things in here I should have done previously and things that I'm ready to move forward with next year. Will probably reread some chapters before school starts. -
This is my kind of book, meat and potatoes. Dr. Whitaker didn't beat around the bush with the things that were important to him. Most of the book can be summed up by the notion that great principals hire great teachers and develop not-so-great ones. I would be very interested to read some of his other stuff, because this was an easy read that made sense. My only complaint was that the book cost too much, I paid $30, and it could easily be a $12 book. However, very insightful and practical.
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I read this book (lead learner must read) every summer in preparation for the upcoming school year. Every year I understand and implement more strategies. Expectations- connections - communication- support- treat ppl with respect and dignity everyday- modeling- changing behavior not beliefs- decisions made on what's best for all students- how will this decision impact my best teachers- reinforce the positive...... Refocused, energized, and ready to begin another positive school year
