The Little Book of Whittling: Passing Time on the Trail, on the Porch, and Under the Stars (Woodcarving...
Tip 1: Look for books that align with your professional goals
Principals have a wide range of professional goals that vary depending on their school district, student population, and personal aspirations. When selecting books to read, it is essential to choose ones that align with your professional goals. For example, suppose you're looking to improve your skills in instructional leadership. In that case, you may want to focus on books that offer guidance and strategies on how to lead effective classroom instruction. Similarly, if you're interested in improving school culture or your communication skills, you would want to find books that offer insights in those areas.Examples of books that align with professional goals:
- "The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact" by Michael Fullan
- "Leaders of Learning: How District, School, and Classroom Leaders Improve Student Achievement" by Richard DuFour and Robert J. Marzano
- "The School Leader's Guide to Restorative School Discipline" by Luanna H. Meyer and Ian P. Gottfried
- "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Tip 2: Look for books with practical guidance and actionable steps
One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing books for principals is whether they offer practical guidance and actionable steps. As a busy principal, you need books that provide clear and concise advice that you can apply immediately to your work. Look for books that offer step-by-step strategies, case studies, and other real-world examples.Examples of books with practical guidance:
- "Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment" by Ron Berger, Leah Rugen, and Libby Woodfin
- "The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired: Performance-Based Hiring Series" by Lou Adler
- "Data Analysis for Continuous School Improvement" by Victoria L. Bernhardt
- "Leading Change Together: Developing Educator Capacity Within Schools and Systems" by Eleanor Drago-Severson and Jessica Blum-DeStefano
Tip 3: Look for books that offer a fresh perspective or new insights
While it's important to have a solid foundation of research and best practices, it's equally important to continue learning and growing. Look for books that offer a fresh perspective or new insights on issues that you are already familiar with. These books can help you gain a deeper understanding of topics and provide you with new strategies to implement in your work.Examples of books with new insights:
- "The Power of Inquiry: Teaching and Learning with Curiosity, Creativity, and Purpose in the Contemporary Classroom" by Kath Murdoch
- "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students" by Zaretta Hammond
- "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek
- "Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning" by John Hattie
Tip 4: Look for books that are written by respected experts in the field
When selecting books on education, reputation matters. Look for books written by well-respected experts in the field. These authors have dedicated their careers to studying and researching education, and their works are likely to offer valuable insights and lessons.Examples of books by respected experts:
- "The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation" by Elena Aguilar
- "The Principal Challenge: Leading and Managing Schools in an Era of Accountability" by James H. Stronge and Xianxuan Xu
- "The Principal's Handbook for Leading Inclusive Schools" by Julie Causton and Chelsea P. Tracy-Bronson
- "Teach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College" by Doug Lemov
Tip 5: Look for books that are up-to-date and relevant
Another important factor to consider when selecting books is whether they are up-to-date and relevant. Education is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay current on the latest trends and research. Look for books that have been published recently and address current issues in education.Examples of up-to-date and relevant books:
- "The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity" by George Couros
- "Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes." by Jimmy Casas
- "School Culture Rewired: How to Define, Assess, and Transform It." by Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker
- "The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model for 21st-Century Schools" by Mariale Hardiman and Jeffrey Pfeffer