A Practical Guide for New School Leaders (PDF)

`This book is full of so many practical ides that new heads will surely be enthused to try something new and put energy into their new role, especially as this is supported by an outstanding detailed analysis of the frequent problems that those new to headship will face, enhanced by interesting and well-chose case studies.

I am sure that this is one of books whose reputation will grow by word of mouth by those who have used it, to their colleagues. It deserves to be, and I am sure will be come a classic' - The International Journal of Educational Management

`A Practical Guide to New School Leaders will be appreciated by those taking up new posts as head or deputy and should be part of their personal collections' - Tim Brighouse, Times Educational Supplement

`In summary, this book makes an excellent contribution to the current debate on Leadership from a practical point of view. It provides an important resource for many aspects of leadership development programmes at a variety of levels. As a resource for both the newly appointed headteacher and those involved in their training it contributes to ensuring that the new headteacher will become a reflective thinker in terms of his/her early career as school leader. The book offers concrete strategies, case studies and checklists to help the new school leader to develop an individual action plan in order to survive and thrive' - Stephen Merrill, Edge Hill College of Higher Education, Journal In-Service Education

New head teachers need help as they walk the tightrope between surviving the first years in the job and becoming strong and effective instructional leaders. John C Daresh and Trevor Arrowsmith offer concrete strategies, case studies and a personal leadership checklist to help the new school leader develop an individual plan to thrive and survive.

Key features include: Real-life concerns facing new school leaders; technical and managerial skills to survive socializing to the role of a leader; strong leadership through self-awareness; the road to school leadership - making the most of being an assistant or deputy; developing personal portfolios and action plans. The book also provides answers to questions that concern new school leaders.

This is a practical and essential resource for head teachers, deputy head teachers and all those aspiring towards a leadership role in schools.

John C Daresh is currently professor of educational leadership at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has served as a consultant for universities and departments of education across the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Trevor Arrowsmith has been Principal of a Specialist Secondary School Language College in Northampton for 8 years. He is also LPSH national trainer and an External Advisor on heads performance management.