How to be an Outstanding Primary Middle Leader: (Outstanding Teaching)

How to be an Outstanding Primary Middle Leader is a compendium of research, advice, anecdotes and practical tips to help middle leaders excel in this complex and demanding role, without compromising their mental or physical health. Written by Zoë Paramour, experienced middle leader and award-winning blogger of The Girl on the Picadilly Line, this book provides advice and practical solutions to challenges middle leaders are likely to encounter while leading a subject, phase or other whole-school responsibility, from having difficult conversations with colleagues and parents to dealing with an Ofsted inspector and writing a school improvement plan. All advice is drawn from Zoë's own experiences as a middle leader, interviews and conversations with middle and senior leaders, as well as research into leadership. In Zoë's unique, straight-talking and witty style, this book is an accessible and enjoyable read for both new and experienced primary middle leaders looking to reflect on their practice and maximise their impact.

About the Author :
Zoë Paramour worked her way up from NQT to Assistant Headteacher in five years and has been a middle teacher for three. She has worked in a number of very different schools and has held a variety of posts. Zoë is currently a middle leader in a primary school in North London. She is also a freelance writer and journalist specialising in education and politics, as well as the founder of the award-winning blog The Girl on the Piccadilly Line. She writes for a number of national publications, including The Independent, The Huffington Post, The IB Times and The New Statesman.

Review :
From finding the right role and developing your vision, to owning your weaknesses and genuinely working on them, Zoë Paramour's book is a must-read for any current or aspiring middle leader. It will bring useful insights for those situations you have not yet experienced and smiles for those you recognise. Middle leaders make things happen and this book will empower and support you to do this. A thoroughly fantastic read. A perfect manual for those about to dip their toes into primary middle leadership. It marries just the right amount of theory with all the essential practical advice and information needed to be successful in the role. Zoë Paramour leads us well through the key aspects of middle leadership to ensure positive impact in schools. This book is a perfect dip-in resource enabling readers to find chapters that are most relevant at the time. A must-buy for any aspirant or current middle leader. Middle leadership roles can include subject leadership, phase leadership or specialised roles – whatever it is, this book gives excellent practical guidance in an easily read enjoyable format with a personal approach that gives confidence that the ideas and suggestions are firmly rooted in practical experience. After reading the book I know it will be a permanent fixture on my desk in my office as I try to be a better middle leader. It provides both a wealth of information and a good supply of tips and anecdotes to support middle leaders in almost any situation they can expect to find themselves in. A very enjoyable and informative read. Zoë has gained herself a new follower!