The First-Year Principal

Most administrative internships and educational leadership programs are thorough in providing theory and basic practice, but lack in preparing future administrators for the vast scope of responsibility in the principalship. Peter Hall wrote The First-Year Principal as a principal at the conclusion of his first year, thus the point of view comes straight from the trenches. This is a no-holds-barred, honest look at the pelting storm that awaits the rookie school administrator. For individuals considering a career in school administration, deans/assistant principals, and first-year administrators. It can also be used as a supplementary text to any graduate-level program.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 1 The Job Chapter 3 2 Acquiring the Job Chapter 4 3 Prepare Thyself Chapter 5 4 Lightning Strikes Chapter 6 5 Just Because You're New Chapter 7 6 Personnel Issues: Hiring the Right Folks Chapter 8 7 Personnel Issues: Supervision and Evaluation Chapter 9 8 The Three Golden Rules Chapter 10 9 Catch-All Chapter 11 10 Tales of Combat Chapter 12 11 Staying Healthy Chapter 13 APPENDIXES: FORMS TO HELP THE FIRST-YEAR PRINCIPAL Chapter 14 Annotated References Chapter 15 About the Author

About the Author :
Peter A. Hall, first-year principal of Anderson Elementary School in Reno, Nevada, is currently the youngest of the 92 building principals in the Washoe County School District. Anderson School, which had failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in each of the three years prior to Mr. Hall's appointment, achieved the academic requirements to meet AYP during his first year (2002-2003). Mr. Hall's ability to streamline the educational process in his school, to motivate staff, and to analyze data led to this immediate resurgence. Hall is part of the new breed of elementary school Principals: technologically savvy, data literate, trained in quality instruction, energetic, positive, and personable. Anderson School, which was one of twelve Nevada schools labeled "In need of improvement," will soon be on the map as Mr. Hall helps forge a new category: Exemplary Turnaround Schools.

Review :
This book is a must read for the rookie administrator. As a first year vice principal, I found this extremely useful: Mr. Hall discusses the reality of the business. No theory, just the down and dirty. He offers simple solutions to complex issues that many of us have never even heard of. I particularly enjoyed Mr. Hall's sense of humor. As I read this book, I felt great relief knowing that others are faced with similar experiences. Amazingly, Pete Hall was able to complete his first year as principal in a high need school while simultaneously capturing his experience by authoring this book. He does a remarkable job of providing insight on how to become a principal and what to do once you have. He provides the reader a wealth of war stories, anecdotes, and strategies - all of which vividly illustrate how first year principals can shape the culture of their schools in order to make an impact on student learning and achievement. Pete Hall is one of the most talented and inspirational leaders I have ever worked with. His high-quality writing is matched only by his enthusiasm. In this book, he has put together exactly what he claims: a look at principal induction, straight from the trenches. This is a key piece in the puzzle of educational leadership today.