Quandaries of School Leadership

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xi

   PDF

2. The Journey Begins

   • Debra J. Touchton

   Pages 1-7

3. Understanding Role-Making in Leadership Performance

   • John Mancinelli, Michele Acker-Hocevar

   Pages 9-36

4. Developing a Leadership Platform: Using and Understanding the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders

   • Mariela A. Rodríguez

   Pages 37-45

5. The Ambiguity in Clarifying Expectations

   • William Ruff

   Pages 47-71

6. Ethics: Acting Ethically to Promote Each Student’s Academic Success and Well-Being

   • Teresa Wasonga

   Pages 73-92

7. Principals Supporting English Learners in US Public Schools

   • Karina I. Vielma, Gloria Jean Martinez, Mariela A. Rodríguez

   Pages 93-104

8. Quandaries of Assessment and Accountability

   • Betty Alford, Julia Ballenger

   Pages 105-125

9. Emotional Intelligence as a Means to Combat Funding Cuts: Meeting Student Academic Success and Promoting Well-Being in Challenging Financial Times

   • Rene Guillaume

   Pages 127-141

10. Elementary School Principals Supporting the Professional Capacity of Teachers

    • Jennifer Zavala, Venus Valenta

    Pages 143-156

11. Shared Voice and Vision: Fostering Professional Communities for Student Success

    • Joyce A. Mundy

    Pages 157-179

12. Leadership and Resource Allocation in Schools: Applying Micropolitical Perspectives

    • Chad R. Lochmiller, Colleen R. Pawlicki

    Pages 181-206

13. Leadership for Change

    • Donna Augustine-Shaw, Robert Hachiya, Teresa Northern Miller

    Pages 207-223

14. Leadership Development and the Study of Expertise

    • Gary Ivory, Rhonda McClellan

    Pages 225-238

15. Back Matter

    Pages 239-248

    PDF

This book provides insights into the everyday practices of school leaders as told through the real-life stories of principals.  The editors and their contributors blend practice with theory, helping aspiring leaders to discover that school leadership is not simply putting prescribed solutions into action, but a constant encounter with quandaries that demand thinking, responding, and adjusting to the situations at hand. Readers build their capacities to view quandaries from multiple lenses, consider a variety of responses, and draw conclusions based on perspectives that may vary from those initially identified. The chapter authors encourage a sharper self-awareness of what scholars value and envision about education, encouraging them to think about how to navigate decision-making through a variety of theoretical frameworks and practices while balancing their own leadership platform development.

• quandaries
• principalship
• leadership
• administration
• school leader preparation

“The editors and authors have provided a valuable balance to a policy environment in which the principalship is increasingly oriented toward scripted, singular thinking. They have provided rich stories which acknowledge the complex, messy, and ethical dilemmas of the role. Such an approach is not only more authentic in terms of the ‘real’ work of principals but is much more productive for constructing a role that is creative and actively oriented toward ethical change.” (Gary Crow, Emeritus Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Indiana University, USA)

“The editors have brought together an outstanding group of scholars to examine the uncertainties inherent in the job of a school leader.  Each chapter is based on one of the Professional Standards for School Leaders (PSELs) and using the voices of school principals offers valuable insights into their work.  Read it and take your leadership to the next level.” (Paula A. Cordeiro, Dammeyer Professor of Global Leadership and Education, University of San Diego, USA)

“In this book, the editors wed metaphor, theory, and practice in order to support and develop school leaders from novice to expert, from solo performer to orchestra conductor. The use of ‘leader as musician’ allows emerging leaders to understand the need for careful attention, responsiveness, and improvisation as vital strategies. Reflective questions embedded throughout the book encourage leaders to use this less as a textbook and more as a workbook to guide their thinking and practice. Leadership ‘quandaries’ allow leaders to grapple with real school problems while exploring the differences between what I would do and what I could do better. Contributors also bring theoretical frameworks to bear in ways that are meaningful and accessible to leaders, regardless of where they are in their careers. This book offers a unique opportunity for leaders and faculty to become co-creators of leadership symphonies in schools around the country.” (Mónica Byrne-Jimenez, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, School of Education, Indiana University, USA) 

• Stetson University, Celebration, USA

  Debra J. Touchton

• University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA

  Mariela A. Rodríguez

• Educational Leadership and Administration, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, USA

  Gary Ivory

• Washington State University Tri-Cities, Richland, USA

  Michele Acker-Hocevar

Debra J. Touchton is Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership Graduate Programs at Stetson University, USA.


Mariela A. Rodriguez is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA.


Gary Ivory is Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration at New Mexico State University, USA. 


Michele Acker-Hocevar is Professor and Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Washington State University, Tri-Cities, USA.

Policies and ethics