What Makes a Great Principal

The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership

Dive into the collective wisdom of George Couros and Allyson Apsey as they lay out a transformative vision for school leadership. ‘What Makes a Great Principal?’ is not just a book—it’s a roadmap for educational excellence in dynamic times. 

Discover stories from the field, insights that challenge convention, and actionable strategies that will turn your leadership into a beacon of inspiration for your school community.

Who This Book is For

Designed for current and aspiring principals, this book is a crucial guide for anyone dedicated to making a profound impact in education. Families of school leaders will also find invaluable insights into supporting their loved ones in these challenging roles.

  • Aspiring principals seeking a solid foundation for their upcoming journey.
  • Seasoned principals aiming to rejuvenate their leadership methods.
  • School administrators focused on cultivating a collaborative and innovative school culture.
  • Educator-leaders looking to harness the full potential of their faculty and students.
  • Family members and supporters of educational leaders who wish to understand and contribute to their loved one’s impact.
"In a landscape where education is constantly evolving, 'What Makes a Great Principal' serves as both an anchor and a compass, thoughtfully blending timeless wisdom with cutting-edge insights."
Lillian H, Educator and Author
"Couros and Apsey have masterfully crafted a guide that speaks to the heart of leadership—the courage to shape a future that honors each student's potential."
Michael T, Superintendent
"This book transcends the typical educational narrative, offering a profound exploration of leadership that both challenges and champions the human spirit in our schools."
Emma R, Educational Consultant

The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership

The Five Pillars of Great Principals form a robust framework for dynamic educational leadership. Each pillar—Relationship Builder, Continuous Learner, Talent Cultivator, Resource Maximizer, and Visionary—integrates practical wisdom with innovative strategies. Together, they map out the path to excellence for principals dedicated to nurturing their school’s potential and forging a legacy of impactful education.

1. Relationship Builder

For the principals who understand that every handshake, smile, and open-door conversation lays the groundwork for transformative change, this pillar will reinforce your commitment to fostering deep, lasting connections within your school community. By making every interaction count, you’re not just running a school; you’re nurturing a vibrant educational family.

2. Continuous Learner

For the principals who understand that every handshake, smile, and open-door conversation lays the groundwork for transformative change, this pillar will reinforce your commitment to fostering deep, lasting connections within your school community. By making every interaction count, you’re not just running a school; you’re nurturing a vibrant educational family.

3. Talent Cultivator

This pillar is for the visionary principals who can spot a teacher’s potential like a diamond in the rough. If you’re passionate about identifying and nurturing the strengths of your team and creating an environment where every educator’s unique skills are recognized and celebrated, these pages will guide you to amplify those talents. 

4. Resource Maximizer

For the strategic principals who excel at playing educational chess, adept at maximizing every resource from the budget to the bell schedule, this pillar will help you refine your strategy. It’s about making the most of what you have, ensuring that human resources, curricular materials, time, and money are leveraged to fully support your school’s mission.

5. Visionary

This final pillar speaks to the trailblazing principal, the one who gazes at the horizon and plots a course towards untapped educational landscapes. If you are committed to developing a clear and actionable vision for the future, leading your community with the foresight and adaptability necessary for the ever-changing world of education, this pillar will be your guidepost.

Author

George Couros

A leading educationalist recognized for his insights into innovative teaching, learning, and leadership. George has impacted educational systems worldwide, empowering educators to cultivate creativity and lead with heart.

georgecouros.com

Author

Allyson Apsey

An experienced educator and school leader, Allyson brings her passion for developing holistic educational environments to every page, inspiring educationalists to lead with empathy and collaboration.

allysonapsey.com

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