The Other Side of the Desk: A 20/20 Look at the Principalship

by Lisa Parry, Patrick M. Jenlink (Foreword by)

Overview

The Other Side of the Desk explores the world of the principal with stories that capture readers' attention and moves them through the daily life of a school leader. Humorous and heart-wrenching memories fill each page as the author retells the stories that challenged her and affected her daily life as the principal of an elementary campus.
Tareilo's experiences as a principal ranged from dealing with difficult teachers and parents to stories that will touch the lives of any educator. She reveals the working world of the principal in a clear, and sometimes frank, language with the intent to bolster and support newly positioned principals and reignite the leadership fire for those with many years of experience.
From beginning to end, The Other Side of the Desk invites readers into a leadership experience that will have them laughing, crying, and believing that they too can make a difference in the lives of children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607096665
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	03/15/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Janet Tareilo is an assistant professor in the department of Secondary Education and Education Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Patrick M. Jenlink is Regents Professor in the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership, James I. Perkins College of Education, Stephen F. Austin State University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Foreword
Chapter 2 Know Thyself
Chapter 3 Wearing the Red Cape Doesn't Make You Superman
Chapter 4 Building a School Vision or How I Learned to Play with Lincoln Logs
Chapter 5 Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher
Chapter 6 My Mama Said…Loving the Kids Despite the Parents
Chapter 7 I Didn't Go to Law School and Neither Did You
Chapter 8 Shepherding the Pups: Helping First-Year Teachers
Chapter 9 It's Lonely at the Top
Chapter 10 Tonto Rode Beside the Lone Ranger, Not Behind Him
Chapter 11 I'm Supposed to Know How to Do What
Chapter 12 Somebody Has to Be in Charge and They Chose You
Chapter 13 And Then There Are Some…

Editorial Reviews

The Other Side of the Desk is superb! It embodies the powerful reflective practice of school leadership as only a caring and committed principal could convey. Tareilo's book is at times joyful, at times whimsical, and at times heartbreaking, yet always focused on a sound message of hope and resilience. Aspiring school principals, as well as veterans, will be treated to an insider's 20/20 view of a champion for kids walking the walk of school leadership. This is a must-read for anyone in the school business.

John Leonard

How do principals impact learning and school improvement? Are they superheroes with red capes? This book captures the heart and soul of leadership. Although principals face a multitude of tasks and may feel like they are being asked to 'leap tall buildings in a single bound,' Tareilo points out that successful leaders are fellow learners who are constantly engaged with others in efforts to improve schools. Tareilo captures the essence of leadership that matters in this book. The wisdom that is shared serves as a guide and springboard for reflection and positive action. Put it on your must-read list.

Betty Alford

Education leadership has long been characterized by a 'disconnect between what is taught in preparation programs and what practitioners need to be able to do in their schools.' Tareilo's The Other Side of the Desk successfully closes this gap. Tareilo is an expert with the use of metaphors, scenarios, and voice to effectively tie principal behaviors and actions back to practice. As a professor working in preparation programs, I say 'finally.'

Theodore B. Creighton