The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

What is the secret to school leadership?

The Secret Solution follows the journey of Roger Rookie, a new principal, in his quest to become a fair and effective leader. Through the ups and downs of his first few years, Roger learns what works and what doesn’t when it comes to leading people well.

This engaging parable also brings to light many of the real-life characters in schools today—from naysayers and bullies to superstars and newbies—and reveals the best (and worst) ways to work with them. By using a narrative to explore four common leadership styles, the authors provide an effective, non-threatening way to discuss problematic attitudes and approaches with colleagues.

This updated edition of The Secret Solution includes a reader’s guide that delves into each of the four leadership personality styles to help you identify habits and traits that can help you and your team succeed. Authors and experienced leaders Todd Whitaker, Sam Miller, and Ryan Donlan serve as the guides to help you find your path to leadership success.

“The Secret Solution is a great read that perfectly blends What Great Principals Do Differently and an enjoyable fiction novel. This book is a must-read for any aspiring new or veteran principals.”

—Jessica Johnson, principal/district assessment coordinator, Dodgeland Elementary School, Dodgeland, Wisconsin and coauthor of

The Coach Approach to School Leadership and Breaking Out of Isolation

“Anyone who is venturing down a path of campus management will benefit from the mistakes and lessons learned from The Secret Solution.”

—Amber Teamann, principal, Whitt Elementary, Wylie, Texas

“Whitaker, Miller, and Donlan hit a home run with The Secret Solution. The parables within depict mistakes and lessons learned in a quick and easy, weekend-reading format.”

—Matt Townsley, director of instruction, Solon Community Schools, Solon, Iowa

“With its amusing dialogue and thought-provoking graphics, The Secret Solution is a must-have for anyone entering into or new to the principalship. For veteran administrators, this book offers a valuable reflection on roads traveled, pitfalls to avoid, and practices to cultivate for continued success.”

—Mike Pinto, principal, James Cole Elementary School, Lafayette, Indiana

"1115601643"
The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

What is the secret to school leadership?

The Secret Solution follows the journey of Roger Rookie, a new principal, in his quest to become a fair and effective leader. Through the ups and downs of his first few years, Roger learns what works and what doesn’t when it comes to leading people well.

This engaging parable also brings to light many of the real-life characters in schools today—from naysayers and bullies to superstars and newbies—and reveals the best (and worst) ways to work with them. By using a narrative to explore four common leadership styles, the authors provide an effective, non-threatening way to discuss problematic attitudes and approaches with colleagues.

This updated edition of The Secret Solution includes a reader’s guide that delves into each of the four leadership personality styles to help you identify habits and traits that can help you and your team succeed. Authors and experienced leaders Todd Whitaker, Sam Miller, and Ryan Donlan serve as the guides to help you find your path to leadership success.

“The Secret Solution is a great read that perfectly blends What Great Principals Do Differently and an enjoyable fiction novel. This book is a must-read for any aspiring new or veteran principals.”

—Jessica Johnson, principal/district assessment coordinator, Dodgeland Elementary School, Dodgeland, Wisconsin and coauthor of

The Coach Approach to School Leadership and Breaking Out of Isolation

“Anyone who is venturing down a path of campus management will benefit from the mistakes and lessons learned from The Secret Solution.”

—Amber Teamann, principal, Whitt Elementary, Wylie, Texas

“Whitaker, Miller, and Donlan hit a home run with The Secret Solution. The parables within depict mistakes and lessons learned in a quick and easy, weekend-reading format.”

—Matt Townsley, director of instruction, Solon Community Schools, Solon, Iowa

“With its amusing dialogue and thought-provoking graphics, The Secret Solution is a must-have for anyone entering into or new to the principalship. For veteran administrators, this book offers a valuable reflection on roads traveled, pitfalls to avoid, and practices to cultivate for continued success.”

—Mike Pinto, principal, James Cole Elementary School, Lafayette, Indiana

48.0 Out Of Stock
The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success

Hardcover

$48.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Temporarily Out of Stock Online
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

What is the secret to school leadership?

The Secret Solution follows the journey of Roger Rookie, a new principal, in his quest to become a fair and effective leader. Through the ups and downs of his first few years, Roger learns what works and what doesn’t when it comes to leading people well.

This engaging parable also brings to light many of the real-life characters in schools today—from naysayers and bullies to superstars and newbies—and reveals the best (and worst) ways to work with them. By using a narrative to explore four common leadership styles, the authors provide an effective, non-threatening way to discuss problematic attitudes and approaches with colleagues.

This updated edition of The Secret Solution includes a reader’s guide that delves into each of the four leadership personality styles to help you identify habits and traits that can help you and your team succeed. Authors and experienced leaders Todd Whitaker, Sam Miller, and Ryan Donlan serve as the guides to help you find your path to leadership success.

“The Secret Solution is a great read that perfectly blends What Great Principals Do Differently and an enjoyable fiction novel. This book is a must-read for any aspiring new or veteran principals.”

—Jessica Johnson, principal/district assessment coordinator, Dodgeland Elementary School, Dodgeland, Wisconsin and coauthor of

The Coach Approach to School Leadership and Breaking Out of Isolation

“Anyone who is venturing down a path of campus management will benefit from the mistakes and lessons learned from The Secret Solution.”

—Amber Teamann, principal, Whitt Elementary, Wylie, Texas

“Whitaker, Miller, and Donlan hit a home run with The Secret Solution. The parables within depict mistakes and lessons learned in a quick and easy, weekend-reading format.”

—Matt Townsley, director of instruction, Solon Community Schools, Solon, Iowa

“With its amusing dialogue and thought-provoking graphics, The Secret Solution is a must-have for anyone entering into or new to the principalship. For veteran administrators, this book offers a valuable reflection on roads traveled, pitfalls to avoid, and practices to cultivate for continued success.”

—Mike Pinto, principal, James Cole Elementary School, Lafayette, Indiana


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781475806137
Publisher: R&L Education
Publication date: 11/18/2013
Pages: 120
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Todd Whitaker is a Professor of Educational Leadership at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is a former teacher and principal and has written over 30 books and has presented to hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.

Ryan Donlan is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership Department at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is a former teacher, principal, and superintendent, and is an authority and trainer in promoting positive human relations, leadership development, and school improvement.

Sam Miller is Superintendent of the Solon Community School District in Solon, Iowa. He is a former teacher, coach, and principal, and serves as a consultant in leadership development and school improvement.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
The Big Night
A Call From The Boss
Shiny New Office
First Faculty Meeting
Parent Meeting
Reading Department Meeting

Chapter 2
Roger Rookie’s First Makeover: The Hibernator
The Bullies
What Superstars Do
Second Faculty Meeting
The Principal Survey
Teachers Lounge
The Coffee Klatch
Roger Rookie’s Deep Thoughts

Chapter 3
Roger Rookie’s Next Makeover: The Glad-Hander
Seminar Problem
Phoning A Friend
Belly Up
Pointing the Finger At Others
Unintentional Consequences
Boundaries and Bullets
Last Day Before Break
Checking On The Newbie
Mid-Year Evaluation
Teachers Lounge
The Coffee Klatch
Roger Rookie’s Deep Thoughts

Chapter 4
Roger Rookie’s Third Makeover: The Thumb
Back At Anywhere
Student Issues
On Patrol
Another Meeting, Thumb-Style
Thumbland Murmers
Teachers Lounge
The Coffee Klatch
Principal’s Evaluation
Roger Rookie’s Deep Thoughts

Interlude
Summer Sunshine

Chapter 5
Roger Rookie’s Final Makeover: The Pathfinder
Unfinished Business
Closed-Door Meeting
Out And About
Building Leadership Team Meeting
New Business As Usual
Balancing Climate With Accountability
Concluding Year Two
Teachers Lounge
The Coffee Klatch
Back To The Big Night … “That’s a Wrap”
Roger Rookie’s Deep Thoughts

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews