It’s New Year’s resolution time again, and since you finished the books from last year, we’d like to take the opportunity to compile some of the recommendations from educational professionals and leaders from all disciplines. These books should help all leaders in your school, from high-achieving faculty to the School Head.
You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
On his blog Life of an Educator, former principal Justin Tarte recommends this book as one all those in education should read, and after some digging, we have to agree. Anecdotes of unsung heroes pepper this volume and add weight to Sanborn’s philosophy of the smaller ways everyone can make a difference. That said, this book may be more appropriate for ambitious younger leaders in your school rather than the established folks. Still, the premise is solid and encouraging for people at all levels of leadership.
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Eric Sheninger, public school principal and author of Digital Leadership, listed this book on his must-read list posted to his personal blog. Linchpin could be read as a companion to You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader, but its reach is broader. It’s a call-to-action to find your unique gift or talent and allow it to drive you to be better than you were. While marketed for a more general audience than teachers, we feel Linchpin’s core message of personal discovery and passion is easily applicable to the private-independent leadership sphere.
If You Don’t Feed the Teachers, They Eat the Students! by Neila A. Connors, PhD
Found on Education World’s Best Professional Books list compiled from recommendations by principals, this book takes a humorous approach to the trials and tribulations of an educational administrator. If You Don’t Feed the Teachers is light fare, laden with anecdotal advice rather than research-backed practicums. For those looking for an easily-digested dose of inspiration and practicality, though, this book may fit the bill.
Do the Work by Steven Pressfield
A great way to stay motivated about the projects you have planned, educational consultant Lisa Dabbs suggests using this book as a no-nonsense kick in the rear to start new endeavors and complete old ones. The techniques can work from the classroom level all the way to a school-wide campaign.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
This book comes highly recommended on just about every must-read list out there, and we’d be remiss if it didn’t make ours. Covey’s practical advice for changing how you approach your work and life to become an effective, successful individual is timeless, and if you’ve read it before, it’s worth reading again.
Additional ISM resources
Private School News Vol. 11 No. 3 2012 Recommended Summer Reading List
Private School News Vol. 12 No. 4 Summer Reading Suggestions 2013
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 10 No. 9 Summer Reading for Faculty
