[Teacher Tips] 7 Reads to Polish Up Your School Leadership Skills

Happy Reading Month! Don’t let your students read up all the fun this March, take part in National Reading Month and pick up one of these page-turners on developing and sharpening school leadership skills, best practices, and the latest trends in school administration. With our curated list, we guarantee that you’ll find some fresh new ideas on how to make your school the best it can be for your students and staff.

What Great Principals Do Differently: 18 Things that Matter Most by Todd Whitaker

If you’re looking for a book full of valuable do’s and don’ts, pick up the newest edition of What Great Principals Do Differently. This book is filled with examples from the field that are used to explain the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals. Described by readers as a quick read full of sound advice and helpful takeaways.

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough

As more and more educators start looking at teaching the whole child, this book is a must-read. It makes the case that what makes a child successful is not about scoring the highest on tests, and but about being able to develop skills aligned with character. The book draws on groundbreaking research in neuroscience, economics and psychology. It’s a great read to start discussions among peers about how we should label success when it comes to students.

Culturize - Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. by Jimmy Casas

Culturize is all about how soft skills such as kindness, honesty, and compassion can be honed while meeting and exceeding academic standards in 21st century learning. This book focuses primarily on building relationships with students and remembering your motivation behind teaching. If you’re an administrator looking for some new strategies to boost morale or help your staff avoid burn-out, check this one out.

School Leadership that Works: From Research to Results by Robert J. Marzano, Timothy Waters, Brian A. McNulty

If you’re a school leader that really likes to get into the numbers and specific practices, this is a must-read for you. Authors Marzano, Waters, and McNulty analyze 69 studies and survey more than 650 building principals to develop a list of 21 leadership responsibilities that have a significant effect on student achievement. And don’t forget to check out our blog on four Marzano-validated best practices to help students get the most out of online practice with Study Island.

Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times by Eric Sheninger

Providing technology to students has become critical in order to prepare them for lifelong success. In Digital Leadership, Sheninger provides practical ways to use technology to build a school community, communicate effectively with parents and students, and gives tips and tricks to building a positive tech presence within your school.

Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population by Tim Elmore

Year after year we hear about how the generation of students who have grown up in the 21st century are the most social and empowered, but also the most anxious. With trends and interests rapidly changing, you are not alone in your struggle to connect and lead them. In this book, Tim Elmore looks at the latest research on Generation Z and explains the influences behind their actions and how they learn. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on ways to teach to your students, look no further.

Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches by Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal that went outside of the traditional classroom by turning to YouTube to inspire and teach his students and staff. He now entertains his 131,000 YouTube subscribers across the country with jokes that all stakeholders can get behind. In his book, he uses inspiration and humor to deliver solid advice around multiple topics such as social media use in the classroom, parent-teacher conferences, teacher bad days, and more.

Happy reading, leaders! If you’re looking for more ways to up your leadership game, check out our professional development tag on our blog.