What They Didn't Teach You In Fancy Leadership School: A Guide for Successful School Leadership

by Mark D. Wilson

"What They Didn’t Teach You In Fancy Leadership A Guide for Successful School Leadership" is a practical guide offering insights and advice gleaned from decades of hands-on experience in educational leadership. The author, Dr. Wilson, shares his journey from being a teacher and coach to becoming a principal, and eventually, a mentor to other school leaders. This book is a culmination of Dr. Wilson's extensive experience and his connection with hundreds of new and veteran principals. He covers key leadership topics, providing strategies to help principals navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities in school administration. He addresses common struggles principals may face, such as pride, poor communication, and ineffective relationships with assistant principals. On the other hand, he also explores what makes them successful, including confidence, relationship-building, and humility. The author underscores that many of the issues he touches upon aren't always discussed in formal leadership education, hence the title. Nevertheless, he maintains respect for traditional leadership programs, acknowledging the important role they play in preparing leaders. The book features sixty-six concise chapters, interwoven with stories from school leaders across North America, intending to reflect on, encourage, and aid the reader in their leadership journey. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the importance of focusing on the well-being of the school leaders themselves and their loved ones at home, which he sees as crucial yet often overlooked in leadership roles. While it doesn't claim to cover all aspects of leadership, this guide intends to complement formal education with practical insights, helping new principals, aspiring leaders, and veteran administrators thrive in their roles. Through this book, Dr. Wilson extends his mission to support school leaders, making his wealth of knowledge and experience accessible to anyone embarking on or already amidst their leadership journey in education.

244 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2023