Beginning the Principalship

The Ultimate Resource to cultivate self-awareness and excellence in Today’s Principals



A commitment to continuous improvement paves the road to true leadership. New and veteran principals who understand this will translate thoughts into sound decisions and inspire a vision that can nurture others. They will drive progress and invite innovation. These are today’s newest superheroes, leading by example and cultivating greatness in others. 

But every superhero needs a mentor. In this updated bestseller, Beginning the Principalship, Daresh and Alexander offer intensive encouragement and help in a practical hands-on guide to help principals navigate the challenges of school leadership. The strategies and cases included here will inspire all school leaders and nurture their passion for the immense responsibility they have undertaken.



Practical Questions, Points to Ponder, and numerous examples in every chapter help foster reflection and collaboration to build a shared vision for campus improvement. Plus, discover how to:

Drive student learning as the primary mission of the schoolDeal with others’ expectations of you as principalMaster the technical skills needed to run an efficient schoolCreate and clarify a personal professional growth planWork effectively with the greater community and parentsCelebrate instructional and non-instructional staff in a positive school culture Don’t just survive your years as principal. Read this guide and thrive!



"Novice and seasoned principals, and new and seasoned administrators would really benefit from reading this book for skill building and improvement. Each chapter provides a wealth of information and has a space to record one’s own plan for self-improvement."

Delsia Easley, Principal

Gadsden City Schools, Gadsden, AL



"I am disappointed that I didn’t own this book when I started as a principal. This book would have answered some of my pressing questions and guided the work I did my first few years. I will recommend this to any friend or colleague starting a new principalship."

Kelly VanLaeken, Principal

Ruben A. Cirillo High School, Walworth, NY