The Portable Mentor
A Resource Guide for Entry-Year Principals and Mentors
—Nancy M. Moga, Principal
Callaghan Elementary School, Covington, VA
'First-year principals need a mentor, and if one is not readily available, then this book helps fulfill the need. I found myself answering the questions, filling in the blanks, or considering how a scenario played out'
—Ann Porter, Principal
Lewis and Clark Elementary School, Grand Forks, SD
A focused, organized approach to help first-year school leaders succeed and grow on the job!
Based on more than 40 years of experience as an educator, principal, and principal mentor, Frederick Lindley defines the role of a successful school principal as an effective leader with strong management skills. Written in a conversational style, this portable guide helps entry-level principals and their mentors navigate through the first days and months of a principalship.
Designed around the nine-month school year, this book incorporates the revised 2008 ISLLC standards and emphasizes organization, communication, nurturing the mentoring relationship, and using a balanced approach to leading and managing. Readers will also find information on short-term and long-term administrative responsibilities and help in planning for the second year as principal. This second edition includes:
- Ten core characteristics of successful strategies for improving student achievement
- New "A-to-Z tips" on topics such as delegating, equity and fairness, grace under pressure, time management, and NCLB
- Recommended reading resources for extended learning in each chapter
- A chapter focused on support for the principal-mentor
The second edition of The Portable Mentor is an ideal professional growth resource that is always conveniently at hand to help school leaders successfully meet the challenges of their jobs.
"A nice, quick look at the complex role of the principal. The strengths of the book lie in its inherent utility to the field."
"A great how-to book, informative, easy to read, and well organized. This book is helpful to those seeking to understand the principalship and for those preparing future principals. Anything that can help the novice principal learn the tricks of the trade is a valuable tool!"
"First-year principals need a mentor, and if one is not readily available, then this book helps to fulfill the need. I found myself answering the questions, filling in the blanks, or considering how a scenario played out."
"The book is full of strategies and tips. It can be read quickly and kept on the desk as a reference tool! Principals, those wanting to be principals, and those mentoring principals will find this book very useful."