Superintendents hold a significant position in school systems. In serving the school board, community, staff and students simultaneously, a superintendent's role is dynamic and multifaceted. In realizing that the stability of a school system is set by the guidance of the superintendent, the need to attract quality personnel is apparent. However, did you know that the average tenure of a superintendent is less than five years (AASA)? With such fluctuation, school districts are consistently facing change. And although change can be righteous in some instances, variations in leadership can cause distress and anxiety for those who look to deliver upon a stable mission and vision. Behind the Curtain: Tackling the Myths and Mistakes of School Management is a down-to-earth, practical guide for educators to assist them with the pitfalls that can be associated with upper management. This book explores complex issues of power, control and motivation to expose their direct and indirect influence upon us. The hope is superintendents and central office will be able to utilize this text as a learning experience when facing both the common and complex issues. Some additional key features of this book include: *Discover Thinking Patterns. This text looks to discover thinking patterns that underlay the work and then provide a clear, practical approach for not only the issue at hand, but the great thinker behind the issue. In addition, the text also lends itself to college classrooms, as it has the case studies and situations to spark critical conversation. *Practical. Behind is a practical approach to leadership theory. Each chapter has a "Practical Advice" section which provides solid guidance for future use. *Research-Based. The roots of the text are cemented in the works of Fienberg and Soltis (Schools and Society), Edward Hall's Levels of Culture, Clabaugh and Rozycki's educational foundations, Hertzberg's motivation theory and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. *Interactive. Behind has case studies for each chapter, which are meant to kindle conversation surrounding the topic. Furthermore, the sections "Try It" and "Don't Try It" give further testimony to the practical application of the information *Can be utilized for college classes. The text also lends itself to college classrooms, as it has the case studies and situations to spark critical conversation
Contents Disclaimer Forward Preface Acknowledgments Introduction PART I: BEFORE WE BEGIN Chapter 1: "The Legs Feed the Wolf" PART II: PLANNING THE MOVE Chapter 2: Say When Chapter 3: Matching Ties...The Interview Process Chapter 4: The Dime of the Deal...The Contract PART III: FINDING THE STRIDE Chapter 5: Three Months Prime Chapter 6: Magellan's Magical Mission Chapter 7: Active Ears PART IV: ASSISTING THE BOARD Chapter 8: Your Route; Their Car Chapter 9: Which Stone to Turn? Chapter 10: Planning the Wedding PART V: BUILDING THE TEAM Chapter 11: Our Primary Function - Hiring Great Leaders Chapter 12: Culture, Cliches, and Conversations Chapter 13: Play to Their Strengths PART VI: LIVING THE LIFE Chapter 14: Dinner for One Chapter 15: Where's Mom? Chapter 16: Balanced by Courage PART VII: AVOIDING THE TRAPS Chapter 17: "Et tu, Brute?" Chapter 18: Bean Stalk Talk - Other Superintendents Chapter 19: You Don't Know What You Don't Know PART VIII: LEAVING THE LEGACY Chapter 20: An Elephant's Dispatch Chapter 21: Go Wide, My Friend PART IX: PRACTICAL APPROACHES Chapter 22: Try It *Be Honest *The Short Executive Summary *The Early Warning *Change the Furniture *Go Last *Praise Often *Regularity *The Personal You *Trust the Team Chapter 23: Don't Try It 1.The Careless Correspondence 2.Between Us Girls 3.Lessons from Paul Revere 4.Overselling 5.Getting Too Close 6.Hire for Time's Sake 7.Hammering the Screw 8.Shadowing the Sun 9.Neglecting Your Health Chapter 24: Case Studies PART: X: DAY TO DAY Chapter 25: Questions from the Field PART: XI: SUMMATION BIBLIOGRAPHY
