The Virtual Principal book is based on the experiences of administrators during the Covid-19 Pandemic. School leaders were faced with new challenges, and the book highlights the key attributes and characteristics of those who navigated the challenges with success. Additionally, first-hand experiences are provided from the principal perspective.
Lee Westberry has over 20 years' experience as a school administrator at the middle, high, and district levels. Prior to serving as administrator, she was an English teacher. Most recently, Dr. Westberry serves as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Director of Program Development and Enhancement, and Program Coordinator in the Zucker Family School of Education at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. Dr. Westberry also serves as a visiting professor for Clemson University in the doctoral program. Tara Hornor PhD, currently serves an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Higher Education Leadership Programs in the Zucker Family School of Education with a joint appointment to The Citadel's Department of Leadership Studies. She has over 20 years of higher education leadership experience, previously serving as Associate Provost for Planning, Assessment, and Evaluation and Dean of Enrollment Management at The Citadel, providing leadership for the institution's strategic planning, accreditation, assessment, institutional research, admissions, financial aid, and graduate college offices. Mona Lise Dickson taught mathematics at Beaufort High School and coached Girls' Varsity Basketball for fourteen years. She continued with 13 years of experience as a school administrator in both middle and high schools. Recently, Ms. Dickson was promoted to the Executive Director of School Transformation in Beaufort County School District and is pursuing her doctorate in Education Improvement Science.
Acknowledgements Introduction CHAPTER 1: CONFIDENCE Chapter 2: growth mindset Chapter 3: communication and presence CHAPTER 4: PROJECTING CALM CHAPTER 5: technology CHAPTER 6: leadership soft skills CHAPTER 7: instructional leadership CHAPTER 8: systems approaches chapter 9: Challenges and successes CONCLUSION aBOUT THE aUTHOR
Leaders are not defined by the good times but by the challenges they help their communities overcome. In Polishing the Diamond that is the Virtual Principal, these authors uncover a hidden gem, that of the Virtual Principal which was unleashed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This book provides practical, relevant insights into how a principal led within the virtual world of school and how virtual leadership is here to stay. Virtual education has opened more learning opportunities for our students and staff and these opportunities must continue. Because leadership is essential, this book is a must read for today's principal! -- Dr. Mina Schnitta, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, Fort Sam Houston ISD, San Antonio, Texas March 2020 changed the day-to-day life of everything, especially the business of schools. Students, teachers and principals were forced into the world of virtual learning. Polishing the Diamond that is the Virtual Principal takes an honest look at how real principals and superintendents navigated this uncharted territory. While the book offers useful tips for educators, students and supporting faculty during a pandemic, these approaches are applicable for non-pandemic times as well. Topics such as leading during a crisis and navigating change were relevant during the COVID-19 closure but still are useful and relevant now that schools have re-opened. Additionally, the "Principal's Corner" sections of each chapter provide excellent opportunities for educators to reflect on their practice. Polishing the Diamond that is the Virtual Principal is a valuable tool for all leaders that want to support their teachers and provide students with a first class education. -- Terri Nichols, Associate Superintendent, Charleston County School District The Virtual Principal provides an accurate account of the challenges faced in schools during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Additionally, this book highlights best practices for virtual leadership as well as traditional leadership in schools. In fact, districts should pay close attention so they know how to support their principals in the face of adversity. Lessons learned provide valuable insight into how school leaders can improve their craft. This book is a must read for all sitting principals, those in the leadership pipeline, and district officials. -- Brenda Corley, Director of Federal Programs, Pinnacle Charter Academies
