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What Great Principals Do Differently: Eighteen Things That Matter Most 2nd Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 644 ratings

There is a newer edition of this item:

Inspire yourself and others with the second edition of this best-selling book. With heartfelt advice, practical wisdom, and examples from the field, Todd Whitaker explains the qualities and practices that distinguish great principals. New features include:

  • Developing an accurate sense of self
  • Understanding the dynamics of change
  • Dealing with negative or ineffective staff members

One of the nation’s leading experts on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Todd Whitaker has written over 20 powerful books for educators of every level. Discover what you can do differently.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading motivational speaker in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a professor of educational leadership at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, and he has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals. Prior to moving into higher education he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. Todd received the President's Medal from Indiana State University (the university's highest award for faculty) in 2013. One of the nation’s leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Todd has written many educational books including the national best seller, What Great Teachers Do Differently. Other titles include: Dealing With Difficult Teachers, Teaching Matters, Great Quotes for Great Educators, What Great Principals Do Differently, and Dealing With Difficult Parents.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 2nd edition (November 1, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1596672005
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1596672000
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.37 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 644 ratings

About the author

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Todd Whitaker
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Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri and emeriti professor at Indiana State University. Todd has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals.

Prior to moving into higher education he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. He was also a middle school coordinator in charge of staffing, curriculum, and technology for the opening of new middle schools.

One of the nation's leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Todd has written over 50 books including the national best seller, What Great Teachers Do Differently. Other titles include: Shifting The Monkey, Your First Year, Dealing With Difficult Teachers, 10 Minute Inservice, The Ball, What Great Principals Do Differently, Motivating & Inspiring Teachers, and Dealing With Difficult Parents.

Todd is married to Beth, also a former teacher and principal, who is a professor of educational leadership at the Unversity of Missouri. They are the parents of three children; Katherine, Madeline, and Harrison. His website is www.ToddWhitaker.com and his Twitter handle is @ToddWhitaker.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
644 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2019
Great insights and suggestions. I liked the examples and clear explanations. I also like that much of what he suggests is based on studies and experience. Either one by itself isn’t the best foundation for giving professional advice. The examples and suggestions are very common sense but I found quite a few new gems that I can use and solidified some already established beliefs but with much better explanations than the ones I could come up with. I guess that’s why this gentleman has a book and I don’t. I am anxious to read some of his other books.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2014
After reading many leadership books I found this book to be so refreshing! It reads quick and easy because it is so easy to relate to. The author cuts right to the chase with ideas for school leaders that are logical and effective. I found it inspiring and could not wait to put the positive ideas to work! This also serves as a "tune up" or a "check list" for leaders to use to evaluate their job performance. The stories that are included help the reader to identify with what the author is explaining in terms of their own school setting.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2016
Great book and a easy read! Although most of the material made common sense, the reasoning and data cemented the logic. A great book for anyone who wants to focus on whats important and become a better, more focused administrator. I've been a school administrator for over 14 years,and this book has allowed me to reorganize my thought process and focus on what moves a school to the next level. I intend to re-read this book with my admin team and create a table talk this year! An asset to my professional development and a must have for anyone's personal library.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2015
I appreciate how Mr. Whitaker writes in such a simple tone. While some topics drone on (you can make your point in 3 sentences), I think he wanted to add lots of examples. Point taken.

Still, he gives some great advice and I believe my own leadership skills have improved.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2012
I almost didn't buy this book because I thought the title was simplistic. Another book that gives us ## steps to accomplish xyz. However, I am glad I purchased the book as Todd Whitaker focuses his attention on what matters most, people! He is clear and to the point about what matters most in leading school. He provides practical ideas that make so much sense. He does not waste time philosophizing about things we cannot control. He spends time looking at practices that are within our reach and within our sphere of influence. I highly recommend this book.
30 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016
The brevity of this book is a tremendous building block for its usefulness. In the sea of administration, it is easy to get lost directing your energy in thousands of different spots. This book helps show the way by giving some suggested paths forward. The tips are quite practical and run alongside personal stories from the author that always seem to hit a chord. Great read - strongly recommended.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2020
This book is smooth reading and presents content in an easy-to-connect way. This is one of the best books we have read in our M.Ed program at the halfway point.
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2019
Really appreciated the principles and ideas put forth by the author. I'm returning to education after a few years
away from it and as I anticipate the new school year and my position as principal, I found this book very encouraging, inspiring and motivating. Highly recommend.

Top reviews from other countries

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Salar Rasoul
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2018
Must read for all administrators. I wish I read it 11 years ago when I stated running a school, but better late than never.
Joan
5.0 out of 5 stars Claro y directo
Reviewed in Spain on May 7, 2016
Muchas de las cosas que dice son obvias, pero está bien leerlas porque te reafirma en lo que haces, o porque te preguntas cómo no me he dado cuenta.
También es cierto que al hablar de centros americanos algunas cosas no se pueden aplicar.
El libro contiene muchos pequeños ejemplos que son muy útiles e interesantes para aplicar en un centro. Es decir no es un libro de esos que contienen mucha "filosofía" pero luego arréglatelas tú para convertirlo en algo práctico.
Es breve y fácil de leer, lo recomiendo a todos aquellos que trabajen en un centro escolar y estén o vayan a estar en el equipo directivo.
Mr. Rick Stuart-sheppard
4.0 out of 5 stars early days
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2014
I'm working through this and he has some interesting and useful things to say....a good read for headteachers. I'd recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on July 27, 2017
Enjoying this read.
Andrew J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2016
daughter loves it!