Educational Administration - General & Miscellaneous, Elementary Education, Educational Leadership

The Survival Kit for the Elementary School Principal

Name: The Survival Kit for the Elementary School Principal
Author: Abby Barry Bergman
ISBN: 9781412972772

by Abby Barry Bergman, Judy Powers, Michael L. Pullen

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Overview

Packed with essential forms, letters, charts, and checklists, this easy-to-use kit offers solutions for virtually any leadership or administrative challenge that elementary school principals commonly face.

About the Author, Abby Barry Bergman

Abby Barry Bergman has been involved in the field of education for over 40 years, in both private and public educational settings. Initially a kindergarten teacher, he has taught at the university level and has filled a variety of positions in school administration. Since 2002, he has served as the Regional Science Coordinator for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, a service organization for a consortium of school districts in New York State. Previously, he was principal of the Ralph S. Maugham School in Tenafly, New Jersey, for over 20 years-an elementary school in a nationally reputed “lighthouse” school district.

Having received his bachelor of arts degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York, he went on to engage in graduate study, earning the master of arts, master of education, and doctor of education degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1996, Bergman received the Administrative Excellence Award presented by the Bergen County Administrators Association.

Bergman has also served as an independent consultant in educational product development and evaluation. He has authored books in the field of science education and written several professional articles, pamphlets, and curriculum guides.

Having earned degrees at both Barnard College and Teachers College, Columbia University, Judy Powers began her career teaching at the elementary level for 10 years. As both a teacher and a policy board chair of a New York State Teacher Center, Judy conducted professional development courses in the areas of mathematics and classroom management. During her 16 years as an elementary school principal, Judy continued to conduct district- and building-based training and led schools based on a continuous improvement model. While a teacher, principal, and interim assistant superintendent, Judy consistently worked to build strong connections between school and community stakeholders. She led several regional workshops on teacher evaluation, supervision, and staff development. Judy now is a consultant to educational organizations. She has coordinated a mentorship program and now coordinates regional professional development, oversees curriculum development, coaches elementary administrators, and conducts staff development in the areas of leadership and curriculum development in both public and private schools.

Michael L. Pullen currently works as an elementary school principal in upstate New York-a capacity he has served in for the past six years. Prior to becoming an elementary principal, his teaching career saw him work in urban, suburban, and rural districts in upstate New York. As a principal, Michael has led several district curriculum initiatives and had made regional presentations about science curriculum development. Under his leadership, his buildings have been recognized by the state education department as either high-performing or gap-closing schools four times. Michael received his B.A. from St. John Fisher College, his M.S. from Nazareth College, and his Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from the State University of New York at Oswego.

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Editorials

Neil Mac Neill

“Wow, it used to be said that being a school leader was a lonely task, but this book is the equivalent of having a personal coach standing beside you as you walk through your school. This book is more than a 'survival kit' it is also a brilliant 'reviver kit.' For busy school leaders who are often under pressure, this book provides the guide-on-the-side when you reflect about what you are doing. "

Ella Reiss Urdang

"As I look back upon my long career in educational administration, I wish I had this useful desktop guide to help me through the challenges of my early years and as a reference guide for the later years. The authors have done a remarkable job of anticipating the daily needs of principals and offering practical suggestions that can be used within minutes! The result is an eminently useful, up-to-date book full of the authors' rich professional perspectives."

Jill Gildea

“'Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Principalship but Were Afraid to Ask' could certainly be the title for this rich resource and reference manual. Highly practical and filled with useful hints, tips, and templates, the book is the perfect tool for aspiring as well as for experienced educators!"

Pamela B. Maxwell

“An excellent resource for the beginning administrator. It provides current information and processes/procedures for the 'real world' of the school administrator. Also a great tool for administrators who may have some prior experience as principals and are looking for some ways to re-energize their school.”

Roseanne Lopez

“This book provides the new elementary principal with an overview of areas of their work that could be invaluable as the school year is planned and programs and communication are established. Sample forms and letters are valuable models that serve as a starting point for a new administrator.”