This is a must read for anyone aspiring to become a leader in America's public schools or intending to remain successful as a school leader. Bill Holland brings to light decades of 'in the trenches' experience to reveal the challenges and pitfalls of leading today's schools. A wonderful blend of the practical with the theoretical makes this book an essential addition to a school leader's library... -- Vincent Ferrandino, executive director, National Association of Elementary School Principals Through out his career, Bill Holland earned the reputation of always "telling it as it is" and he has done nothing in this writing to tarnish that reputation. It is a great read and should capture the interests of teachers and administrators who seek
positions of leadership in our schools. In addition, current and prospective school board members and leaders can benefit immensely from his candor, knowledge and experience. The realities of professional relationships in our educational settings come through in his writing. School leaders and supporters can benefit from the wisdom of his writing, of that I am confident. -- Richard J. Bradley, former executive director, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. The use of case studies of three 'failed' school leaders proves to be an excellent means of approaching the topic of good hiring practices. Each case study provides flesh-and-blood substance to the topic and helps to ground the author's subsequent abstractions in the dynamic reality of school politics. The result is a book that will serve school boards, superintendents, and principals as each navigates the challenges of matching leadership vacancies with the strengths and weaknesses of the human beings who lead our schools. -- John R. Golden, executive director, Rhode Island Association of School Principals; former principal of Toll Gate High School, Warwick, Rhode Isl Leaders and those who aspire to leadership will be drawn into and benefit from this lively, sometimes heart-wrenching, description and analysis of examples of failed leadership opportunities. -- Nancy Carriuolo, associate commissioner for academic and student affairs, Rhode Island Office of Higher Education Using three case studies of two elementary school principals and a superintendent who failed as leaders, Holland describes the skills needed to be an effective leader, how to teach leadership, and how candidate selection can be improved. Reference and Research Book News Want to be a school leader? A read of Bill Holland's book will give you the wisdom and insight on how to be successful. The analysis of real school situations and the lessons learned are invaluable. Choosing our future school leaders is a responsibility that requires determination, knowledge and an understanding of quality leadership. Bill provides the 'know how' on how to avoid the problems faced by so many decision makers. School leadership is difficult but with the knowledge learned from this book, success becomes the norm. -- Robert V. Antonucci, president, Fitchburg State College; former Massachusetts commissioner of education This is a must read for anyone aspiring to become a leader in America's public schools or intending to remain successful as a school leader. Bill Holland brings to light decades of 'in the trenches' experience to reveal the challenges and pitfalls of leading today's schools. A wonderful blend of the practical with the theoretical makes this book an essential addition to a school leader's library. -- Vincent Ferrandino, executive director, National Association of Elementary School Principals
