The 12 Laws of Urban School Leadership

Preface: You Want To Become A Principal In An Urban School District?


Forward – by Dr. Carlos Blair, Principal


Introduction


Part One: Setting A Solid Foundation

Law #1:Guard Your Most Sacred Assets

• Mental and Physical Health
• Core Philosophy and Beliefs
• Effective Use of Time

Law #2:Learn the Culture of the School and Community

• Your Survival in the Position
• The School and the Community

Law #3:Become a Supreme Pragmatist

Law #4:Establish Your Authority as Principal

• Be Serious
• Increase Your Visibility

Law #5:Be Unpredictable

Law #6:Create a Loyal Cabinet

• Assistant Principals
• Teachers/Other School Leaders
• Community Members

Part Two: Moving Forward

Law #7:Rally the Troops (Unify Your Staff)

• Making Connections
• Methods for Establishing Unity
• Working With Teacher Unions

Law #8:Conduct the Critical Conversations

• The Right Motives
• Turning Points, Documentation, and Grievances

Law #9:Learn To Delegate (And Hold Them Accountable)

Law #10:Don’t Attempt To Change Too Much Too Fast

Law #11:Determine What Good Instruction Looks Like

• Create Interesting Professional Development Sessions
• Model Good Instruction for Teachers
• Effective Evaluation

Law #12:Create a Strategic Plan for Improving Student Behavior and Teacher Morale

• Teacher Morale: Why Is It Low?
• Student Disciple: A Huge Problem for Urban Schools
• What Should Principals Do?

“This book connects with what actually goes on in urban schools.”