Book Review: What They Never Told Mein Principal’s School by Mike Connolly
In What They Never Told Me in Principal’s School, Michael Connolly offers readers a mix of uncommon sense and time-tested advice rooted in years of experience as an elementary, middle school, and high school principal in U.S. public schools and in international schools around the world.
Those educators who have walked in his shoes will smile in recognition of his examples and those aspiring to fill his shoes will do well to remember them. Mr. Connolly, borrowing a metaphor from famed author Stephen King’s nonfictionwork, On Writing, entitles his first chapter “The Principal’s Toolbox. ”This title would have been equally effective as the book’s title as the insights that he shares throughout the book should be readily accessible to all principals striving to be fair, ethical, and effective leaders.
I half expected a ‘How To’ book, but unlike those dry manuals, I found it difficult to put down and was disappointed when it ended (the book runs just short of 100 pages.) Connolly includes many warm, humorous, and personal anecdotes to illustrate and enhance the rewards, complexities, and frustrations of the role of principal.
Peggy McAllister, executive director of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals says Michael Connolly’s book is “A must-read for all principals and aspiring principals.”
Reviewer Bill Oldread East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools Asst. Director