An extraordinary principal reveals the complexity and commitments that have enabled her to create welcoming schools for diverse students.

Written by a successful elementary school principal, this book sheds light on everyday practices and shares practical strategies that support leaders’ growth and commitment to equity. The author chronicles her formative years, education, and 24 years of experience as a principal, reflecting on the critical role of school leadership in the age of accountability and a political environment that influences the work of educators.

Agna uses examples of social justice pedagogy to show how a principal’s role and responsibilities can be adapted to include being a change agent, as well as real-life stories that illustrate how leadership is manifest in a school committed to antibias education. This lifetime journey has been defined by a commitment to developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and antiracist practices to improve education for all children. Readers will come to appreciate the awesome power of the principal to shape, influence, support, and change a school.

Book Features:

An insider view of how childhood and educational experiences shape the educator, and how to lead without compromising your principles and ethics.
Approaches for meeting state and national curriculum standards while integrating social justice in all that occurs in teaching and learning.
Strategies for encouraging and incorporating teacher and student empowerment and voice in the operation of a school.
Encouragement for classroom teachers to consider the principal’s job as an option on the career ladder.
Photographs that illustrate the main points, as well as educator-friendly forms and templates principals can use with staff.

Community-Centered School Leadership

Resources