"Preparing school leaders is one of the most consequential responsibilities in education. Principals shape the culture of schools, influence teacher retention, and ultimately impact student success. That kind of leadership cannot be learned from theory alone; it requires structured experiences, guided reflection, and accountability. This textbook provides exactly that: a clear, practical framework for turning leadership aspirations into authentic readiness. My perspective comes from years in the field as an elementary, middle, and high school principal, and later as superintendent in two very different districts. In graduate faculty roles, I have led principal internship courses where this text consistently earns praise from candidates: "hands-on experiences that were invaluable," "activities that built confidence before certification," and "a transformative experience." Those comments aren't just flattering--they are evidence that this book delivers what aspiring leaders need most. Currently, as course lead for one of the nation's largest principal preparation programs, I rely on this text because it is relevant, organized, and flexible.
It honors standards while allowing candidates to tailor experiences to their strengths and growth areas. Each new edition brings fresh insight, keeping content aligned with national expectations and grounded in practical leadership. If leadership is, at its heart, helping people accomplish what they didn't think they could--and making them glad they did--this book is the roadmap. I recommend it without reservation. It has shaped countless future campus leaders and will continue to do so for years to come." Thomas W. Harvey , EdD, Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, Lamar University, TX, USA. " School Leader Internship (6th ed.
) offers a thorough and thoughtfully designed guide for candidates preparing to assume school building leadership roles. The text stands apart in its depth and clarity, providing aspiring leaders with purposeful, research-informed guidance throughout the internship experience. Across each phase of the internship, candidates are prompted to engage in meaningful reflection on their leadership capacities, professional behaviors, and decision-making practices. Leadership theory is seamlessly integrated with authentic problems of practice, emphasizing the competencies most critical to effective school leadership. Structured activities aligned with both the NELP and PSEL standards support candidates in applying theory to practice in real-world contexts. This text is an essential, comprehensive resource for any school leader internship program." Joan Birringer-Haig , Ed.D.
, Associate Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, St. John's University, NY, USA.