DigeeBooks

Baruti K. Kafele, a champion for assistant principals, offers stories from his own leadership practice and thought-provoking advice for being effective in the role.The job of a school leader is more challenging—and important—than ever. To be effective, administrators need to support their students and staff, but they also need to take care of themselves. Bestselling author Baruti K. Kafele brings this motivational message to the pivotal members of the leadership team who are too often overlooked: assistant principals.Kafele explains that even as assistant principals gain knowledge and build their leadership identity, their leadership values and skills can be compromised or lost without intentional care. Along with stories from his own years as a transformational school leader, Kafele offers assistant principals 35 thought-provoking questions for reflection and conversation centered on the idea of protection, from How am I protecting my leadership purpose? to How am I protecting my leadership optimism? and How am I protecting my leadership integrity?Whether you are a new or experienced assistant principal, this insightful book will help you hold a mirror up to your own practice and more effectively navigate your powerful role in improving outcomes for students and schools.

The Assistant Principal Identity: Protecting Your Leadership Mindset, Fervor, and Authenticity by Baruti K. Kafele is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive framework for assistant principals to navigate the complex and challenging landscape of school leadership. Drawing on his extensive experience as an assistant principal, principal, and superintendent, Kafele offers a unique perspective on the unique challenges and rewards of this critical role.

Kafele begins by defining the assistant principal identity as a distinct and essential leadership position that is responsible for providing instructional leadership, managing school operations, and supporting teachers and students. He then outlines the core competencies that assistant principals need to be successful, including strong communication and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, and the ability to create a positive and productive school culture.

Kafele also addresses the challenges that assistant principals often face, such as dealing with difficult parents, managing conflict, and navigating the politics of school administration. He provides practical advice on how to overcome these challenges and maintain a positive and productive leadership mindset. Additionally, Kafele emphasizes the importance of self-care and reflection for assistant principals, as they are often under a great deal of stress and pressure.

The Assistant Principal Identity is a must-read for any aspiring or current assistant principal. Kafele's insights and advice are invaluable for those who are looking to be effective leaders in their schools. The book is also a valuable resource for principals, superintendents, and other school administrators who want to better understand the role of the assistant principal.

Here are some key takeaways from The Assistant Principal Identity:

• The assistant principal identity is a distinct and essential leadership position.
• Assistant principals need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, and the ability to create a positive and productive school culture.
• Assistant principals often face challenges such as dealing with difficult parents, managing conflict, and navigating the politics of school administration.
• Assistant principals need to practice self-care and reflection in order to maintain a positive and productive leadership mindset.
• The Assistant Principal Identity is a must-read for any aspiring or current assistant principal.