Principal Playbook  /  The Book

What They Don’t Teach
in Principal School

Decades of real-world experience, practical insight, and an unwavering belief in the power of strong school leadership.

Cover of What They Don't Teach in Principal School by Michael E. Bishop, Ed.D.

The part of the job nobody wrote down.

Stepping into the principal’s office comes with challenges no graduate program can fully prepare you for. The book collects the day-to-day leadership moves that make or break a first year: planning for success, promoting leadership among students and staff, running meetings that are worth holding, and navigating the people side of the role.

It is written for educators training to become administrators and for those already in the chair, and it is the source the Principal Playbook program was built on.

A vision beyond the page: bringing the true stories of school leadership to the screen.

Dr. Bishop’s stated intention for these leadership narratives
Chapter TwoWhat readers said
“Dr. Mike Bishop provides a road map on how to further develop Collaborative Learning Teams to effectively improve the alignment, rigor, and engagement found in classroom lessons.”
William BixbyEducational leader
“Well written, and an excellent book for educators training to become administrators or those who are already in administration. Highly recommended.”
Ted SalmonChesterfield County Public Schools, retired
“He demonstrates his orientation to the needs of people and organizations through his insider view in his latest publication.”
Stewart RobersonSuperintendent, retired
Chapter ThreeAcknowledgements

With thanks.

Publishing team

To Americans Book Publishers, including Precious Harry Conway, my faithful agent, and the editors who believed a good product is worth the effort.

Spiritual foundation

To God’s patience in bringing me to that place where I know I’m His precious child.

Inspiration

To the Saints, whose writings convince a soul who longs to be loved that Jesus is Love waiting.

Next

Colophon

Develop people. Build culture. Leave a legacy.

Principal Playbook runs as a full school year for individual principals and as a cohort for districts. To ask about the next intake, a district cohort, a keynote or a consulting engagement, start a conversation, or write directly to the address below.