Bonilla - Im in the principals seat, now what?: the story of a turnaround principal

Copyright 2013 by Corwin

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Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

A catalog record of this book is available from the Library of Congress.

ISBN: 978-1-4522-7434-8

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

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Praise for Allan R. Bonillas Im in the Principals Seat, Now What? The Story of a Turnaround Principal

Im in the Principals Seat, Now What? by Dr. Allan Bonilla is the kind of book that appears once in a decade. Bonilla became the principal of a large failing school in Dade County, Florida, succeeded in turning the school into an exemplary school, remained in that school for fourteen years, and tells his story through evidence-based examples of team building, school culture, principal visibility, and so much more. This book will appeal to any school administrator interested in leadership and practical options for helping a failing school become better, making a gifted school better, and anything in between. It is destined to become a landmark book.

Mark F. Goldberg, PhD, Education Writer and Book Editor
Austin, TX

In this immensely practical and powerful book, Dr. Allan Bonilla avoids the typical slogans about school culture and instead provides readers with the hard truths of leadership. Although Bonilla is a successful turnaround school leader, this book is valuable for leaders of high-performing schools as well as those in need of significant change. Moreover, both new and experienced leaders will benefit from the relentless emphasis on human connections in these pages. I particularly appreciate the authors iconoclastic approach to leadership visibility as he demonstrates that visibility in the lunchroom, hallways, and sidewalks is as important as visibility in the classroom. Looking through the eyes of the student, Bonilla appeals to leaders to make a human connection, preferring relationships over checklists and impact over appearances. Finally, this book provides an impressive mandate for the support of elective subjects, including arts and athletics, to save students from academic failure. Bonilla poignantly reminds us that electives are not a competitor for academic achievement, but a necessary support for them. The Afterthoughts and Reflections at the end of each chapter make this an ideal book for faculty book studies. I hope that it will generate vigorous discussions, constructive controversy, and as the author suggests, a few tears, all in the pursuit of a better understanding of helping our students.

Douglas Reeves, PhD
The Center for Successful Leadership
Denver, CO

This book is sure to be a must-have for every beginning and experienced principal. With Allans experience as a successful principal in a struggling school, combined with his knowledge of leadership coaching, readers will gain inspiration and solid strategies to be equally successful.

Karla Reiss, Education Consultant
Certified Professional Coach and Corwin Author
President, The Change Place, LLC
Boulder, CO

As a veteran of twenty-one years in the principalship, I recommend this work to new and even seasoned principals who wish to continue to grow professionally. This is a thought-provoking workone from which we can all learn.

David G. Daniels, High School Principal
Susquehanna Valley Senior High School
Conklin, NY

Im in the Principals Seat, Now What? provides a realistic, relevant view of how to be a principal in a changing environment. The power of the ideas and strategies is seen in the success of the school! This book is a must-read for those studying to be a principal or newly placed in a principalship.

Dr. Elizabeth J. Lolli, Superintendent
Monroe Local School District
Monroe, OH

Im in the Principals Seat, Now What? is a structured recipe for what matters most in school turnaround. The significant strategies are a visual road map for leading change and providing a quality education and high achievement for all students.

Suzanne Link Gimenez
Retired School Turnaround Principal
Devonshire Elementary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System
Charlotte, NC

It has been a privilege and pleasure over the past two years to listen to Allan as he shared with me his dream of writing a book that would assist in the transformation of low-performing schools. I quickly realized how much value this book would be to leaders of the many low-performing schools I was visiting as a turnaround consultant. I look forward to recommending this book to all my clients!

Mike Cave, MEd, School Turnaround Specialist
and Certified Educational Leadership Coach
Dripping Springs, TX

Im in the Principals Seat, Now What? is a practical yet powerful book that provides valuable insight into time-tested principles needed to turnaround any institution of learning. This back-to-basics book is designed to help school leaders create a culture of academic excellence.

Eric Acosta, EdS, Principal
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Hialeah, FL

As a rookie administrator, I was placed under the supervision of Dr. Bonilla. I quickly learned that creating a positive culture, establishing a mission of academic success, and being visible are essential keys to being an effective school leader.

Dr. Bonilla uses simple and pragmatic approaches to organizational leadership that promotes universal buy-in from all stakeholders. His experience and on-the-job strategies should be a guide for all school and/or district administrators.

Manuel Ferrer, EdD
The Education Doctor, Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

In his book Im in the Principals Seat, Now What?, Dr. Allan Bonilla has done a masterful job of depicting responsibilities and duties that a school principal faces on a daily basis in the performance of his or her duties. I consider this book a must-read for every aspiring school principal who wishes to gain an insight into the role that he or she will play as a school principal.