Surviving and Thriving as a Superintendent of Schools: Leadership Lessons from Modern American Presidents

(Paperback)

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How does one become an effective superintendent of schools There is no simple formula as the turnover rate reflects the difficulty of the position. Some maintain that the job cannot be done well due to politics, financial constraints, and time demands. Former superintendent Stephen Dlott rejects this negative view. In this highly readable, informative, and entertaining volume, he presents a positive perspective of what superintendents need to do to become successful. Here, he reflects on predicaments he has encountered and then analyzes the event in the context of similar situations that modern American Presidents have encountered. A combination of sensitivity and humor, this book offers practical solutions to the daily challenges that confront administrators.

Surviving and Thriving as a Superintendent of Schools is a must read for practicing and aspiring superintendents and people who wish to understand the complexities of the position and the strategies needed to succeed.

Reviews

If you enjoy speculating about decision-making in government and education, Dr. Dlott's ability to discern parallels will stimulate your critical thinking...[his] skill in identifying seminal events is invaluable to the practioner. -- Dr. William B. Hosmer, former superintendent of schools, Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Stephen Dlott takes advantage of his background as a history teacher by inventively and skillfully juxtaposing experiences of post-World War II presidents with his own during his superintendency. The parallels he draws are strikingly apt and successful... [his] humor, hurt, anger, sadness, and delight shine through. These are qualities with which any superintendent can identify all too well and they are qualities with which real learning is associated. -- Roland Barth, nationally renowned educator, writer, and lecturer
<Surviving and Thriving as a Superintendent of Schools is filled with valuable insights about a variety of thorny issues that superintendents wrestle with on a daily basis. The personal, narrative style and fascinating historical references to presidential dilemmas are compelling and make it a must-read for educational administrators, current and aspiring.... -- Barbara Nemko, Ph.D., Napa County superintendent of schools, Napa, California
Stephen Dlott addresses a serious question facing all superintendents: How can a superintendent effect the greatest positive change in the least amount of time [He] uses the American presidency as a metaphor to educate readers about powerful exceptional leadership. The presidential experiences in this book will encourage superintendents to emulate the great leaders of the 20th century. It is difficult to think of a better place to begin on end one's education as a superintendent. * American School Board Journal *
Dlott provides an opportunity to reflect, to grow, and to appreciate the behaviors required in making a difference for our youth...A beginner or experienced administrator will reflect, grow, and appreciate the many facets of the position. -- Dr. Michael Sibitz, recipient of Marcus Foster Award, California Association of School Administrators; retired California superintendent
is filled with valuable insights about a variety of thorny issues that superintendents wrestle with on a daily basis. The personal, narrative style and fascinating historical references to presidential dilemmas are compelling and make it a must-read for educational administrators, current and aspiring. -- Barbara Nemko, Ph.D., Napa County superintendent of schools, Napa, California

Author Bio

Stephen Dlott served as a school administrator for more than thirty years. Before retiring, he served as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and assistant principal.