The Best Job in the World

by Vic Goddard

Day after day we hear and read about the pressures of being a principal but we really don’t hear enough about the pure joy of it. The journey from trainee or newly qualified teacher to principal can seem to be a long and often treacherous road, with many reasons not to travel it. Vic Goddard shows you that it can be done and it can be done without losing your own passion and moral purpose. Vic shares the pitfalls that he fell into in the hope that you can avoid them and the amazing influences as well as experiences he has picked up on the way.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

Reviews

[Russio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The starting point for any aspirant headteachers, Vic (my boss) tells of how he runs his successful school and the fundamentals that have made his headship so notable. One thing that comes across is that, while much of Vic's blueprint would bolster anyone's ambitions in this direction, there is still scope for that individuality that each head can and should bring to their tenure, and probably needs to in the challenging current climate.

Heavy on personality and light on jargon, this is an ideal read for anyone aspiring to leadership in schools in any capacity, especially newer teachers keen to consider headship.

As I have said, Vic is my boss and my friend and so I would say that. However, if I didn't see education in a largely similar way then I would not have lasted for 11 years as his co-conspirator. Read it!

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read that focuses on leadership in secondary schools in a very personable way. Covering the key issues in a direct, no non-sense way with humour and intellect in equal measure, this is a must read for all those considering a leadership role, and an essential read for those that aren't!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although secondary teachers may relate more to his stories, Goddard's book will inspire anyone who wants to become a headteacher. I really enjoyed it and picked up lots of good advice and ideas.