What Great Principals Do Differently: 15 Things That Matter Most

by Todd Whitaker

What are the specific qualities and practices of great principals which elevate them above the rest? This book reveals the 15 things that the most successful principals do and that other principals do not. It shows you why these practices are effective and it also demonstrates how to implement each of them in your school.

Genres: Education, Leadership, Professional Development, Teaching, Nonfiction, School, Self Help

117 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2002

Reviews

[Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotes:
"There are really two ways to improve a school significantly: Get better teachers or improve the teachers you have." (p. 5)

"All principals are aware that the students in their schools have individual needs. Great principals are even more aware that their faculty members vary in their individual abilities. Effective principals focus on the people in their schools." (p. 10)

"Ineffective teachers and leaders consistently think they can force or bribe others to do what they want. We all know the diminishing returns of this approach. Effective people build relationships, so then others are eager to please them." (p. 10)

The 18 Things (as I get to them)

1. Great principals never forget that it is people, not programs, who
determine the quality of a school.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know a lot of people love this book and its companion: What Great Teachers Do Differently. I don’t. This is a quick read, great if you want a little motivation. However, if you like something meatier that will really help you reflect and evaluate your practices, this is not the book for you.

[Hillary Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book and my biggest ah-ha was to write down my 3 core principles as an educational leader:
1. Every student can learn, just not in the same way or the same day. Have high expectations.
2. Teachers are your most valuable commodity in a school. Hire well & take your time to find the right fit for your district, train them well, encourage/celebrate/expect their best daily. Coach 'em up or get 'em out.
3. It takes a village to raise a student. Families & community members are the backbone of a school. Everyone is needed and it's all hands on deck.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author shared many insights that I would hope to see in all schools and that should be common sense. Whitaker stressed 18 characteristics that I hope principals already understand such as , “it is people, not programs, that determine the quality of the school or great principals take responsibility for their own performance” and other similar ideas. While many of these seemed to be obvious, perhaps these need to be shared because they are not evident in all schools or because a refresher is always good. I will keep this book as a resource to check in on because the ideas, while simple, are timeless.

One other note.... while there are practical suggestions, I would have to say this is definitely written more with an American model of education in mind with discussions on standardized testing and frequent teacher observations for purpose of evaluation.

[Brad Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Whitaker solidified what I already knew as it relates to doing what's best for kids. His insight is both inspirational and resourceful for current and emerging school leaders.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my master's class and thoroughly enjoyed it. It confirmed what I've known for quite some time..."people before programs..."

[Shondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read this book, I walk away with something new. Highly recommend.

[Susan M Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want to read his other books!

Great insights and suggestions. I liked the examples and clear explanations. I also like that much of what he suggests is based on studies and experience. Either one by itself isn’t the best foundation for giving professional advice. The examples and suggestions are very common sense but I found quite a few new gems that I can use and solidified some already established beliefs but with much better explanations than the ones I could come up with. I guess that’s why this gentleman has a book and I don’t. I am anxious to read some of his other books.

[Patti Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly readable book with many great insights cogently expressed. However, as a teacher expected to do so much in a pandemic year I find myself increasingly concerned about how we expect so much from ourselves. Whittaker repeatedly stresses to rely on the best teachers and that the best teachers will always be willing to tale on more. Conversely this means if you are not willing to take on more you cannot be one of the best. There is something wrong with this mentality which we are seeing this year particularly. At a certain point there is only so much more anyone can do. We’ve always burned teachers out and this is why.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This popped up as a recommended book that I may like, so I decided to give it a try. I listened to the audio-book. It started strong, but got repetitious. Every teacher knows that it is the TEACHER who teaches the students and not the programs that make the biggest difference. Of course, it's nice to also have a solid program to work with. In summary, great principals take responsibility for all areas of their school and supporting teachers, especially their best, is necessary for a school leader to be successful.

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book that takes on the tedious task of school administration, this one does so with a fresh energy and even a sense of humor. This book is a very quick read-it isn't technical, but rather psychological, but then again, isn't that the key to management? This could be easily read in a single sitting, but really should be read more than once to really glean the most use from the text.

[Stacy Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who has never been a principal, I found this book easy to understand, honest, and full of sound, practical advice. I can’t stand when leadership books speak in generalizations. I can say with confidence that this book doesn’t do that. It’s to the point, and I walked away from it with valuable do’s and dont’s.

[Paul Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Helpful

As a new principal, this book gavw me several targets to aim for as I seek to be an effective administrator. I woukd strongly recommend this book to other principals or those who want to be.

[Lauren Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class I am taking, and while I don't intend to become a principal, I did find lots of helpful insights while reading this book! I liked Whittaker's "What Great Teachers Do Differently" book as well!

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, practical leadership principles that are broadly applicable to many administrative leadership roles. If you've read a lot of leadership books, there's nothing groundbreaking here, but the general advice is solid.

[Heather Swaenepoel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of many common sense, easy to implement strategies that would help move a principal from average to a much more improved status. I found this book to be very useful as a first year principal.

[Eric Leitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice

Lots of strategies for facing pernicious problems that principals are likely to face. Lots of plugs for the authors other books too unfortunately.

[Karin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my administrative Tier 2 course, but it was a good read for the work that I do.

[Julie Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

Great ideas to help people be successful. If you want a better school to work in this is the book

[Ann Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific advice from an amazing educator who "gets" the real work of education--making and sustaining relationships with students and their families.

[Pamela LeDay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This is a great read for anyone in a leadership position. The various scenarios could be true in a corporate setting as well.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Whitaker offers some great suggestions to help improve your performance as a principal. The suggestions are very easy to implement and will help create a great school culture.

[Jacki Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this for all aspiring leaders.

[Javita L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitake provides relatable examples of his experiences. It helps the reader gain knowledge of how to better handle situations.

[Nathaniel Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple. Clear. Practical advice. More research would be good, But there’s other books for that too :)

[Zachary Mezz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent but doesn't go in depth. The passable writing is what I expect from K-12 leaders at this point.

[Garrett Prevo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful perspective.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)

[Tamra Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good listen on audible. Since points were just hitting home things I knew and there were a few I hadn't specifically considered.
It's an easy listen.

[Mackenzie Rezler]

LOVED!