Reframing the Path to School Leadership: A Guide for Teachers and Principals

by Lee G. Bolman (Editor), Terrence E. Deal

The best leaders use multiple frames to view common challenges and to solve the most difficult problems. A series of dialogues between a novice and a master teacher and between a new and a seasoned principal demonstrate how framing―and then reframing―challenges brings clarity.

Genres: Leadership, Education, Teaching, School

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2002

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for my MSEd Leadership program. This was a very easy read, but some of the solutions were just plain silly and unrealistic. Definitely not aimed at someone who has spent nearly 2 decades in public school systems.

[Bryan Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very poorly written, but holds some great lessons on school structures, teaching, and leadership.

[Abigail H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of this is neat! The execution of it is poor and just made me a little sad. Also, one of the main characters had the spelling of his name changed multiple times throughout the book...so feels like an extra pair of eyes should have glanced over this before hitting "publish!" If you want more info from me on this book, you'll have to hack the Rice University Canvas to see my very intricate, very droll discussion posts analysing each chapter of the horrendous text:-)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read with some great take-aways about being a good leader and a good "follower." I put follower in quotes because there can be only one building principal & there are lessons in here on how to work with administration to use your own power within the school. While some of the scenarios are far-fetched (as another reviewer pointed out most teachers don't have this many off site meetings) the book still delivers some strong, clear messages. It is valuable advice and seems to be rooted in research.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A leadership story that follows Jaime, a first year principal, and Joan, a first year teacher. They experience the ups and downs of school leadership and figure out how to balance human resources, political, structural, and symbolic leadership styles. Worth reading for anyone in school leadership!

[Roberta Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bolan and Deal weave a story into the teaching of four frames for thinking about teaching and leading in schools

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read it for class but glad I did. It really addresses a lot of school culture that we don't overtly talk about.

[Colin]

As subtle as a chili pepper.

[Abigale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily to read with many great lessons!

[June Camizzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good information shared in this book but the narrative was so contrived it boarded on unreadable. I rolled my eyes with every spoken line by a character.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine book. Had to read for grad school. Had some interesting concepts in it. I do like how it was split into a “novel” story and then followed up with specific examples and input.

[Nicole Boschetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to get this done for a graduate class, but I enjoyed this book. It was relatable, informative and had a good story which I was able to really compare my life as a teacher to.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lessons on leadership were fine, but way too brief. The novel sections were unreadable and too long. The format was interesting, just imbalanced for my taste

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more like 2.5 stars. Some good lessons, and an easy read, but not anything groundbreaking.

[Madisyn Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not actually finish this book, but I read most of it for a class. It was kinda weird? Sparked some good discussions I suppose, but seems really out of date and touch tbh.

[Nicole Buchner Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a class. I liked that it wove a story to get the points access made it enjoyable to read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written and practical. The four frames (political, human resources, structural, symbolic) bring a new appreciation to the way that schools are governed and how values are developed and instilled by school leaders.

[Endira77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scenarios are relevant to the professional experience of teachers and principals. Bolman and Deal do an excellent job of demonstrating how to navigate different situations through the frameworks of human resources, politics, symbolism, and strategy. It emphasizes the importance of relationships and the various purposes they can serve. Although you get a sense of their struggles, you also get a sense of their celebrations.

My only criticism of the story is the unrealistic gatherings at restaurants and peoples' homes after school hours to discuss issues. Nowadays, those are too risky. People are too complicated emotionally and not mature enough to smoothly arrange ways to deal with problems.

The best aspect of the book is the significance of balancing the system and the spirit.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about school leadership. It was interesting in that it explained the four lenses or frames (political, human resources, structural, and symbolic) in an easy to understand story that felt like a novel. You follow a first-year teacher and a first-year principal at the same school who each make the same mistakes that those new in their respective positions normally make. The two characters learn from their mistakes and use the four frames to improve their effectiveness. I liked the connections the authors make between being a new teacher and a new administrator.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book for young novice leaders and teachers. Deal and Bolman pack-in much useful information about how to handle the daily issues that arise in classrooms and administrative offices during the first year on the job.

[Gillian Bourassa]

A really enjoyable and thought-provoking read. While it is a quick read (I read it in about 2-3 hours, or one sitting), one should linger over its message. I would love it if some of my colleagues were to read this book in light of some of the new things we are doing in our school.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for my NJExcel classes that I'm actually enjoying. Reads like a novel. Any teacher or administrator would appreciate it.