Who Said School Administration Would Be Fun?

Jane Sigford is the executive director of curriculum and instruction for a suburban school district. She is also an adjunct professor at Hamline University, where she teaches in the Educational Leadership doctorate program. Sigford's doctorate in educational policy and administration was earned at the University of Minnesota. Her strengths and interests lie in shaping education to meet the needs of the 21st century. In her current district, Sigford's role is to loosen the traditional paradigms of education so that they can shape their own future. They conduct future searches to see where they want to be in five years and then design their curriculum and assessment accordingly. In addition, Sigford facilitates large group discussions about complex issues, such as self-examination of middle school programs. Rather than strategic planning, she facilitates self-studies with a future focus. Corwin Press has published Jane Sigford's two books, including The Effective School Leader's Guide to Management (2006) and Who Said School Administration Would be Fun?, Second Edition (2005). The second title is used as a text in several local administrative licensure programs. Sigford has conducted trainings internationally. Her experience includes being a classroom teacher, special education teacher, high school principal, and district-level curriculum director, in addition to teaching in higher education. She has licensure in teaching students with emotional disorders and learning disabilities.

Dedication Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Why Is It So Chilly in the Teacher's Lounge? 2. Change Isn't a Flowchart: It's Broccoli 3. Positions, Like Shoes, Need to Fit 4. Learning the New Rules of Communication 5. Maintaining Control of Time 6. Developing Your Emotional Teflon 7. Maybe You Should Wear a Striped Shirt: Refereeing Conflict 8. Everything You Didn't Know About Adult Learners 9. Looking Into the Mirror of Humor 10. Power Is Like Love - The More You Give Away, the More You Have 11. Leading in the Age of Accountability 12. Becoming a Self-Assured Administrator References Index

"The book is unique in that it addresses the socioemotional stages of professional transitions...this was an easy read that had me highlighting passages on almost every page or citing relevant quotes I want to use or share with others. The material is well integrated so you can see the more global picture of administration, yet allows the reader to focus and actively reflect on the very real scenarios used as examples." -- Michelle Kocar, Principal "I found myself making stars in the margins or writing YES!, Been There, Done That, I can relate!, Interesting, Good Suggestion, True..." -- Ann Porter, 2002 NAESP National Distinguished Principal "This user's manual for new and seasoned principals covers both inter- and intrapersonal issues faced by administrators, including the transition from teacher to principal, leadership skills, organizational culture, and how administrators can provide leadership while keeping accountability in perspective." -- Curriculum Connections, Spring 2006