What Great Principals Do Differently: Twenty Things That Matter Most (3rd Edition)

About the Book – What Great Principals Do Differently: Twenty Things That Matter Most (3rd Edition)

What Great Principals Do Differently by Dr. Todd Whitaker is a practical guide to understanding the qualities and leadership practices that make school principals truly effective. The book explores 20 important principles that distinguish outstanding school leaders and help them build successful, supportive, and positive educational environments.

Through real-world examples and actionable insights, Dr. Whitaker explains how principals can influence school culture, motivate teachers, strengthen professional relationships, and improve the overall learning experience for students. The book emphasises that great leadership is not just about policies and procedures, but about the everyday decisions and interactions that shape a school.

What You Will Learn:

• 20 essential principles of effective school leadership.
• How to build a positive and productive school culture.
• Ways to motivate, support, and retain talented teachers.
• Strategies for improving communication and professional relationships.
• How to handle difficult situations and leadership challenges.
• The importance of recognising and developing teacher potential.
• Practical approaches to creating a student-focused learning environment.

Who Is This Book For?

• School principals and vice-principals.
• Teachers aspiring to leadership positions.
• Academic coordinators and school administrators.
• Education managers and institutional leaders.
• Students of educational leadership and school management.

Why Read This Book?

This book offers valuable lessons for anyone responsible for leading an educational institution. Its practical principles and relatable examples help readers develop a people-focused leadership approach, strengthen school culture, support teachers, and create an environment where students and educators can thrive.

A valuable resource for building stronger school leadership and more effective educational communities.

About the Author – Dr. Todd Whitaker

Dr. Todd Whitaker is an internationally recognised educator, author, speaker, and expert in educational leadership, teacher effectiveness, and school improvement. He is a professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri and Professor Emeritus at Indiana State University.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Whitaker worked as a mathematics teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. He later served as a principal at middle school, junior high, and high school levels, gaining valuable first-hand experience in school administration and leadership.

With more than 65 books to his credit, he has written extensively about effective teaching, principal leadership, staff motivation, school culture, and professional development. His well-known publications include What Great Teachers Do Differently, What Great Principals Do Differently, Shifting the Monkey, and School Culture Rewired.

Through his research, writing, and presentations, Dr. Whitaker shares practical strategies to help educators become stronger leaders, motivate teachers, and create positive school environments that support student success.