“In my work with schools, I have learned that the principal of a school is the key to the culture and consequently the outcomes of the school. In The Principled Principal, Zoul and McConnell illustrate the beliefs and behaviors that are practiced by the best schools and principals. All great school leaders know that success begins by looking inward. Well researched and full of engaging stories and practical examples, this book is a must-read for every school leader.”
-Sean Covey, International Best-Selling Author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and The Leader in Me: How Schools Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time
“If I were asked to identify a set of core values principals must possess to successfully lead their schools, I would point to The Principled Principal. Jeff Zoul and Anthony McConnell have clearly articulated the critical attributes and behaviors school leaders must demonstrate to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. This book will speak to principals wherever they are in their career. Aspiring school leaders will receive a picture of what’s to come. New school leaders will have a resource to guide them. Veterans will be encouraged and validated.”
-Jason Leahy, Executive Director, Illinois Principals’ Association
“In The Principled Principal: Leading Exceptional Schools, Jeffrey Zoul and Anthony McConnell lay out 10 principles that every school principal needs. Based on their many years of experience in leadership, Zoul and McConnell provide practical steps for readers that they can put into practice immediately. This book is for practitioners written by practitioners.”
-Peter DeWitt, Ed.D., Author/Consultant/Presenter
“The key to improving our education system begins with leadership. A great principal will create a great school. In The Principled Principal, Jeffrey Zoul and Anthony McConnell provide school leaders the road map for improvement, transformation and success. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to positively impact their school.”
-Jon Gordon, best-selling author of The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership
“From the introduction to the final page, this book makes the reader ask themselves if what they are currently doing is in fact what is best for kids; and how what they are doing is or will impact students. School leadership is critical. This book highlights what a highly effective school principal can do when they lead with intention. This book is full of ideas and perspectives that are grounded in actual experiences and practical work. Kudos to Jeff and Anthony on this outstanding book — one that should be on the list of every school administrator in the nation!”
-Dr. Kathy Ruggeberg, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. Rock Island – Milan, Illinois School District #41
“The Principled Principal is full of practical ideas and resources created and curated by the authors to move your school from good to great. They beautifully weave stories and anecdotes focused on developing leadership inward to move your culture onward. Great read with attainable strategies.”
-George Couros, Author, The Innovator’s Mindset
“Jeff Zoul and Anthony McConnell’’s new book is an honest examination of not only a principal’s job, but of educational leadership as well. It is jam packed with practical ideas, discussions from successful principals around the country, and resources for further support. This book is a must read for aspiring administrators, principals and school leaders.”
-Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools, Cheatham County (TN) School District
“Zoul and McConnell skillfully navigate the smooth and prickly path a new principal will encounter in this compelling book. It harmoniously blends personal, authentic experiences from veteran principals with current research from leading authors. This book is a “Must Do” for every current and aspiring school leader.”
-Suzanne Korngold, Director of Special Education, Oconee County (GA) School District
“The Principled Principal is the perfect companion for any school leader hoping to move practice from out behind a desk and into the heart of their school. It reminds us that education is a profession about people – our students, our colleagues, our communities. As such, being a principal is not only about leading people but also helping them grow — and helping yourself grow along the way.”
-Jennie Magiera, author of Courageous Edventures
“If you want to live your dreams of being the school principal you always wished you had, then look no further. Zoul and McConnell have created an awe-inspiring road map for an entirely new era of school leadership.”
-Glenn Robbins, Superintendent of the Tabernacle Township (NJ) School District
“This is a book that should be in the hands of every school leader (and those considering becoming one). There are brilliant and honest principles shared that serve as great reminders of what separates the good leaders from the great ones. Anthony and Jeff do an exceptional job in outlining how exceptional principals lead school communities!”
-Todd Nesloney – Award Winning Educator and Principal, and author of “Stories from Webb” and “Kids Deserve It!”
“I first noticed Jeff Zoul on Twitter. His daily tweet, “Work Hard — Have Fun — Be Nice … Today!” caught my attention. There packed in this short phrase was profound wisdom; I knew I had to invite Jeff to be a guest on my podcast. During our interview it became clear how much Jeff had to offer school leaders. What you have in your hands is another example of Jeff inspiring current and future school leaders. Teamed up with Anthony McConnell, the authors have created a real gem concerning principles that will help the readers level up their school leadership game. I enjoyed digging into the 10 principles found in this book and appreciated the practical 3-2-1 section at the end of every chapter. If you are serious about education and leadership, then I highly recommend this text.”
-Danny “Sunshine” Bauer, Host of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast
“Zoul and McConnell provide both current and aspiring school leaders indispensable guidance for success in The Principled Principal. Their ten “Principal Principles” offer the framework upon which educational leaders build rapidly improving schools. The expertise gathered from practitioners in the field, and shared via stories and anecdotes, offers a behind the scenes look at the master Principal’s playbook. A must read!”
-Weston Kieschnick, Author: Bold School: Old School Wisdom + New School Technologies = Blended Learning that Works; Senior Fellow International Center for Leadership in Education
“There is a strong investment in trust across generations here by two well-respected leaders. Powerful, thought-provoking, relevant to the work of today’s educational leaders.”
-Dr. Joe Mazza, Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania
“Exceptional schools do not happen by accident. In The Principled Principal, Zoul and McConnell draw on their extensive experience as educational leaders to establish a framework of practical principles that will help principals lead exceptional schools. If you want to refine your strengths and focus your professional growth, don’t miss The Principled Principal.”
-Aaron Hogan, author of Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth
The Principled Principal 