New Primary Leaders

'These vivid narratives, from the remotest Inuit outpost in Canada to East Timor communities cutoff for months on end in the rainy season, provide a compelling read. They remind us of the profound impact of context and culture on what it means to lead a school, and how little of conventional wisdom 'travels'. In the most challenging and unpredictable of circumstances there is, however, one common theme -that leadership is a privileged opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children.' John MacBeath, Chair of Educational Leadership, University of Cambridge, UK 'This book offers 12 tales of school principals from across the continents that allow you to engage, smell and almost touch the intensity and passion felt for their role and the children and fellow teachers they serve. Academic participants in an international project on early principalship, in conjunction with principals, tell the stories and succeed in providing realistic human portraits laced with biographical detail, professional formation, contextual information and insights into the complex and demanding role. Educational theories are exemplified in the daily work of these principals and their locations, aspirations, inspirations and hopes for the future. Inherent risks, stresses and uncertainties abound; these are real people and very real schools.' Jim O'Brien, Emeritus Professor of Leadership and Professional Learning, University of Edinburgh, UK.