Speck Principalship

Leadership begins with an understanding of not only the intricacies of the learning process but also of the needs and wants of students, parents, and stakeholders. In The Principalship: Building a Learning Community by Marsha Speck (Merrill-Prentice Hall, 1999) the concept of leadership is explored in a well-organized, highly structured, fact-driven textbook. If you are looking for a comfortable, useful and well researched handbook, this is your book. Speck’s book is a practical guide to building leadership and learning communities. According to Speck (1999), a principal’s most important responsibility is to build a positive learning community. The culture and climate of a school are influenced most greatly by the tone and approach of the principal and his leadership style. Speck’s descriptors for a strong learning community transcend grade level and can be utilizes as a base for a learning community at any level.

The principalship is a dynamic role which encompasses not only the ideals and motives of the individual but also the mission and vision of a school. Speck describes the role of the principalship as one that is evolving and more dynamic than in the past. Principals now need to multidimensional as leader, educator, manager and inner person.This concept reflects a need for blended leadership and inspirational guidance in the

Inclusion in the decision making processes and shared ideals promote a strong learning community within a school. Purposeful opportunities for discussion and input promote a healthy respect among peers and administration. Speck believes, “the principal must foster a school learning environment where the learning community grows and flourished as a whole, rather than individual students or classrooms.” Collegiality and collaboration promote this growth and will be reflected in student