Explore the wide range of duties inherent in being an assistant principal and gain strategies to achieve success and happiness in this position, whether for a single year or for a career. Written with compassion and accountability and informed by research, this is your complete guide for stepping into your critical role as an opportunity maker striving to foster student success. Ambitious K–12 assistant principals will: Delve into the role of an assistant principal and the wide variety of duties and responsibilities it encompasses - Learn how to develop positive, equitable environments for student learning and educator achievement - Develop an understanding of the importance of managerial strategies and compassionate leadership - Benefit from the variety of reproducible professional development activities - Encourage learning and growth through strong leadership Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Deciding You Want to Be an Assistant Principal Chapter 2: Making Time for Management Chapter 3: Fostering a Positive School Culture and Climate Chapter 4: Developing Relationships Chapter 5: Protecting and Promoting Priorities and People Chapter 6: Leveraging Firm and Fair Discipline Chapter 7: Capitalizing on Teachable Moments Chapter 8: Safeguarding an Equitable Education for All Chapter 9: Taking Time for Teaching and Learning Chapter 10: Supporting School Improvement and Accountability Conclusion: All Other Duties as Assigned Appendix: Quick Reference―Strategies References and Resources Index “In embracing the challenges and realities of our profession, All Other Duties as Assigned offers a comprehensive, relevant, and targeted resource for assistant principals. . . . I have known Ryan Donlan for years and have seen his material firsthand, in action. I hope you experience not only his book, but his trainings. Even more impressive, Ryan knows deeply the research and theory behind what he’s writing, teaching, and doing―his methods build capacity quickly and elevate performance.” ---- Todd Whitaker , professor of educational leadership, University of Missouri “Transitioning into the role of school leader is challenging and important work. This wonderful resource is a comprehensive guide for current and aspiring preK–12 assistant principals. All Other Duties as Assigned provides the what and the why in so many key areas of leadership. Ryan Donlan shares numerous practical, ready-to-use strategies that can be implemented immediately with students, families, and staff, and for the reader themselves as they begin or continue the complex and rewarding journey of school leadership.” ---- Peter Marshall , education consultant and former principal “The transition period for assistant principals from the classroom to the main office constitutes an important time of growth and socialization often fraught with trial-by-fire experiences. For aspiring leaders, assistant principals experiencing or reflecting on their own trial-by-fire moments, or experienced school leaders looking to grow their leadership or that of their colleagues, All Other Duties as Assigned provides insights that deepen our understanding of the assistant principal role. The topics that Dr. Donlan covers in this book are timely, relevant, and well-researched, and the practical strategies he offers explore the many possibilities that exist for assistant principals who truly have students’ best interests in mind.” ---- Daniel Peo , assistant principal, Wea Ridge Middle School, Lafayette, Indiana Ryan Donlan, EdD , professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State University, served for twenty years in traditional and charter schools in K–12 education―in teaching as well as school building and district leadership. Ryan has taught for years at the college and university level in the areas of leadership, communication, and education, and conducts and offers school program reviews, a variety of training opportunities, consulting services, and professional presentations for educators, stakeholder groups, and organizational leaders. Ryan is a member of various professional organizations and enjoys robust teaching, scholarship, and service and has been awarded the Holmstedt Distinguished Professorship and the Faculty Distinguished Service Award. He has presented throughout the United States and around the world on topics such as adaptive communication, leadership agility, and leveraging relationships for professional and personal success. He has also served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces, and is a frequent faculty sponsor for doctoral dissertations. Ryan has published articles in a variety of magazines and professional journals and has coauthored the books Minds Unleashed: How Principals Can Lead the Right-Brained Way, The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their School Boards to Do the Right Thing, and The School Board Member’s Guidebook: Becoming a Difference M