Essential Truths for Principals

Danny Steele (@steelethoughts) is a principal from Birmingham, Alabama, and has worked in public education for over 25 years. In 2016, he was named Alabama’s Secondary Principal of the Year. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences, and he serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Montevallo. Danny writes an educational leadership blog that has received over 5 million page views. Todd Whitaker (@toddwhitaker) is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri. He is a leading presenter in the field of education and has written more than 50 books including the national bestsellers What Great Teachers Do Differently and Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher, co-written with Madeline Whitaker Good and Katherine Whitaker.

• Meet the AuthorsPrefaceEssential TruthsContinue the Conversation

"Essential Truths for Principals is the book I've been waiting for from Danny and Todd. It's been a few years since I was last a Principal, and reading this book makes me want to go back and lead a school. Read this book, buy one for a friend and share the magic, your mindset and goals will be supercharged for sure!" — Adam Welcome, Director of Edu Partnerships, CA"Danny and Todd have created a handbook of priorities that should stay at arm’s reach for every principal. Their approach to leadership and culture places emphasis on what is truly important in our profession. Essential Truths for Principals is perfect for those moments when we need reassurance of our WHY, and to clear our busy minds in order to focus on people first." — Bethany Hill, Elementary Principal at Central Elementary, AR"What a positive book! As I read, I reflected on what I’m doing in our school to be better than I was yesterday for our students, staff, and families. Each chapter is a challenge set forth by two people who know what it’s like to be a successful principal, Dr. Danny Steele and Dr. Todd Whitaker. I plan on rereading this book on those days when I need a little inspiration to interact with our students and staff. Thanks for reigniting my passion for my profession!" — Jay Posick, Principal at Merton Intermediate School, WI"Essential Truths for Principals is real advice for school leaders. It addresses common issues that principals face and provides the rationale for addressing them. Principals will garner the tools to become better school leaders by reading this book. Whitaker and Steele have created a valuable resource for educators in Essential Truths for Principals!" – Brandon Johnson, Principal at Lake Ridge High School, TX