School Leader Internship

Gary E. Martin is Professor Emeritus at Lamar University, USA. He is a former school administrator and Board President and Executive Director of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration, USA. Arnold B. Danzig is Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and founding Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at San José State University. He is also Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, USA. Margaret Terry Orr is retired Professor and former Chair of Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy at Fordham University, USA.

“Preparing school leaders is one of the most consequential responsibilities in education. Principals shape the culture of schools, influence teacher retention, and ultimately impact student success. That kind of leadership cannot be learned from theory alone; it requires structured experiences, guided reflection, and accountability. This textbook provides exactly that: a clear, practical framework for turning leadership aspirations into authentic readiness.My perspective comes from years in the field as an elementary, middle, and high school principal, and later as superintendent in two very different districts. In graduate faculty roles, I have led principal internship courses where this text consistently earns praise from candidates: “hands-on experiences that were invaluable,” “activities that built confidence before certification,” and “a transformative experience.” Those comments aren’t just flattering—they are evidence that this book delivers what aspiring leaders need most.Currently, as course lead for one of the nation’s largest principal preparation programs, I rely on this text because it is relevant, organized, and flexible. It honors standards while allowing candidates to tailor experiences to their strengths and growth areas. Each new edition brings fresh insight, keeping content aligned with national expectations and grounded in practical leadership.If leadership is, at its heart, helping people accomplish what they didn’t think they could—and making them glad they did—this book is the roadmap. I recommend it without reservation. It has shaped countless future campus leaders and will continue to do so for years to come.” Thomas W. Harvey, EdD, Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, Lamar University, TX, USA.“School Leader Internship (6th ed.) offers a thorough and thoughtfully designed guide for candidates preparing to assume school building leadership roles. The text stands apart in its depth and clarity, providing aspiring leaders with purposeful, research-informed guidance throughout the internship experience. Across each phase of the internship, candidates are prompted to engage in meaningful reflection on their leadership capacities, professional behaviors, and decision-making practices. Leadership theory is seamlessly integrated with authentic problems of practice, emphasizing the competencies most critical to effective school leadership. Structured activities aligned with both the NELP and PSEL standards support candidates in applying theory to practice in real-world contexts. This text is an essential, comprehensive resource for any school leader internship program.”Joan Birringer-Haig, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, St. John’s University, NY, USA."More than two decades after its first edition, School Leader Internship remains a cornerstone of the field because strong internships require intentional design, effective coaching, and credible evidence of growth. Aligned with NELP and PSEL standards, this updated edition makes principal preparation doable with practical tools and shared guidance for candidates and supervisors. Most importantly, it prepares future leaders to improve instruction—and deliver better outcomes for students."Tim Drake, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education Leadership and Policy, College of Education, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.“The authors have hit the nail on the head with the 6th edition by providing a perfect resource for School Leader Interns to develop, monitor and evaluate their internship experience”. Michael Schwanenberger, Professor, Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University, AZ, USA.“This book offers the essential blend of theory and practice that should anchor every leadership internship. By navigating students through the entire internship continuum with reflective prompts and practical resources, the authors help turn a field experience into a structured developmental journey. Its alignment with national standards and rigorous research ensures that students don't just 'get through' their internship—they maximize it.”Jennifer Clayton, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, George Washington University, DC, USA."As someone who has prepared school leaders for many years at the university, I know that effective leadership requires a deep grounding in both theory and practice. For the aspiring leaders in my courses, it is necessary that they are prepared beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. The School Leader Internship book provides a comprehensive roadmap for leadership that will support scholar-practitioners with effective leadership and a commitment to leading successful schools for all students." Noni Mendoza Reis Ed.D., Professor Emerita, Educational Leadership, Lurie College of Education, San José State University, CA, USA.

• Introduction 1. Stage 1: Internship Readiness 2. Stage 2a: Foundational Leadership Competencies 3. Stage 2b Internship Preparation: Cross Cutting Themes 4. Stage 3: Internship Plan Development 5. Stage 4: Implementation 6. Stage 5: Summative Evaluation/Final Report