The Schooling of a 21st Century Principal Connections, Reflections, and Commentaries of an Unwitting School Leader

"The Schooling of a 21st Century Principal" traces the author's journey to the principalship, a career goal nowhere to be found on his bucket list. He took the reins knowing his middle school faced some daunting tasks; however, he would soon discover that it was the extraordinary events, changes, and challenges of a new millennium that would present the greatest arc of learning on the job.

Michael Cahill led his building using a collaborative team approach, a style that sustained him in his first year during the dark days of 9/11 and throughout his school's exponential growth, evolving student needs, and radical reforms. Indeed, a reformation in education was underway in schools across the nation.

This compelling and unique memoir offers a personal and rare inside glimpse into the evolving and formidable roles and responsibilities principals face in a world of shifting social norms, rising expectations, demoralized teachers, technology dependence, cyberbullying, school shootings, and mounting student mental health distress.

Michael L. Cahill was a language arts teacher before summoning the courage to become a school leader. For his opening act, he was the fifth grade coordinator before becoming assistant principal and ultimately principal of the Millburn Middle School. The Millburn-Short Hills, New Jersey, schools have consistently placed at the top of state and national rankings. With thirty-three years of experience as an educator, including sixteen as principal, Cahill has witnessed and written about more demanding standards for learning, the domination of technology, political and legislative encroachment, and greater mental health challenges for students. He holds a B.S. and M.A in education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in educational leadership from New Jersey City University. Cahill lives in New Jersey with his wife Lea, two children, Michael and Caroline, and a clingy cockapoo named Abby.