A Principal’s Tale: A Self Determined Leader by Shelley McIntosh, Ed.D. is an excellent book for educators at all levels, whether administrators or teachers, as it shares tools with examples of how to provide a well-rounded and caring education for students. Dr. Shelley McIntosh begins the book with the premise that students are best served using the model of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), highlighting three important areas for growth: the needs for autonomy (independence), connection to others (relatedness), and competence (success and mastering their environment).

It is especially interesting to see things from the point of view of a principal who was given a performing arts school in the East Side of Detroit “in a changing and transient predominantly African American Population.” She sets the scenes of a very economically challenged city of Detroit as the background for her noble efforts to provide a supportive and growth-oriented education for her students. Each “Reality” (also considered a chapter), focuses on a challenge or supporting activity based on reality. 

A Principal's Tale: A Self Determined Leader by Shelley McIntosh is a non-fiction education book that would appeal most to a diverse audience of aspiring principals, future administrators, those considering a career as an educational leader, and current educational leadership. This book is designed to help prepare a person for what it means to be a principal, what a person needs to know to succeed at the job, and what goes into the career. From a knowledge standpoint, the book focuses on the application of psychological theories like self-determination theory and other theories, which affect psychological needs. The author includes anecdotes that range from serious and informative to humorous that offer a bit of levity. Are you ready to learn about what it truly means to be a principal in today’s world?

A Principal's Tale: A Self Determined Leader by Shelley McIntosh is a well-written and well-organized book with a cover image that hints at the intricacies involved in being a principal. I really liked the way the author shares her own stories and experiences while also tying those stories into self-determination theory. As a psychology graduate student, I found this book to be interesting from a psychological perspective in that I have previously studied self-determination theory, but I had never given much thought to its application in the educational field. Overall, I found this book to be a very informative read that any person considering a career as a principal should read as it provides needed insight into the position.

A Principal's Tale: A Self Determined Leader by Shelley McIntosh is an inspirational, informative leadership guide for those seeking to make a difference as a principal. Whether you're a future principal, one in need of advice and encouragement, or one looking to try something different, this impactful book could change the way you think about students, the education system, and serving through leadership. The beginning alone will catch and hold your attention, as the author informs the reader in just a few beautiful but powerful words where she came from, what shaped her, and why she chose education as her path. Some of the subjects she covers include autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which are components of the Self-Determination Theory and three human needs, the main theory that the author sets forth. The author weaves this theory into urban school administration and the practice of principals.

There are a lot of things to like about this book. McIntosh offers real-life examples, backs up the Self-Determination Theory with solid information, and brings a compassionate approach to education and students. I admire the way that she builds her ideas from the ground up, and still shows respect for the education system, which has a broken reputation in some areas. More than that, she shows respect for students, parents, teachers, and the school experience. I like her psychological approach to things, which addresses basic needs and desires. I like her ideas of school pride, fostering self-esteem, and getting to know the principal, and interacting often with students and parents. Her theories actually uncomplicate things and make it easier for those in education to understand and implement. Her experiences in the school system are interesting, and she brings in other factors like economics, race, money, government, family structure, culture, social factors, bullying, etc. I appreciate that she has a clear overview of the issues and knows how to approach them as a whole, but on an individual level as well. A Principal's Tale: A Self Determined Leader by Shelley McIntosh is a must-read book that should be in the hands of anyone interested in the betterment of schools and students.