Icarus Rising:

Moving Beyond the Principalship

It's not uncommon for school principals to aspire to become superintendents. It's a natural and normal career progression. Who doesn't want a promotion? It can come with a cost, however, and it's important to consider the price that might need to be paid.

Using the metaphor of the tragic Greek hero Icarus and speaking from years of school leadership experience, this book offers a cautionary tale that honors the drive to advance and succeed but also encourages principals to reflect deeply on what it means to move beyond the principalship. Despite his father's warning, Icarus flew too close to the sun and plunged into the sea.

Principals need to move forward with their careers but always with the caution to listen to those who flew too close to their sun and to beware of unintended consequences resulting from forces beyond their control.