A Year of Leading: A 40-Week Leadership Compass for Principals and Vice-Principals

By Kevin Reimer

An essential guide for school leaders who want to lead with purpose, clarity, and resilience-one week at a time.

Being a principal or vice-principal is one of the most demanding roles in education. Every week brings new decisions, shifting priorities, and moments that call for steady, values-based leadership. A Year of Leading offers a practical and reflective companion for navigating the complexities of school leadership throughout the school year.

Written by Kevin Reimer-an award-winning Canadian principal, ICF-certified coach, and former Executive Director of the BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association-this book blends real-world insight, research-informed strategies, and vivid metaphors to help you lead with confidence, connection, and care.

Designed to align with the 40-week rhythm of the school year, each chapter provides a focused lens on one key leadership theme. Topics include building trust, leading change, navigating conflict, managing burnout, and having meaningful conversations that shape school culture.

• 40 concise, high-impact chapters to guide your weekly leadership practice
• A leadership framework grounded in six core competencies: authentic, relational, visionary, instructional, operational, and equity-centered leadership
• Coaching-style reflection prompts to clarify your thinking and strengthen your team
• Metaphors and real-world examples that make leadership challenges easier to see-and solve

• New and experienced principals and vice-principals
• Educational leadership coaches and mentors
• Professional development coordinators
• Graduate programs in educational leadership

Whether you're leading your first staff meeting or guiding your school through complex change, A Year of Leading offers the insight and structure you need to lead with intention-all year long.