Intended for the beginning principal and the principal's mentor, this book explores the duties in the principal's first year on the job from the viewpoint of both the principal and the mentor. It emphasizes organization during the first-year principalship; tasks to be accomplished each month; leading versus managing and how both can benefit the school; communication and working with people; and defining the mentoring relationship. The book is organized into four parts. Part I, "Defining the Job," focuses on the importance of developing a conceptual model of the principalship. This part includes information about the ISLLC Standards, which are used as a conceptual module of the principalship. Part II, "Doing the Job," provides a chronological listing of tasks that principals encounter during the course of the school year. The chronological perspective presents a traditional 9-month school year. Part III, "Deciphering the Job," presents a list of generalized conclusions and lessons learned with broad-based application to the challenges of being a school leader. Part IV, "Mentoring the Mentor," addresses issues that first-time principal mentors need to consider. The book contains many useful checklists, sample forms, rubrics, and activities. (WFA).