You Can’t Make It Up

Independent School Leadership: Principles, Parables, Paradox by Jay Stroud
Independently Published, July 2, 2025

Many leadership books support the development of CEOs, executive directors of nonprofits, school principals, and even school superintendents. Almost no books support leadership in independent schools. With 24 years as head of Tabor Academy followed by six years as director of the NEASC Independent School Commission, Jay Stroud is uniquely positioned to provide insights into the countless challenges and opportunities (i.e., learning moments) a head of school will face. In his new book, Stroud provides these insights with a compelling combination of humor and humility. Stroud’s wisdom unfolds in a delightful series of "principles, parables, and paradoxes" spread over short chapters encompassing just about every situation a head of school can face. With this accessible organization, the book allows readers to engage easily, whether they want to spend 10 minutes or two hours reading. Stroud writes, "I hope for anyone doing the job [of headship], this book might be like a reassuring hand on the shoulder." Here he certainly succeeds, as the sense of being alone in one’s work is lifted by Stroud's countless stories and situations where "you can't make this stuff up" happens on a regular basis. For those who are heads of school, curious about becoming heads of school, or just love school life, this book is a must-read.