It was the precipice of a revolution in education, and as the "principal teacher" it became my job to lead the charge. The Schooling of a 21st Century Principal chronicles events and movements that impacted me, my leadership, and my school. The opening chapters are about who and what shapes my personal journey to become a teacher and a principal. The midsection of the manuscript exposes the essence of what it means to work in a middle school and specifically in a stressful competitive environment. The latter part is about leading in a culture of change as well as a changing culture, not just in my school, but in schools across the country. 

The Schooling of a 21st Century Principal traces my journey to the principalship, a career goal nowhere to be found on my bucket list. I took the reins knowing that my middle school faced some daunting tasks; however, I would soon discover that it was the extraordinary events, changes, and challenges of a new millennium that would present the greatest arc of learning on the job. I led my building using a collaborative team approach, a style that sustained me in my first year during the dark days of 9/11 and throughout our school's exponential growth, evolving student needs, and radical reforms. This compelling and unique memoir offers a personal and rare inside glimpse into the expansive and formidable roles and responsibilities principals face in a world of shifting social norms, rising expectations, demoralized teachers, technology dependence, cyberbullying, school shootings, and mounting student mental health distress.

Michael L. Cahill was a language arts teacher before summoning the courage to become a school leader. For his opening act, he was the fifth grade coordinator before becoming assistant principal and ultimately principal of the Millburn Middle School. The Millburn-Short Hills, New Jersey, schools have consistently placed at the top of state and national rankings. With thirty-three years of experience as an educator, including sixteen as principal, Cahill has witnessed and written about more demanding standards for learning, the domination of technology, political and legislative encroachment, and greater mental health challenges for students. He holds a B.S. and M.A in education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in educational leadership from New Jersey City University. Cahill lives in New Jersey with his wife Lea, two children, Michael and Caroline, and a clingy cockapoo named Abby.