Reality Calling - by Nicholas J Pace

About the Book

This extended, real-world case study provides readers an authentic, unvarnished account of a fully-human principal knee deep in what is appropriately called the toughest job in education.

Book Synopsis

This extended, real-world case study provides readers an authentic, unvarnished account of a fully-human principal knee deep in what is appropriately called the toughest job in education.

Review Quotes

Dr. Nick Pace's Reality Calling: The Story of a Principal's First Semester is a must-read for any reader wanting a close-up look at what school leaders can expect on the job. Catch a first-row glimpse as three new principals grapple with a mix of pressing issues and competing priorities -- from improving instruction to managing myriad e-mails -- while drawing upon support from and dialogue with one another as they navigate the first crucial semester of the principalship. Reality Calling offers an abundance of ideas and inspiration to new and veteran administrators alike who are poised to make a difference.


For both emerging and veteran educational leaders, Reality Calling is the fly on the principal's wall that brings the unique and fascinating challenges of a principalship to the surface and allows discussion that will guide even the seasoned principal.

In her widely-viewed TED talk, University of Houston professor Brene Brown suggested that 'maybe stories are just data with a soul.' In Reality Calling, Dr. Nick Pace weaves a soulful story, one built with data from his own school leadership experiences and those of other sitting and aspiring school leaders. The story of Joe Gentry's entry into the principalship is real and told vividly by Dr. Pace. Reality Calling is both a great read and a useful resource for sitting and aspiring school leaders, as well as those of us tasked with working with the next generation of school leaders.

Reality Calling is a thought-provoking, engaging journey into the principalship. Filled with real-world examples of the issues that principals actually face, this is a must read for anyone contemplating becoming a school administrator.

Reality Calling is an innovative and creative tool for talking with pre-service principals about how leaders make decisions about life and work in the first year on the job, and the importance of collegial networks for keeping sane. This book is a refreshing alternative to dry, case studies and textbook tales of woe from imaginary practitioners.

About the Author

Nicholas J. Pace is associate professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Iowa. The former social worker, teacher, coach and principal lives in Cedar Falls, IA with his family.