Research shows conclusively that principals and other school leaders are essential to school improvement, and that these individuals benefit from the intensive, contextualized support that a coach or mentor can provide. But how does a coach support a school leader in mastering the professional and emotional challenges of school leadership for a meaningful and positive impact on students? This book, grounded in research and theory, provides readers with practical skills and strategies for leadership coaching explicitly tied to the needs of principals and other school leaders. It makes sense of the often contradictory literature on coaching by promoting a new approach, that of "Blended Coaching." This model-based on more than 15 years of fieldwork at the renowned New Teacher Center, University of California, Santa Cruz--recognizes that effective coaches move between facilitative and instructional approaches in their practice, and has made a meaningful difference in dozens of school districts nationwide. Designed for individuals and institutions charged with improving principal retention, teacher satisfaction, and student achievement, this indispensable resource features: (1) Real-life examples to enforce key concepts; (2) Reflective prompts to enhance assimilation; (3) Insightful exercises for coaches, principals, and colleagues; and (4) Comprehensive resources, including worksheets, sample forms, and assessments. This book is divided into three Parts: (1) An Introduction to School Leadership Coaching; (2) Blended Coaching Strategies; and (3) Bringing It All Together. A Conclusion, List of Resources, and an Index are included.