Murry Schekman recently retired from a career in education that spanned nearly a half-century.
The former Watsonville High School principal has now penned a book on school leadership, using the experience gleaned from his decades of experience.
“It’s a new chapter for me,” he said.
Schekman’s educational career began when he worked as an instructional aide in 1975. In the intervening years he worked as an instructional aide and a math teacher and as principal of E.A. Hall Middle and Watsonville High schools.
He led Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s secondary education program, and also served as adjunct professor of education at San Jose State University.
His book is titled “It’s All About Leadership in Schools…What works and some of what doesn’t!” He says he kept it relatively short so it might be used by grad students earning their administrative credential.
“This is a real helpful book for anybody thinking about school leadership,” he said. “It’s a hard job; you’re not going to get paid more, but it’s a righteous job and I try and clarify that.”
He said that the book is a compilation of examples of good leadership—and bad—he saw while managing schools.
He also touches on building the right culture, “where the focus is on student learning, and where as many people as possible are on the same page.”
“And that’s not always easy,” he said.
He also writes about the importance of school leaders keeping a measure of enthusiasm and avoiding burnout.
“I have worked with too many people who lose that,” he said. “Most people start off the right way, but if you’re an unenthused school leader you’re not a happy leader, and you’re not doing good work.”
For his next book, Schekman hopes to focus on counseling, alternative education and special needs. He also wants to launch a website.
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah called the book an “effective educational leadership through a blend of personal anecdotes and research.”
“Schekman uses his extensive experience to guide current and aspiring leaders on fostering authentic, supportive and uplifting school environments,” Sabbah wrote in a review. “For anyone serving students, this book offers inspiration and practical advice to reinvigorate our passion and impact in education.”
Schekman is the father of three and grandfather of four. He lives in Watsonville and walks his dog, Jesse, six miles every morning.
The book is available in paperback or E-book at bit.ly/4j8FSIK.
Murry Shekman book
