Alumna Author Joyce Montalbano, Ed.D. '69Ed on Pursuing School Leadership

On October 15, 2019 Joyce Montalbano '69Ed, who has a doctorate in education, returned to alma mater to discuss her book I Want to Be a P.R.I.N.C.I.P.A.L.: Nine Steps That Will Take You From Classroom to Front Office.  Montalbano is a retired elementary school principal with over twenty years of experience as a classroom teacher in grades K-5.  The discussion was moderated by fellow principal and alumnus Reginald Landeau Jr. '12Ed.D.  He is the principal of 2018 National Blue Ribbon M.S. 216Q  George J. Ryan and serves on the Alumni Advisory Council of The School of Education.  

Current St. John's Education students aspiring to school building leadership were joined by alumni and friends of the University in Sun Yat Sen Hall, Faculty Club at the event.  David Bell, Ed.D., Dean of the School and Development Officer William Lipson '12CPS were present to greet attendees.  The event was planned by the School's Alumni Advisory Council in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations.  

Montalbano's book was influenced by the work of Albert Bandura on social foundations of thought and action.  Another influence was Barry J. Zimmerman's work on self-efficacy and academic attainment.   

Montalbano's message at the talk resonated with the conclusion of her book in which she speaks of leading through perceived obstacles.  "You can truly make a difference in the world of education," she writes, "and I hope you feel the inner gratification that comes from being a leader of leaders, knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of so many children."    

In addition to writing this book, Dr. Montalbano maintains a Web site, The Principal Path, https://theprincipalpath.com/ through which she offers one-on-one mentoring and coaching services to individuals.