A valuable resource to institutions of higher education and various state and national superintendent organizations and agencies, The Dark Side of Educational Leadership provides valuable insights into specific resiliency behaviors that contribute to superintendents' abilities to overcome the trauma associated with being a professional victim. Specifically illuminating those issues that contribute most often to the victimization of superintendents, well-researched chapters demonstrate strategies employed by superintendents to prevent similar issues from causing additional pain. Polka and Litchka identify resiliency factors of most significance to superintendents in dealing with the professional victim syndrome, helping superintendents to better prepare for the professional victim syndrome during their professional career.

"Polka and Litchka describe leadership behaviors that could be of value in lessening the trauma and pain of an assault by the school board or members of the community. This book would be of value to aspiring superintendents as well as incumbents. It is helpful to know what to expect, as there are actions to lessen the harmful effects." - School Administrator, December 2009