This book examines the subject of school leadership as a profession. It tackles questions of what it means to be professional and to work within a profession, and how school leadership fits within these definitions.

Jakob Ditlev Bøje is Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark. He teaches in educational studies, and his research focuses on professions, organisations, and leadership in the Nordic welfare state.

Lars Frode Frederiksen is Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark. He is Director of studies, and his research focuses on organisations and leadership in relation to upper secondary school.

Bjørn Ribers is Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark. His research focuses on the education and praxis of the European welfare professions, educational science, and professional ethics.

Finn Wiedemann is Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Culture, University of Southern Denmark. He is director of educational studies. His research focuses on school leadership and current tendencies in pedagogy and education.

Preface. 1. School leadership as an emerging profession. 2. Professions and professionalisation - a short review. 3. The knowledge base of school leadership. 4. Education and preparation of school leaders. 5. Ethics in school leadership. 6. Working conditions and work life. 7. Formation of a professional identity. 8. Professionalisation of school leadership?.