Robert D. Ramsey – författare

The Guide covers changing school programs, staffing for effective discipline, and cutting-edge approaches such as peer counseling for dealing with student values and problems that are drastically different from those of only a few years ago.

Interview roles are less clear than they once were, and in some cases, the roles are even exchanged to promote new opportunities for understanding the shape and evolution of selves and experience.

Postmodern Interviewing offers readers an exploration of the postmodern interview, a conversation with diverse purposes in which the communicative format is constructed as much within the interview conversation as it stems from predesignated research interests. It provides cutting-edge discussions of emerging horizons, featuring reflexivity, poetics, and power, along with discussions of new ways of gathering experiential knowledge. Employing concepts from anthropology, family studies, history, and sociology, the contributors present the ambitious new directions in which the interview has gone, such as:

How the interview process is refracted through the lens of language, knowledge, culture, and difference How the dividing line between fact and fiction is blurred to promote richer understanding How standardized representation has given way to representational invention

By exploring these exciting developments, readers will be exposed to the engaging opportunities for understanding the shape and evolution of selves and social worlds that are made possible through changes in the interview process.

This volume is comprised of chapters from the Handbook of Interview Research (Gubrium and Holstein, SAGE, 2001). The companion volume, Inside Interviewing (SAGE, 2003), is also comprised of chapters from the Handbook.

"Ramsey blends practical business ideas, good practice, and commonsense ideas into lessons that all principals should find useful in their work."Paul Young, 2002-2003 PresidentNational Association of Elementary School Principals

"Once again Ramsey, like a wise mentor, cuts to the heart of leadership. Every reader who likes new ideas, appreciates fresh perspective, and seeks core truths about leadership will include this book in his or her library and recommend it to colleagues."Don Draayer1990 AASA National Superintendent of the Year

What does it take to be an effective school leader? What can we learn from successful schools and other businesses?

Much of what makes a great business organization tick can help make an effective school click as well. This valuable new resource combines the best thinking from today's finest schools with proven ideas taken directly from successful businesses and other public and private organizations.

School Leadership From A to Z blends proven traditional success secrets for school leaders with newfound strategies and unique methods from businesses and organizations outside the education community. This fresh approach provides 26 compact sections, offering provocative insider insight into critical elements of school leadership, including: Attitude and Ambiguity Tolerance; Coaching, Culture, and Common Sense; Exceeding Expectations; Inform, Instruct, and Inspire; Networking and Nitpicking; Removing Obstacles, and much more!

This handbook for educational leaders is the first ever to draw heavily on tough lessons from business and life, as well as successful school experiences, providing:

Leadership lessons from both businesses and schools Ideas to borrow from the best practices of organizations What business leaders say about leadership New vocabulary for school leaders A reference list of business leadership titles helpful to school leaders

If your school is not what it could or should be, something needs to change. This marvelous new resource provides you with the necessary ingredients for success!

The first comprehensive guide for making the most of school resources . . . and even thriving in times of dwindling funds!

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today's schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs and accomplishing as much as before—or more!—with less staff to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program.

Based on years of front-line experience, this guide includes tips on:

The role of principals in hard times Cost containment Downsizing Creative staffing How to get the biggest bang for your program buck How to get everyone involved in fiscal fitness How to find, raise, and attract money in hard times How to make the most of time—the resource that keeps on ticking

There isn't a principal anywhere who doesn't have questions about how do more with less. This is the book with the answers!

Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park, MN schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey's writings include Secondary School Principal's Survival Guide, 501 Tips for Teachers, and Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way.

 

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today's schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs (and accomplishing as much as before – or more! – with less staff) to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program to raising money for your school. Based on years of front-line experience, the guide spells out school-tested ways to stretch curriculum dollars, get better administration for less money, and more. There isn't a principal anywhere who doesn't have questions about how to make the most of what he or she has got and how to do even more with less. This book has the answers.

The first comprehensive guide for making the most of school resources . . . and even thriving in times of dwindling funds!This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today′s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs and accomplishing as much as before—or more!—with less staff to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program.Based on years of front-line experience, this guide includes tips on: The role of principals in hard times Cost containment Downsizing Creative staffing How to get the biggest bang for your program buck How to get everyone involved in fiscal fitness How to find, raise, and attract money in hard times How to make the most of time—the resource that keeps on tickingThere isn′t a principal anywhere who doesn′t have questions about how do more with less. This is the book with the answers!Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park, MN schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey′s writings include Secondary School Principal′s Survival Guide, 501 Tips for Teachers, and Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way.  This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today′s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs (and accomplishing as much as before – or more! – with less staff) to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program to raising money for your school. Based on years of front-line experience, the guide spells out school-tested ways to stretch curriculum dollars, get better administration for less money, and more. There isn′t a principal anywhere who doesn′t have questions about how to make the most of what he or she has got and how to do even more with less. This book has the answers.

When every word counts! In this time of sound bites, short attention spans, and one-sentence sermons, getting a point across can be a real challenge. Having ready access to just the right quotes to make those points with impact can be a lifesaver and an excellent source of inspiration. Life-long educator and freelance writer Robert Ramsey offers just such a resource in Well Said, Well Spoken. This one-of-a-kind and easy-to-access collection of thought-provoking quotations can be used as attention-getters, point-makers, openers, closers, and clinchers for all occasions. Designed to meet the needs and interests of busy principals and teachers, this compilation of classic and contemporary quotes and anecdotes features topics and sources not found in other references for the general public. This collection offers: More than 160 subjects principals and teachers care about most - Over 700 quotations - Current and timely topics are added to time-tested favorites- Cutting-edge and provocative quotes are included with traditional sayings In addition to the usual respected scholars, statesmen, writers, politicians, and philosophers, this collection includes right-on quotes from real teachers, administrators, and students, and non-tradition sources such as Sitting Bull, the Ayatollah Khomeini, the Grateful Dead, Mike Tyson, and rapper Ice T. This is definitely an essential resource for all educators on the firing line who need to be effective when every word counts!

This valuable resource is packed with 433 checklists, guidelines, sample rules, calendars, criteria, procedures, timelines, strategies and tips to help principals and assistant principals in elementary and secondary schools quickly and effectively handle every aspect of their job.

Reawaken, refocus, and recommit to your career as a school leader!If you are a school leader who has ever felt lost, confused, or disheartened, then this single, compact, survival guide is for you! A primer of what is truly important for today′s school leaders at all levels, it is a how-to book made up of twenty-five fundamental insights and baseline beliefs that never change. Staying focused on what really matters, each page reminds administrators of the simple, guiding truths and timeless values that made them want to become educators in the first place. Each section acts as a compass that showcases: Commonsense, cornerstone principles Life lessons from school leaders Real-world examples from successful administrators Practical tips on how to concentrate on what counts, and apply what′s most important on the job everydayWhat Matters Most for School Leaders contains hard-earned wisdom and forgotten truths that are freshly viewed and packaged in modern-day terms. Call it a pep talk or a refresher course, it reawakens, rekindles, renews, and refocuses on the perspective, passion, and priorities of school leaders, reviving their sense of purpose and enhancing their image in the educational field.

Reawaken, refocus, and recommit to your career as a school leader!If you are a school leader who has ever felt lost, confused, or disheartened, then this single, compact, survival guide is for you! A primer of what is truly important for today′s school leaders at all levels, it is a how-to book made up of twenty-five fundamental insights and baseline beliefs that never change. Staying focused on what really matters, each page reminds administrators of the simple, guiding truths and timeless values that made them want to become educators in the first place. Each section acts as a compass that showcases: Commonsense, cornerstone principles Life lessons from school leaders Real-world examples from successful administrators Practical tips on how to concentrate on what counts, and apply what′s most important on the job everydayWhat Matters Most for School Leaders contains hard-earned wisdom and forgotten truths that are freshly viewed and packaged in modern-day terms. Call it a pep talk or a refresher course, it reawakens, rekindles, renews, and refocuses on the perspective, passion, and priorities of school leaders, reviving their sense of purpose and enhancing their image in the educational field.

Now you can do more than just deal with the "crisis-du-jour". Leadership is learnable, and this comprehensive guide will show you how to be proactive, prevent crises, create dreams, push the envelope, and focus on the future instead of just reacting to crises, spending all your time putting out fires, or coping with the current system—whether it works or not. In this updated second edition, best-selling author Robert D. Ramsey gives you just what you need to avoid "simply managing" and to become a true leader instead! Unlike other manuals that give you bits and pieces on how to develop a particular curriculum or handle specific day-to-day discipline problems, this unique handbook offers administrators practical, time-proven lessons on how to think, act, plan, set priorities, manage time, and make decisions—skills that will help you navigate through the unique challenges of leading in a school environment. Included are guidelines on: Getting the most out of people Bringing about change Handling politics Dealing with setbacks Thinking, looking, and acting like an effective school leader Communicating effectively Practicing ethical leadership Being a school leader can actually be exciting, rewarding, and fun again, once you′re equipped to tackle today′s challenges!

The complete uplifting guide for every teacher to enrich each day and a career in teaching! All teachers need encouragement, affirmation, support, and to be reminded that they are part of a noble profession. Best-selling author Robert D. Ramsey has been an avid collector of inspirational quotes, notes, anecdotes, reflections, testimonials, and tributes for educators, and his new collection provides potentially career-saving homework for the soul of every teacher. This easy-to-read, but hard-to-forget anthology is full of powerful reminders that there is no such thing as "only a teacher." The contents of this uplifting resource have been carefully harvested by an educator for educators and are designed to:

Help belabored and beleaguered educators jump start their careers Reclaim their professional pride Rekindle their passion for teaching Get the grit to press on against all odds

Inspirational Quotes, Notes, & Anecdotes That Honor Teachers and Teaching makes a strong unified statement all teachers need to hear!

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."—Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor Talladega City Schools, AL"The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations."—Edward J. Drugo, Principal Latrobe Elementary School, PAImprove school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff!This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find:A profile of a healthy school cultureTips for assessing how your school measures upWays to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school cultureThrough concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."—Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor Talladega City Schools, AL"The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations."—Edward J. Drugo, Principal Latrobe Elementary School, PAImprove school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff!This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find:A profile of a healthy school cultureTips for assessing how your school measures upWays to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school cultureThrough concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.

"I had several 'ah-ha' moments while reading this book. Kudos to the author for creating a meaningful guide for today's school administrator."—Marie Blum, SuperintendentCanaseraga Central School District, NY

"A good tool for administrators and teacher leaders with its readability, content emphasis, and real-life examples."—Russ Bennett, SuperintendentAurora City Schools, OH

Time-tested techniques for communicating effectively with all educational stakeholders!

For school leaders, being an effective communicator is one of the most vital and sometimes most challenging parts of the job. This user-friendly resource provides practical strategies for improving daily interactions with students, colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders as well as guidelines for avoiding missteps when critical issues arise.

Each chapter presents do's and don'ts for effective verbal and written communication in a variety of situations—from public speaking and working with the media to straight talk for approaching students about sensitive topics such as sex, gangs, and substance abuse. This revised edition also assists educators with:

How-to's for dealing with natural and man-made disastersA new chapter on differentiating communication to reach a wide audienceA new section on communicating with school board members

Use the tools and real-world examples in this invaluable reference to resolve difficult situations and build positive relationships!

"I had several 'ah-ha' moments while reading this book. Kudos to the author for creating a meaningful guide for today's school administrator."—Marie Blum, SuperintendentCanaseraga Central School District, NY

"A good tool for administrators and teacher leaders with its readability, content emphasis, and real-life examples."—Russ Bennett, SuperintendentAurora City Schools, OH

Time-tested techniques for communicating effectively with all educational stakeholders!

For school leaders, being an effective communicator is one of the most vital and sometimes most challenging parts of the job. This user-friendly resource provides practical strategies for improving daily interactions with students, colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders as well as guidelines for avoiding missteps when critical issues arise.

Each chapter presents do's and don'ts for effective verbal and written communication in a variety of situations—from public speaking and working with the media to straight talk for approaching students about sensitive topics such as sex, gangs, and substance abuse. This revised edition also assists educators with:

How-to's for dealing with natural and man-made disastersA new chapter on differentiating communication to reach a wide audienceA new section on communicating with school board members

Use the tools and real-world examples in this invaluable reference to resolve difficult situations and build positive relationships!

"This book offers aspiring and veteran school leaders insightful, practical, and proven strategies to successfully acquire and thrive in meaningful professional positions."—David Freitas, ProfessorIndiana University South Bend

Build a dynamic career by design—not by default!

Given the challenges of today's educational environment, a school leader's career is far from predictable—but it can be a purposeful and successful journey. This essential guide helps educators take charge of their careers, advance professionally, and leave a legacy of stronger schools and improved learning opportunities for children.

Based on the best-selling author's extensive school leadership experience, this book helps readers wisely navigate their careers and stay true to their values. The author addresses concerns for readers at every stage of professional life—from highly experienced administrators to those aspiring to leadership positions. Readers will find personal coaching on leading both oneself and others, including:

The seven critical choices that shape school leadership, from setting goals to choosing the right battlesGuidance on making tough calls and hard choicesAdvice on finding the right position and work environment and how to flourish personally and professionallyNumerous real-life examples of how education leaders face and overcome challenges and build effective learning environments

Take action today to build a purposeful career in school leadership and make a positive difference in children's lives!