School Leadership From A to Z

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 a 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 is now working full-time as a freelance writer in Minneapolis.

Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction A. Attitude and Ambiguity Tolerance B. Built-in Backbone C. Coaching, Culture and Common Sense D. Do the Next Right Thing E. Exceeding Expectations F. Fun and the Fish Market Philosophy G. Goombah and the Golden Rule H. History and Heroes I. Inform, Instruct and Inspire J. Jacks or Better K. "Kick Butt and Hug" L. Low-Maintenance Leadership M. Metaphors and Morale N. Networking and Nit-picking O. Optimism or Else P. P's and Q's Q. Quid Pro Quo R. Removing Obstacles S. Straight Talk T. Teflon Tenacity U. U-Turns V. Vision and Vocabulary W. Work and Play X. X-Ray Thinking Y. Yin and Yang Z. Zen for School Leaders A Final Word Resource 1: A New Vocabulary for School Leaders Resource 2: What Business Leaders Say About Leadership That School Leaders Need to Hear Resource 3: Business Books You Might Want to Read to Become a Better School Leader Resource 4: Borrowing from Business-Bright Ideas You Can Use in Your School Starting Tomorrow Morning

"While principals work to identify the balance between management and instructional leadership, to initiate adaptive change, a third component should also be studied: leadership. Ramsey blends practical business ideas, good practice, and common sense ideas into lessons that all principals should find useful in their work." -- Paul Young, 2002-2003 President "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 Draayer "I highly recommend School Leadership From A to Z for either the rookie or veteran administrator. Ramsey provides through an easy-read, a comprehensive, practical perspective on what it takes to be an effective school leader today. This is a must read for all school leaders." -- Roger Hill, Principal "What does it take to be an effective school leader in today's schools? Ramsey has the answers in this wonderful hands-on guide for the aspiring or practicing administrator. Written in a style that allows the reader to read through the book or to use it as quick reference, Ramsey has captured the best practices from both schools and businesses. A practical handbook for all school leaders." -- Denny Vincent, President "This book offers something for all school leaders--the seasoned veteran, the beginning neophyte, and everyone in between. Ramsey's observations hit at the very core of what's important in leadership and offer practical suggestions for coping with the daily challenges that face today's school leaders." -- Patti Kinney, Principal "Dr. Ramsey possesses the rare ability to communicate his passion for the mission of education, while providing an effective and practical mentoring tool for all who face the daily challenges of school leadership. This book is a necessity for the professional library of the entry-level school administrator. I highly recommend this outstanding resource, which is filled with helpful and practical ideas for all who serve leadership roles in public and private education." -- Bob Tift, President "This book tackles the everyday problems that we all face--and it is accomplished with style. Topics are addressed from A-Z, complete with eye-catching titles--titles that make the reader want to turn to the next chapter. Although packed with lots of information, I found myself chuckling over specific anecdotes, solutions, and straight-to-the point advice. The book is reader friendly and very applicable." -- Belinda Akin, Principal