Description
Book SynopsisRelationships are everything in successful systems, and connections are cultivated by our actions and our words. Within our words, we contain the power to build relationships or bury them. Those who look for opportunities to converse on significant issues sustain and prosper. However, often times these conversations are cut short by our inability to discover the hidden meanings behind our chosen responses. In today's school systems, educational clichés are ending essential dialogue when they should begin and maintain it. Messages like That's why you make the big bucks or It is what it is hinder our capacity to construct critical connections with each other. The focus of Clichés, Conversations and Culture: Cultivating Relations Between Teachers and Administrators is to unveil these clichés and explore alternatives that will foster connectedness. By improving our dialogue, we will be able to nurture a more viable culture for our building and bridge the gap that historically exist
Trade ReviewDr. Barber has done an excellent job portraying many of the concepts, clichés and misunderstandings all of us have experienced as teachers and administrators. He explicitly focuses on the misuse of talk versus communication, and how a better understanding of both can improve relationships within a building and/or across a school district. These relationships are keys to a solid culture. His linguistic perspective is a much needed fresh approach to conversations we all wish we could handle better. The book is written in an easy to read conversational tone. It should be required reading for all educators, from novice to veteran! This text would be an especially valuable read for those in administrative preparation programs. It is a common-sense approach that includes practical and appropriate responses to situations and comments we all face. -- Cynthia Speace, Ed.D., coordinator, educational leadership program, Cabrini College, Radnor, PA
Dr. Barber provides a concrete and relevant visualization of what it takes to be an effective school leader. Dr. Barber’s practicality ensures that all readers are presented with true insights of the consistent challenges modern day building leaders are faced with. Dr. Barber’s book helps administrators apply the material from administrative graduate programs to a real life school environment. Dr. Barber provides successful techniques for involving all stake holders, creating teacher buy-in, and sustaining a positive school culture. Dr. Barber does an outstanding job painting a true administrative masterpiece. Administrators and educators alike need to read this book. -- Adam Penning, teacher at GVMS
Dr. Barber truly understands the importance of building trust, relationships, and a positive culture to increase student achievement. Clichés, Conversations and Culture is the perfect mix of theory and practice that allows educators to understand each other’s perspectives and increase meaningful conversations. Dr. Barber expertly breaks down the subtext that often occurs in conversations and then provides practical strategies to increase positive relationships. Whether you are a professor, superintendent, administrator or teacher, this book should be required reading! -- Pat Dunn, assistant superintendent, Garnett Valley School District
Dr. Barber is one of the most dynamic and inspiring educators I have ever met. His passion for education and his emphasis on what is truly best for students are evident on every page of this book. He’s not afraid to ask tough questions, and he is wise and honest enough to realize there are no easy answers. Clichés, Conversations and Culture is going to change the way we look at relationships now and in the future. -- Joe O’Brien, teacher, North Penn School District
Dr. Barber has captured what is the roller coaster of emotions and challenges that teachers and administrators experience on a daily basis. Graduate classes give an overview of what an ideal building culture should look like, but fail to truly define practical ways to make it so. Dr. Barber offers a practical guide for administrators and teachers to use to create a movement towards positive, sustained relationships within the building community. Dr. Barber provides magnificent insight on how to build a strong positive school culture, as well as building confidence in all stakeholders. This is a must read! -- Walter Hartshorn, assistant principal, SHS
Table of ContentsDisclaimer Foreword Preface Introduction Setting the Stage PART I: What Teachers Say About Administrators Chapter 1 – Joining the Dark Side Chapter 2 – That’s Why You Make the Big Bucks Chapter 3 – They’re Incompetent Chapter 4: They’ve Forgotten Where They Are From - One More Thing Chapter 5: What Do They Do Up There All Day Chapter 6: Let’s Make A Deal – The PrinciPAL Chapter 7: She Has Her Favorites Chapter 8: This Too Shall Pass PART: II What Administrators Say About Teachers Chapter 9: It’s Good for Kids Chapter 10: She Beats the Kids to the Buses Chapter 11: Getting the Buy In - Drinking the Cool Aide Chapter 12: You Work For a District, Not a School Chapter 13: She Has No Walls Chapter 14: The Buck Stops Here - No Surprises PART: III: Clichés We All Use Chapter 15: Thrown Under the Bus Chapter 16: I Do It for the Kids Chapter 17: It Is What It Is Chapter 18: All I Do For This Place Chapter 19: The Dance of the Lemons PART: IV: Practical Approaches Chapter 20: Culture Builders For Teachers ·Be Where You Are Supposed to Be When You Are Supposed to Be ·Find the Facts; Limit the Whisper ·Propose Possible Solutions ·When You Are Sick, Call Early ·Remember Your Primary Function For Administrators ·Know the Staff ·Build the Dimmer Switch ·Be a Straight Shooter ·Limit the Jokes ·Be Visible Chapter 21: Culture Busters For Teachers ·Promoting Conspiracy ·Public Ridicule ·Grading Papers During Meetings ·Say You Can When You Cannot ·Not Seeing the Gray For Administrators ·Making Promises to Appease Conflict ·Giving a General Warning ·Ducking the Difficult Conversations ·Going to Committee When the Decision is Already Made ·Instituting the After-Conference Initiative Chapter 22: Case Studies PART: V: Questions from the Field Chapter 23: From Teachers ·The Transfer ·Inappropriate Remarks ·No Emotion ·Leadership ·Taxing the Busy ·Feedback ·Delayed Schedule ·Expectations in Meetings Chapter 24: From Administrators ·Union Dilemma ·Social Events ·My Family Needs ·Give Me Five ·My Boss is a Micro-Manager ·Live in District ·Previous Principal is in Central Now ·Teacher Now Principal PART VI: Looking Forward Chapter 25: The Burden of Hope PART: VII: SUMMATION Bibliography
