Ronnie Brown Mansfield is a middle school assistant principal in Ohio. His broad educational background also includes service at the elementary, middle and high school levels, where he has also served as a principal.
Ronnie Brown attended Miami University, where he graduated in 1998. After graduation, Brown started his career as an elementary school teacher at the fifth-grade level. Over time, he developed an interest in moving up to the administration. Through graduate education at the University of Dayton, he was able to complete a master’s degree and principal certification.
His administrative interests include recruiting, curriculum development, and budgeting. He is able to use all of his professional skills to better his school and his district. Recently, he has helped to implement community events in the Mansfield schools like “No Child Eats Alone” and Black History Month program entitled “You Inspire Me”.
In addition to his work in the classroom and in the administration, Ronnie Brown Columbus has been involved in coaching football, baseball, basketball and softball at the high school varsity level. He also coached baseball and basketball at the junior varsity level. He coached football at the college level, where he worked with wide receivers. His dual interests in teaching and coaching led him to create programs to reach student-athletes in need of academic intervention. He created an academic check-in program for all football players.
Ronnie Brown is a valuable part of his school community and an outstanding educator. His unique skill set enables him to balance academic needs with the needs of the community as a whole.
What was your best/favorite subject in school?
My best subject in school was math. Some of my friends did not enjoy math, but I think it’s fascinating. I love helping a student with a problem and seeing the moment when they start to understand it. I really enjoyed being an elementary teacher and helping kids learn to love math.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in college food service. It was a grueling job and I wasn’t prepared for the level of hard work and dedication that it would require. Working with customers who aren’t always in the best mood gave me the patience I would need to deal with teachers and students on difficult days. My first professional job was teaching fifth grade. Developing young minds is rewarding.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
I attended Miami University in Ohio, where I was an elementary education major. During college, I became interested in working with children as well as coaching. I decided to teach because I wanted to affect the world in a positive way. When I graduated, I chose a position in an elementary school. I began coaching on evenings and weekends.
How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
As a classroom educator, I worked closely with the administration. As I spent time with them, I realized that I would like to study administration myself. My colleagues supported my goals and my pursuit of higher education. As an administrator, I am able to affect policy on a schoolwide level. I have a special interest in creating community-wide events so that all families feel welcome in the school.
Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
I am lucky that every day is a good day for me. It’s true that there are many challenges in the lives of teachers and educators, but I find my job rewarding.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I don’t need much external motivation. Working with students motivates me every day. Interacting with them in the halls gives me a strong connection. I also enjoy working with the educators in my school, from running meetings to coordinating special events. Making sure that everyone feels welcome in my school is one of my strongest motivations.
What kind of business ideas excites you most?
As a middle school administrator, I have a different perspective on the business world. I am focused on creating a better world for my students, so I am most interested in businesses that give back to the community. I am excited by businesses that make community service one of their central goals.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
When I was a principal in Columbus there were several school closings. I formulated a letter and sent one to every family who would be displaced by the closings encouraging them to visit our school. I also sent the letter to families in lower grades who would have to choose a middle school. I personally went to the schools and handed out the letters and met with the students. Consequently, our school population increased by 20% the following year and we had to hire two new teachers.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of becoming an administrator. Teaching and coaching are great, but I feel that I am truly fulfilling my potential as an administrator.
What wisdom would you have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
Don’t be afraid to fail. In life, we all overreach ourselves at times, but it’s foolish to keep ourselves from taking risks in the first place. It is how we grow.