Dr. 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 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 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 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

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