Ramon Gonzalez
Professor of the Practice
Dr. Ramon Gonzalez is a professor of the practice in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. In addition to teaching courses in educational leadership, he advises masters and doctoral students, and designs school district programs that use an executive coaching model for school leaders. His passion and research include the areas of entrepreneurial school leadership, flexible school year programming, “at-promise” literacy programs, youth development and resource allocation strategies.
Dr. Gonzalez coordinates innovative programs and partnerships that support student equity, opportunities, and empowerment. Previously, he was the award-winning principal of the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology in New York City. He founded two public schools and mentored over 100 aspiring leaders to school leadership positions. Dr. Gonzalez’s innovative practices included a community literacy program, community school model, job training, guaranteed employment opportunities, coordinated an external college office, promoted an expanded school year program and alternative graduation metrics called PBATS. He consults with school districts on turnaround models and leadership development. His entrepreneurial school leader model has been featured internationally in the Hague, Capetown, Rio, Bangkok, and Madrid.
His expanded school day and youth development work have been featured in such media outlets as PBS, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times Magazine. He is an executive coach for school leaders and communities with the Columbia Business School Coaching Certification Program. He served as the former president of the New York City Middle School Principal Association, vice president of the New York City Council of Supervisors and Administrators and serves on the executive board of the New York State Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors.
Awards
- American Federation of School Administrators National Principal Tribute Year: 2022
- NY Yankees Community Leader Award, 2017
- St John’s PDK Educator of the Year, 2016
- NYC Master Principal, 2015–2019
- Chancellor’s Fellows, 2014–2015
- International Spanish Academy, 2014
- National Summer Learning Program Semifinalist, 2013
- Phi Delta Kappan-Emerging Leader Award, 2012
- National Urban Technology Educator of the Year Award, 2011
- White House Champion of Change, 2011
- Spanish Embassy Middle School Level “Colegio del Año”/” School of The Year”, 2011
- Alfred P. Sloan Public Service Award, 2010 Center for Arts Education Principal Fellows, 2010
- Intel Schools of Distinction: Middle School Mathematics, 2010 Smithsonian Magazine Latino Leaders 37 under 37
- Making a Difference, 2007
- Cahn Fellow for Distinguished NYC Principals, 2007
Pronouns: he/him
Recent News
Education
EdD, Organization & Leadership, Teachers College Columbia University
MEd, School Leadership, Teachers College Columbia University
MA, Education Administration, Teachers College Columbia University
MS, Special Education, The City College of New York
BA, Government, Teachers College Columbia University
Courses
WED AP 761: Organizational Analysis
WED AP 705: Leadership Seminar: Cultivating a Leadership Disposition: Growth Mindset, Perseverance, and Cultural Responsiveness
Selected Publications
Gonzalez, R. (2015). Don’t try to bridge the literacy gap alone. Phi Delta Kappan, 96 (6), 55-58.
Gonzalez, R. & Tom, E. (2013). Opinion: How a community can put kids on a path to success. AM New York. October 1, 2013
Gonzalez, R. (2012). Public support requires investment: Commentary. Phi Delta Kappan Magazine. September 2012
Gonzalez, R. (1999). Welcome home boyz: building communities through cultural capital. In C. Branch (Ed.) Adolescent gangs: old issues, new approaches New York: Taylor & Francis.
Selected Presentations
Boston University Wheelock Keynote Boston University Education School | Boston, MA | March 29, 2019 Presentation on school reform in urban environments. The discussion focused on case study of a local school in the Bronx that transformed student outcomes by focusing on student expectations, inquiry, and performance tasks. Research and strategies were disseminated, and action plans were presented to the audience of school, university, and community leaders.
Leveraging Strategic Resources and Partnerships through a Community Engagement Plan Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors | San Diego, CA | Oct 6-12, 2019 Presented workshop on creating a community asset plan to increase resources and funding for school-wide initiatives. Shared strategies and ideas with audience of school leaders to support innovative ideas to meet the demands of local school communities.
Bilingual Symposium on Biliteracy: A Pathway to Success The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture | New York, NY | May 24, 2018 Panel participant on how to foster and sustain Dual Language programs. Shared strategies on fostering a vision, scheduling, recruitment of students, talent management, and funding Dual Language programs. Breakout session organized on securing funding sources.
After School Game Changer Conference Western Cape Town Government | South Africa | Jan. 29, 2017 Presentation on how to transform after school services to an expanded day model. Keynote and workshops on creating curriculum, instruction, support services, assessment and training to improve education outcomes for South African children through the expanded day model from The Lab School model in the South Bronx.