Ronnie Brown Mansfield is a middle school vice principal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has over 30 years’ experience molding young minds and creating supportive school environments. Brown is also a sports coach who works with young athletes to foster their sense of sportsmanship. He encourages all of his students and athletes to reach higher for their dreams.
Brown attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he majored in Elementary Education. He began his professional career as a fourth- and fifth-grade math and science teacher. While working with young students was rewarding, Brown developed an interest in joining the ranks of administrative staff. He went back to school on evenings and weekends and received advanced degrees. He also received his vice principal’s certification. He took a job as a middle school vice principal in 1996.
During the course of his work as a middle school assistant principal, Ronnie Brown Mansfield worked closely with each teacher to foster staff development. He supported school- and district-wide efforts to revamp the curriculum to better meet the needs of students in a changing world. His focus on school safety led him to become one of the top assistant principals in the Pittsburgh area.
When Brown is not at school, he enjoys photography and travel. His favorite subjects are the majestic landscapes of the National Parks. He is married with four children and often takes them on adventures around the United States and abroad. With his extensive experience and strong skill set, Brown is a valued member of his school community. His unique combination of skills makes him an important resource for the teachers and administration in the Pittsburgh public school system.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I love exploring new landscapes. In the United States, we are blessed with such an amazing variety of natural environments. Seeing the ways that nature has shaped our world is a blessing and a joy. I love to take my wife and children to see new places as well. I feel that travel helps our family bond and become stronger together.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Traveling is a hobby for me. I work as an assistant principal most of the year, but I am fortunate to have summers off. During the summer, we like to take long road trips and to explore as many different environments as we can. We have an RV, and it is great to take our home on the road with us as we travel.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
We are planning a trip to Niagara Falls on our next long weekend. It’s relatively close to us, and two of our children have never been there before. We are planning to do all of the touristy activities as well as exploring nature. It’s a wonderful destination, and I look forward to sharing it with my family.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Make sure that each family member has his or her own space. Especially when you are traveling in close quarters, like in an RV, it’s important that everyone has a space to breathe. Be prepared for your children to get in more arguments if they are stuck in the back seat of the car or van while you are traveling.
Where would you like to go?
I’m hoping to get to Acadia National Park in Maine. I’ve never been there, and I’ve heard that the combination of mountain and seaside views is unique and gorgeous. I’m also planning a trip to Nova Scotia just after we go to Maine. This trip may take a few weeks out of next summer, but I think it will be worthwhile.
Where would you like to revisit?
I love the western National Parks. I would love to go back to Yosemite and Yellowstone. These landscapes are stunning. I also love the Grand Canyon, where we have returned every other year since the kids were little.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I almost never travel alone. I always have my wife with me, and usually one or more of our kids. As the oldest children are in college now, they can stay home when we take trips out of state. I think it would be lonely to travel alone. One of my favorite aspects of travel is family bonding when there are no daily stresses to contend with.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
I would recommend Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Cape Cod National Seashore. All three of these places hold special memories for me. In Yellowstone, we had a close and somewhat uncomfortable encounter with a bear, but I wouldn’t want anyone to be scared away.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
We travel as light as possible. Since we have the RV, we have a fair amount of storage space, but I prefer that my family pack light anyway. When we travel, our focus should be on exploring new places. Traveling light makes it easier to pick up and move when the mood strikes us.
