Ron Clark Academy

I just returned from the most meaningful professional development opportunity I have had in my almost thirty years in education.  I am filled with enthusiasm, joy, and ideas to bring back to my classroom and school.

I found out about this opportunity when a high school friend of mine, who is now also an educator, posted on social media about a life changing experience she had when visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Ron Clark Academy is a private, nonprofit school.  It educates fifth through eighth grade students.  It also is a demonstration school.  Educators from around the country and the world come to the Ron Clark Academy to observe and learn about the successful techniques for teaching students that are being used at the Academy.

Hundreds of educators lined up outside of the Ron Clark Academy on the day of my visit.  As we waited, my friend and colleague, Kristen McDonald, said it felt similar to waiting to enter Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.  We entered the academy in a single file line.

As we entered the academy, I was overcome with emotion.  We were greeted by smiling faces, handshakes, and warm welcomes from the students of the academy.  We were also greeted with loud, joyous music, and wonderful explosive energy.

Following the warm welcome, we went to the gymnasium of the school.  There was a ceremony to announce the winner of an important school competition called The Amazing Shake.  We got to see footage of many of the challenges the students were presented with throughout the competition.  The winner was announced.  I was so touched by the embrace and emotions between the winner and his mother and with his fellow students.

Once we visited the gymnasium, we were taken from room to room to see different things.  All of the classrooms were transformed with art to reflect in some way the personality or vision of the educator who taught in that room.

Everywhere we went, we encountered students who were highly engaged and bursting with enthusiasm about school and learning.

The Ron Clark Academy was started by Ron Clark and Kim Beardon.  They met when they were chosen as Disney Teachers of the Year.  We had the opportunity throughout the day to observe Ron Clark teaching his students and in presentations for the visiting educators.  Kim Beardon was away from the academy the day of our visit.

I have been aware of Ron Clark for many years.  I was given one of his books, The Essential 55, one year by our school administration.  No prior knowledge about Ron Clark will prepare you for the experience of meeting him and hearing him speak.  Ron is a captivating speaker and storyteller.  It is evident why he has been so incredibly successful in touching the lives of so many.

All educators who visit the Ron Clark Academy are Slide Certified at the end of the visit.

At the end of my visit, I fully understood why my friend from high school and fellow educator, Linda Hallman Wooley, stated that she did not want to leave when it was time to go.

While I  did leave at the end of the day, I packed away so many wonderful ideas to take back with me.

I took with me all of the beautiful energy,  love, vibrancy, high expectations, and joy.

 I did not get home until midnight on the day of my visit.  I was so excited about what I experienced, that I was unable to get to sleep until four in the morning.  My mind was reeling.

I will forever be grateful to my high school friend, Linda Hallman Wooley, for letting me know of this opportunity, to my coworker, Kristen McDonald, for sharing the experience with me, and to my principal, Shane Lis, and all at my school who made this visit possible!  I am forever changed and cannot wait to see the transformation that will take place for my next five years teaching!