I recently had the opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to visit the Ron Clark Academy and it was MAGIC. When I got the news that I would be going I was ecstatic, but to be honest I'm not the best traveler; I love it, but it makes me nervous! And going to this school gave me all the jitters, I was so excited.
As soon as I walked in the door I was put at ease, the students in this school are the sweetest, and most polite children I have ever encountered in my life. When they approach you they make you feel wanted and so welcome. It was like they were waiting just for ME to get there, which can make a teacher any person feel so special! I can't help but want that for anybody that walks into my school, how great would that be?!
When I was in high school we watched The Ron Clark Story in english class, and at that moment my life changed. I wanted to be that kind of teacher. Before that moment I had always wanted to be a teacher, but I wasn't passion driven, what Ron Clark did changed my whole perspective on the career. I had a drive to be the kind of person that changed lives and made a difference. I wanted to be the kind of educator that made kids want to come to school!
All of the teachers at this school have that drive and passion and it's absolutely amazing. To be in the presence of such admirable people gives you the kind of push to be better and to do more. I already know my summer will be spent thinking of new things, and getting the things I need to make these ideas happen. As I was watching lessons, and listening to the teachers my mind was thinking of all the possibilities.
My time at the school was hands down, the best professional development I've ever done. I've only taught for two years, but I have a feeling that isn't going to change. If you are ever given the opportunity, GO! I wish for everyone to have a chance to experience the joy and love of this school. But go with a positive mind, and think of all you can do, not of everything you can't do!
If I could take one thing away from this experience it would be to teach with all you have. Bad days suck, sometimes life in general just sucks. But we only have so much time with these kids that will one day be making impacts on our society, so make each day meaningful!
The complaints I always hear usually have something to do with RCA being a private school and having more opportunities, which is true in most cases, such as travel. But don't let what you don't have prevent you from trying. Magic can happen in your classroom if you open your mind to it. I've transformed my classroom with just tablecloths and a good story. Your students have imaginations, we as teachers need to take that and use it!
Watching Hope King teach like, is this real life!?
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