Our shirts say "Essential #56- Attend Ron Clark Academy. That's right! My dream came true and I was able to attend the RCA with my awesome principal Tiffany. Thank you Tiffany for making this happen! Excited does even begin to describe how I felt about being able to attend RCA, as you can tell from the picture below. Ha!
This my friends is me FREAKING OUT because we are headed into the Ron Clark Academy. The AMAZING Ron Clark was at the door greeting us and I pretty much attacked him. I was jumping up and down and hugged him. As soon as I let go I looked at him and then hugged him again. I couldn't contain my excitement! As soon as we enter I see all of my EduHeros. There they were in real life! And y'all they are just as nice in person as you would expect them to be.
I was so happy to meet Hope King. Y'all she knew who I was. She knew I was Principal Teacher! How cool is that? I was shaking too much to take this selfie because I was freaking out inside! She was gracious enough to take my phone and take the pic. I wanted to talk with her more but wasn't able to. So Hope I want you to know that you are an inspiration to so many! Thank you for all you do! See you in Orlando!
I also saw Kim Bearden! Y'all seriously one of the nicest ladies. I sat in awe just listening to her speak. When I had the chance to finally talk to her I could hardly get the words out. Y'all I was so excited! I need to learn to calm myself down and "be cool". But it wasn't happening on this particular day. Don't let the pic below fool you. I was tripping over all my words because I was just...you guessed it EXCITED!!! I should learn some new adjectives but I got nothing right now. Oh and this post is to express my true and raw feelings so you will find errors everywhere. Sorry english peeps!
Ok as I was saying..Kim. AMAZING! I felt like I couldn't stop grinning listening to her. I also had urges to yell AMEN in response to pretty much EVERYTHING she said. She is the real deal!
Ok then there is this thing. It's in the gym and I ran towards it when I saw it. I mean how COOL is this. There were things like this all over the building. Even the bathrooms were decked out!
I also got to see Ron Clark teach his students. I CRIED! That's right the excitement was so much and so overwhelming I cried! All he had was a promethean board, pen, and music and he had the students more engaged then I have ever seen any other teacher. He also doesn't mess around when he teaches. He doesn't allow for a single student to get off task. If they do there are consequences. They are so discreet and quick you hardly know what just happened. I was just like "Rock on sir! Rock on!" This is the very reason why his 5th graders can do work well above their expected grade level.
Ok let's talk about this guy right here. Junior Bernadin. I just want to kick myself for not getting a picture with him. So I just stole one off of google. He is one of a kind. At one point we had a question and answer session and after the session he talked to me one on one about student discipline. I NEEDED to have that conversation with him. He and I are doing very similar things with our students and regards to discipline. I am only a second year AP and still have a lot to learn, but it was reassuring to hear that I was on the right track with what I was doing.
Oh and did I mention I meet Dwayne Reed. You know who he is. Think of the song "Welcome to 4th grade. I'm happy to meet you...." If you haven't heard this song you are living under a rock. I also met Brandon Fleming. Such a nice guy and look at that smile! Keep being awesome Brandon!
Ok so this is the time where I met Ron Clark again and didn't attack him. I was much calmer and overwhelmed with all I learned. I was processing everything and this was the only time I couldn't find my words. There are so many things I wish I would have said to him. I hope and pray that one day our paths cross again and I am able to tell him the impact he has made on me as an educator. Mr. Clark I did write you a letter. I hope you get it! This man has a true heart for education and loves his students, staff, and even strangers fiercely. He has a true gift.
I did not post any pictures of the students our of respect for their families. They amazed me. They are able to hold onto a conversation better than any other student I have met. They are polite, look at you in the eye, and work hard. This is a result of the adults in their lives having high expectations for them and demanding the best. These students are the future leaders of our country and I couldn't be more proud of them.
If you have never been to the RCA you need to go. It is a life changing experience and is how schools should be. I want to go back to the 2 day training and take as many teachers as possible. Thank you RCA for allowing us to visit!
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