Teacher puke! Does it get any better than that for a sixth grader?!
However disappointing this news may be, Mr. Clark didn’t barf that day, at least, not according to the Ron Clark Story, the movie (starring Matthew Perry) made about his work in Harlem. In the life of a middle school student, the mere suggestion of a digestive pyrotechnic display solicits, well, a sort of gross sense of curiosity. They tune in. They wait. And yes, they anticipate the “emetic event.” To not make good on it could almost be considered anathema in their young minds.
So what did they gain that day if not to eyewitness the ever hoped for hurling? Knowledge. Knowledge of the written word, how to place a verb, pin down a noun and un- dangle that dreaded dangling participle. But they learned something else, too. In an odd kind of disgusting way, they learned that with obedience there is often a reward. They learned respect and the value of listening. It’s not your average teaching technique but the results are remarkable ... with or without the coveted up-chuck.
And no subject is sacred. Take American History, for instance. Clark takes his own explosive energy, adds that to lyric and rhythm and then divides it with the names of our nation’s states and capitals. What’s the answer to such an equation? A lesson that’s forever imprinted on the minds of his young students who, by the end of a few dance filled rap sessions, can name all of these United States and their capitals from Juneau to Tallahassee. No beat skipped.
With a track record that doesn’t speak volumes, it screams them, he’ll proudly tell you that by the time his students complete the eighth grade, they will have visited six of the seven continents. His students often test above grade level and by the time they move on from his class, they are well mannered, positive and most are college bound. And they’re liable to look you squarely in the eye with confidence and ever so politely tell you so.
He seems to take winning Disney’s coveted Teacher of the Year Award in stride. But with rich enthusiasm, Clark will share how he’s shaken the hands of the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandella, and President and Mrs. Clinton but his truest inspiration seems to be the students. “I learn so much from them. And my kids learn right from the start that if you’re in my class, we are family. We’re there for each other.” And Clark stays true to that commitment even when a class moves on. “My first class in Harlem is about to graduate but I’ve been getting reports about their grades all along. They still call me to ask questions about interviews or colleges.”
Perhaps the most valuable thing he’s managed to teach them is to love learning.
So, what’s this legendary tall, skinny white guy wearing a tie and doing history rap lessons really like? After about an hour with him, I only know a few things for sure. I know that he’s intentional when he shakes a hand in greeting. He’s polite in the most southern of ways from his genteel, “Yes, ma’am’s” to his crisp, clean “No sirs.” His North Carolina drawl is endearing as he exudes all the charm of a little boy hiding a frog in his pocket.
When it comes to his students, he’s on fire. He embodies a genuine exuberance for the art of teaching. His vision for education rolls off his tongue with such vibrant clarity one can nearly see it unfold in the moment, right there on that bare concrete floor in what will soon be The Ron Clark Academy.
His vision for education took flight some time ago but is now on the verge of drawing its first breath in Atlanta. The academy is scheduled to begin classes in the fall of 2007 right in the heart of the city on Margaret Street (off of Jonesboro Road, SE). With a location hand picked by Clark himself he says, “We are needed here. This area has its share of drug deals and prostitution, but we’re going to make this building a place of learning. It’ll turn this neighborhood around.”
His faculty is composed of like-minded individuals who see education in much the same way and share Clark’s vision for the academy. Kim Bearden, who was among the nominations for Disney’s American Teacher Awards and was honored as Cobb County’s Teacher of the Year, serves as Co-Founder, Executive Director and Language Arts Teacher. She was among those who rifled through hundreds of teacher resumes looking for the perfect fit. The screening process to find teachers was strict. “We were looking for educators who are innovative geniuses, passionate beyond words and gifted leaders in their respective fields.”
While standing on the dusty concrete floor, surrounded by building materials and bare walls, Clark painted a verbal picture complete with animated gestures and expression. His description of the state-of-the-art equipment that’s been donated is nothing short of inspiring. He described every room, (and I mean every room). For instance, “A lot of school conflict occurs in the restroom,” said Clark. So, how about this: “Flat screen TV’s broadcasting the news in the restroom.” Hopefully, a TV will serve as just enough distraction to help the kids get from point A to point B and avoid trouble in that one unmonitored area. “We’re a laboratory school so we can try it and see if it works. That’s why we’re private, so we can try these new things.” It’s an approach that gives permission for a method to fail while the faculty and students continue on a path of success until a new method is found that yields results.
Clark’s contagious vision cannot be contained on Margaret Street in Atlanta. “We’re gonna make a global change in education,” said Clark. Such enthusiasm has the power to draw a person right into a collision course with that vision.
Jeanne Lynch, a fiery Gwinnettian and fourth grade teacher at Lawrenceville Elementary is one such person who credits Clark after hearing him speak, “He reminded me of why I wanted to be a teacher. He fanned that flame.”
Having been in the classroom teaching for eleven years, Lynch has seen her fair share of teaching tactics. She’s known as the strictest teacher in the school, (same as Clark) and she says, “Sure I’m strict. But nobody messes with my kids.”
That, “we’re a family, we stick together” mindset seems to catapult so many kids from recalcitrance and ugly competition to camaraderie and mutual support in the classroom. It separates the teachers who go through the motions from the ones who run full throttle on the course with boundless enthusiasm and genuine concern for the individual that sits in that little chair five days a week. Lynch believes that every child deserves a shot at being, “better than his or her circumstances.” And they can be with little more than the sincere belief that there’s someone who believes in them and will help them find their way. “Many kids have that support at home. Sadly, many, many don’t.” But honestly, can a kid have too many people believing in his or her potential?
After hearing Clark speak, Lynch went back to her class and laid it out on the line. “Alright guys... there is so much potential in this room and you are going to be all you can be.” She read to them from Clarks book, ‘The Essential 55’, a New York Best Seller he’s written that explains some basic rules for life, like proper table manners as well as rules for the classroom.
“I teach you and you teach me. Together we learn to love to learn,” says Clark to his students and Lynch couldn’t agree more. “My students are inspiring,” she says and to hear her talk about them, it’s clear that her classroom is alive with activity and sometimes, brimming with wackiness for it’s own sake.
Recently, Lynch attempted a writing lesson with her fourth grade students. “Write two paragraphs under the title, ‘Something I Learned In A Funny Moment With Mrs. Lynch.’” But the students protested, “How can we do that? We’re always laughing!” My conversation with her reflected that jolly soul, who loves to learn and enjoys the rush of a good hearty laugh while doing it. Apparently, her students concur.
We have really great teachers in Gwinnett, and Lynch will testify, however biased it may be, that Lawrenceville Elementary is the best school with the best teachers...ever! It’s our hope at AG that this next school year will be a year of passion for all teachers in Gwinnett. May your year be a year of inspiration!
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