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| The Ron Clark Academy gate entrance! |
Let me first start off by saying that I have watched every single YouTube video related to Ron Clark and RCA...twice. I've read every single book published by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden, have seen the Ron Clark movie 4 times, and spent an embarrassing amount of hours reading blogs of teachers I envied who got the chance to attend the Ron Clark Academy educator training. I was without a doubt obsessed- and for those familiar with RCA, you know I had good reason to be.
Last April I was lucky enough to attend the Ron Clark Academy Educator training (internally I'm still screaming because my dreams came true!) You know that old saying 'people will forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them FEEL'? Yeah, it's true. I honestly remember my time at RCA so vividly because it left such a profound impact on me. Although it will be difficult to put into words how incredible my experience was, I'll do best to explain the highlights!
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| Slide Certification: Check! |
Walking through the gates and into the academy was an experience in itself! So much energy! Students smiled as they danced to the upbeat music playing loudly throughout the amazing and vibrant colored building. We were all led into the gymnasium where we had the opportunity to speak with many RCA students. I was instantly blown away with their speaking and conversation skills. They spoke loudly, clearly, used their hands, asked me questions in return and had a genuine interest in what I had to say. I guess I was so in awe with their social skills because I had never seen these characteristics in any student before... the girls and boys I spoke to that morning were 5th graders- nine and ten year olds! The mannerisms of every RCA student alone is enough to have made the trip worthwhile- I couldn't wait to get back and start teaching MY students these important skills.
Throughout the two days, I visited many classrooms and was able to hear from and watch the teaching skills in action of all the phenomenal educators at the academy. Now, having Instagram stalked all my faves like Hope King, co-founder Kim Bearden, and Wade King for so long before, you could say I was DYING of excitement when I got to meet them and physically BE in their indescribable classrooms! I could write about 1,000 pages worth of information I gained from each and every educator, but like I said earlier I'll keep this to the point and just share the highlights.
HOPE KING: I have to share that when I went up to introduce myself to her I held out my hand to shake hers, and in return she spread her arms out and gave me a hug instead. I was a complete stranger to her and she made me feel so warm and welcomed. I couldn't help but think, 'wow, that's how I want to make people feel!'.
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| Of course I had to take a pic with one of my faves :) |
While I was in her Alice and Wonderland themed classroom, she shared her amazing attention getters, games, and inspired our group to stay consistent with expectations- no matter how tired we are!
WADE KING: He's honestly the coolest guy ever. Watching him interact with students was a real treat. He shared his story of how he got into education, taught us the importance of putting time and effort in to making a classroom environment spectacular, and even played his guitar!
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| Wade King's music themed classroom! |
DANIEL THOMPSON: The science teacher with a classroom just as amazing as his personality! He stressed the importance of having students always track the speaker and as a teacher to move with purpose and ALWAYS face the kids.
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| Daniel Thompson demonstrating excellence in the classroom |
KIM BEARDEN: Co-founder of RCA, and the true definition of what it is to be a leader. In my opinion, leaders inspire action ... and that's exactly what Kim instilled in me. I walked out of her room feeling capable of making a positive change in the lives of my students, even when I have unfortunate events happen in my personal life. In addition to that, she shared personal stories, and reminded us that a little magic can make all the difference in a classroom.
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| Kim is SO sweet and personable, she was even kind enough to sign and write a personal message in her incredibly inspiring book, Crash Course, for me. |
RON CLARK: Watching him teach is what I honestly looked forward to the most. The ENERGY this guy has is astounding. He has a way of interacting with kids in a way that you must see for yourself in person- my words would do no justice. Even just sitting and observing I personally felt energized and inclined to participate with the kids! (I mean, I didn't, of course, but I wanted to, ha!) Hearing him speak so passionately about his purpose and his life at RCA made me feel very emotional. When meeting him personally I couldn't help but tear up as I thanked him for everything he had taught me.
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| Ron Clark in action! |
Some other take-aways from the Ron Clark Academy experience:
1. It's not what you teach, it's HOW you teach; what you put into selling is what they will buy
2. Less memorization, more APPLICATION
3. Consistency with expectations: every second of every day
4. Formula for classroom success: discipline, respect, structure BALANCED with creativity, passion and enthusiasm
5. Mix a student's weakness with an interest
6. Your vibe is your tribe
7. Eat lunch with your kids every single day
8. A classroom should have movement, music, and magic :)
Four years of college courses combined could not even come close to teaching me as much as my two short days at RCA have. Seriously.
It was bittersweet leaving the Ron Clark Academy. Part of me wanted to hurry and get back to my own classroom because my head was exploding with ideas I could not wait to implement. The other part of me was so sad to leave an environment so profound and life-changing. The Ron Clark Academy is the definition of academic and social excellence in a school. As I walked out the gates of RCA one last time I vowed to myself that every day I step into my classroom, I will put in the same excellence and energy as I have witnessed at RCA.
My experience has changed me as a professional and as a human being in the most positive way possible, and I could not be more grateful.
My heart is full. 💙
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| My ultimate role model, the man himself: Ron Clark! |
