By Katie Chalfant
Newport Intermediate School
In 2008, I was attending a local university taking classes for my degree in Elementary Education. I recall hearing the name Ron Clark back then and even having one of his most well-known books, “The Essential 55” assigned as a required text in one of my courses. After years away from the education scene, more has changed than I could have ever imagined. However, one thing remains the same: Ron Clark is still an educational guru. On October 16, I got the pleasure, along with many others throughout my district, to not only meet Ron, but to hear his incredible story describing his journey through teaching and beyond.
I have never been more excited at 8:00 on a Monday morning, as I was that morning. Sitting in an auditorium packed with anticipation permeating the air from eager teachers, administration, district officials, students, and parents. After what felt like forever, finally, the introduction began. Ron came barreling down the aisle, donning a suede suit and fashionably paint-splattered gym shoes. He was radiating energy and excitement as he leaped up the small flight of stairs three at a time and landed with a thud on the stage, waving his spirit fingers for all to see. The crowd broke out in laughter and I was immediately hooked.
Ron Clark at his Academy
Ron began his time with us by sharing his story about becoming a teacher. The funny thing is, Ron did not want to be a teacher. In fact, he wanted to travel the world and see all of the exciting things it had to offer. It was his mother who forced him to go talk to the principal at a local school when she learned of an available teaching position. He did as he was told, only because he was told. He had absolutely no plan to take the available teaching position. Upon arriving at the school, he was met by a little boy being punished in the hallway. The little boy looked up at Ron and said, “Is you going to be our new teacher?” Ron said the only thing he felt in his heart. “Yeah, I guess I am.” That is how Ron Clark became a teacher.
I enjoyed this story because it resonated with me. I’m sure it resonated with many teachers in the room that day. As someone who graduated with my degree in teaching almost ten years ago and has just started my official first year in a traditional classroom, it made me think back to just what made me return to my roots as a teacher. It’s no secret that teachers don’t become teachers for the fame, fortune, and prestige. We do it for the kids. It is so evident in Ron’s story that he started down his incredible path for the sole purpose of the kids. The beauty of his continued success is that it has always been about the success of the children.
Ron Clark
This year, our district has decided to integrate a few of Ron’s tried and true rules to begin a transformation within our schools. The first rule we focused on for the first nine weeks was procedures and expectations. We discussed this rule in a school-wide assembly, practiced it within our classrooms, and put it to good use throughout our school. It was truly a joy to hear Ron tell us his ideas as they pertain to creating a disciplined atmosphere in his school. It is this type of atmosphere that can allow for the creative and perfectly awesome activities to take place. It is our hope and dream that our school will one day soon show that our practice of Ron Clark’s procedures and expectations have paid off.
The second of Ron’s rules that our school is focusing on is responding respectfully to adults and classmates. Ron demands respect from his students. They answer with, “Yes, ma’am”, “Yes, sir” as well as “No, ma’am’, “No, sir.” They are polite to all staff and visitors, as well as classmates. When one of their peers is speaking, all eyes are on that student. When a student gets a good grade on a test, they all clap and congratulate that student. The rapport between all people within the school is positive and uplifting. Everyone is everyone’s biggest fan. As I walk through the hallways these days, I am hearing more and more students respond by using, “Yes ma’am” and “No, ma’am.” It may be subtle, and more absent than present at this moment, but I can feel it shifting, and that is exciting.
It is obvious in Ron’s speaking just how passionate he is about these children. He tells stories of chugging chocolate milk and making himself sick in order to get the kids to pay attention during class. He withstood multiple failed attempts at a wicked game of double-dutch just to prove to his students that it pays to never give up. Ron Clark is like no other educator I’ve ever seen.
Just as I’ve seen the subtle shift in our students’ behavior, I can feel and see the not-so-subtle shift in our teachers’ behavior as well. Ron has lit a fire in many of us that has shown in more ways than one. Since our adventure with Ron, I’ve seen classrooms in my school transformed into escape rooms, campgrounds, and various other forms of environments to give our kids a new perspective and experience in learning.
It’s exciting!
Needless to say, Ron Clark changed so much that day. He created a ripple effect that started with each person in attendance. Each person was truly touched and inspired by his message, compassion, and true love for his kids. It’s beautiful to stop and think that just by hearing his message, the lives of the children here in our school will be changed for the better. All because we, as educators, have been inspired by one of education’s best.
Katie Chalfant was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. She graduated in 2008 from NKU and spent a little over a year teaching English in South Korea upon graduation. She returned home a few years ago and is currently a first year teacher teaching 4th grade in the traditional classroom setting. She loves her job and the students she gets to spend my days with.
Teacher Amanda Klare of Beechwood conceived this regular Voices From the Classroom and coordinates the teachers who produce it. Please submit columns to amanda.klare@beechwood.kyschools.us/em>
