Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy?If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
I did not know anything about the Ron Clark Academy. It's amazing to see how Ron Clark didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, but he took a leap and he has impacted the education system.
Before reading the book I had no idea about the Ron Clark Academy. I was recommended the book by my mother who said it changed her life in teaching. My first impressions after reading the intro was just wow. I can't believe it. I think it is amazing he was inspired after walking into the building and seeing the the students. I also think it is so powerful how he was able to impact the entire education system.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
I had no idea the Ron Clark Academy even existed if we are honest. My first impressions are that it's nice as an idea. But it's also kind of a long lost dream considering the state of our current life in America. I think it's an inspiring idea. I like the idea of people who aren't at first attracted to education stepping in and finding their fire. Sometimes those people become really great educators. I love the community buy-in. But we have so many things going on in 2025, that right now I'm just worried about showing my students stability and a light at the end of the tunnel. What he is talking about almost seems -- like an unattainable, unrealistic dream when I'm worried about basic things like democracy being here past the next few years. How strange to think about that when I'd never have stated something like that five years ago... It truly does show how our perspectives shift over time. I'll be interested to see how he makes this feel real and usable in each classroom. I obviously don't have 'turn a warehouse into a school' money.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
I have no background on Ron Clark Academy, other than reading/completing the Kim Bearden "Talk to Me" book where she mentions Ron Clark a few times.
My first impression is that - it's an honorable mission/and idea - and I applaud him for going the length to provide an example of what school could be - with the intent of spreading the gospel to all schools for maximum impact (knowing that the school can only enroll so many students per year). Sometimes I wonder about schools like this; how they actually function in the real world (esp post-covid 2025) how are they doing now? ...are these altruistic mission still attainable? Is it too selective, or like an ongoing experiment that is difficult to standardize for the modern classroom and "what we deal with"? I don't know, and I'm curious to find out/if my opinions change at all throughout the book.
I had heard of the Ron Clark Academy after completing my last book Study, Talk to Me. One of the documentaries of the Amazing Shake National Competition gave me a glimpse of the opportunities he provides students. After just reading the contents of the book, I could tell that our Core Principals and Values very much align. I look forward to learning more about him.
I have heard of Ron Clark and have seen a little bit on social media. It is an interesting thought and hopeful goal. I didn't know there was a Ron Clark Academy either.
Before starting this book I had heard of Ron Clark and read a few articles about him, his school, and his philosophy. My mentor, Dr. Sheli O. Smith (pretty amazing herself) used his story in workshops to motivate and inspire teachers to try new things and break out of the rut institutional/traditional education had become (and still is, sadly). His story show how teachers can make a difference, but not by following… by leading!
Before reading this book I had never heard of Ron Clark or his school. After reading the first few pages, he sounds like someone I could learn a lot from. I think it would be amazing to attend his school in person and see all the solutions his staff uses for their classrooms, students, and families. I think his perspective of thinking outside of the box and encouraging others in education to do so can make a huge transformation in the results educators see.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
Prior to reading this book - I had not heard of Ron Clark or his Academy. He certainly is full of energy & does manage to intrigue the reader/educator with his introduction in this book. His dedication to creating an "out of the box" learning environment for students is quite commendable.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
Before reading this book I had never heard of the Ron Clark Academy. My first impression were that I was excited to think that there people out there that are so dedicated to the mission of education that they were willing to spend a huge amount of their own money to improve it for others! It's an incredible mission. This shows passion, compassion and drive. I want to know more!
I had never heard of the Ron Clark Academy until I completed a book study that had a documentary about The Shake competition. This inspired me to research more about RCA and then I found this book listed as a book study and knew I needed to read it. I just find him so engaging and I look forward to reading this book and diving in deeper. I love hearing about strategies other teachers use!
Prior to reading the book, I had heard of Ron Clark but didn't know that he had created a school. I had seen bits and pieces of the movie that was done about it him. My first impressions are that he has a lot of energy and I want a slide in my school!
Prior to reading the book, I had heard of Ron Clark but didn't know that he had created a school. I had seen bits and pieces of the movie that was done about it him. My first impressions are that he has a lot of energy and I want a slide in my school!
I do not know much about Ron Clark. I have heard his name in some other books, but I don't know anything about him other than he is the author of this book!
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
Prior to reading this book I knew a little about RCA. This is only because of my other book study, Talk to Me by Kim Bearden which I really recommend! I also happened to be scrolling some sort of streaming service and came across the Ron Clark Story which I know I had seen before, but didn't really know who he was until my other book study. My first impressions with the book are excitement. I knew from my other book study, the personality would be big and the expectations would be even bigger. I am excited to dive in deeper.
I had heard of Ron Clark and Ron Clark Academy when I was in college. I think one of my professors even showed us clips from the movie. From what I remember hearing of it, RCA is a unique school that focuses on student (and teacher) creativity. There is also a lot of enthusiastic and motivated teachers at RCA. Other than that, I really couldn't remember much more. After reading the preface and introduction, I am so excited to read this book! I had no idea that he wasn't set on being a teacher to begin with! I am looking forward to reading this book and can hopefully implement some of his strategies into my own teaching!
It has been many years since I first heard of Ron Clark and in college it was the topic of many of our teaching discussions. We wondered if his approach and techniques could improve all aspect of learning. I am looking for some inspiration for my teaching position.
Before reading this book, I did not know anything about the Ron Clark Academy. After reading the preface and introduction, my first impression was one of inspiration and admiration. I was especially moved by Ron Clark’s journey—how he did not initially know what he wanted to do with his life but, with encouragement and a leap of faith, fully committed himself to reimagining education. I found it inspiring that he was willing to take risks and create something entirely new rather than accept the limitations of the traditional system. His boldness and passion for students encouraged me to reflect on how I, too, can step outside of comfort zones to better serve the children in my classroom.
Before reading this book, I was unaware about the Ron Clark Academy. However, after reading the first few pages, I was quickly engaged and interested because of how motivated and committed he was to making his dream come true. His clear passion for students was very noticeable and consistent throughout. How he pushed through difficult times and challenged himself further shows not only what kind of a empathetic person he is but also his faith and commitment to serving the students.
When I started this class, I had read one of his books quite a while ago and seen him on Oprah but never knew he had built a Ron Clark Academy. After reading the introduction it is just amazing how motivated, enthusiastic, and inspirational he is to others. He has a can-do attitude and is a very personable person.
Prior to reading the first part of this book, I knew a bit about Ron Clark and his work in education. There are a couple of schools in my area who have adopted one or two things in their buildings following his example. I am interested to read more. I am quite astonished about what he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time in education.
Sorry - forgot to post under my name: Prior to reading the first part of this book, I knew a bit about Ron Clark and his work in education. There are a couple of schools in my area who have adopted one or two things in their buildings following his example. I am interested to read more. I am quite astonished about what he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time in education.
Before reading this book I knew nothing of the Ron Clark Academy. teaching and unique culture. After reading the preface and introduction, my first impressions are that the Ron Clark Academy is a place where creativity, enthusiasm, and relationships are central to learning. It feels like this will be inspirational and the that the school is a model of balancing expectations with joy and engagement. I am hopeful it will help me to think about how I can bring elements of that energy into my own work with students.
I knew nothing about RCA before reading this book.
It's very inspiring to see him take that leap of faith. Sometimes it's scary to chase your dreams-but he did just that and it's really cool to see. I was really impressed about Oprah!
Prior to reading this book, I had not ever heard of the Ron Clark Academy. After reading the preface and introduction, I am curious to learn more. Ron seems like he is adventurous and truly in education to make a lasting impact on the students. With his ability to draw in big names like Matthew Perry and Oprah Winfrey into his story, I am curious to learn more about what he is doing to attract that attention.
Before reading this book, I did not know about the Ron Clark Academy? My first impressions after reading the preface and introduction is WOW! I love people who think outside of the box and try to find new ways of engaging students in learning. As a music teacher I wonder if they use music to connect with the students.
Before reading this book, I honestly didn’t know much, if anything, about the Ron Clark Academy.
After reading the preface and introduction, my first impression is that the Ron Clark Academy is very intentionally built to look and feel different from a traditional school. Right away, the emphasis on energy, expectations, and purpose makes it clear that this is not a place where passive learning or low engagement is acceptable. Instead, everything seems centered on getting students actively involved, challenged, and genuinely excited about learning. I also thought about how difficult some of these strategies would be for my school being it is a public school in a rural area and what ideas/strategies could be successfully implemented in my situation.
I also connected strongly with the focus on culture. I have a deep understanding of how difficult it is to build and maintain a strong culture. It requires constant attention to detail, everything from expectations, to effort, to daily interactions between people. Those small things matter a great deal, and staying consistent with them can be both exhausting and challenging, especially when you are trying to shift habits or establish something new. Being that vigilant about culture requires all stakeholders to be on board, students, teachers, administrators, and even families. Therefore, I had a deep respect for the amount of effort and work that would require in any school situation.
I had known of Ron Clark but didn't know much about the Ron Clark Academy. My first impression is wow, what an undertaking that was to get the school set up and going. Additionally, what an awesome opportunity for those students - to have a place where things were going to be different, where the would matter, and be able to learn in a different way. How cool?!
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
ReplyDeleteI did not know anything about the Ron Clark Academy. It's amazing to see how Ron Clark didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, but he took a leap and he has impacted the education system.
Before reading the book I had no idea about the Ron Clark Academy. I was recommended the book by my mother who said it changed her life in teaching. My first impressions after reading the intro was just wow. I can't believe it. I think it is amazing he was inspired after walking into the building and seeing the the students. I also think it is so powerful how he was able to impact the entire education system.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
I had no idea the Ron Clark Academy even existed if we are honest. My first impressions are that it's nice as an idea. But it's also kind of a long lost dream considering the state of our current life in America. I think it's an inspiring idea. I like the idea of people who aren't at first attracted to education stepping in and finding their fire. Sometimes those people become really great educators. I love the community buy-in. But we have so many things going on in 2025, that right now I'm just worried about showing my students stability and a light at the end of the tunnel. What he is talking about almost seems -- like an unattainable, unrealistic dream when I'm worried about basic things like democracy being here past the next few years. How strange to think about that when I'd never have stated something like that five years ago... It truly does show how our perspectives shift over time. I'll be interested to see how he makes this feel real and usable in each classroom. I obviously don't have 'turn a warehouse into a school' money.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
ReplyDeleteI have no background on Ron Clark Academy, other than reading/completing the Kim Bearden "Talk to Me" book where she mentions Ron Clark a few times.
My first impression is that - it's an honorable mission/and idea - and I applaud him for going the length to provide an example of what school could be - with the intent of spreading the gospel to all schools for maximum impact (knowing that the school can only enroll so many students per year). Sometimes I wonder about schools like this; how they actually function in the real world (esp post-covid 2025) how are they doing now? ...are these altruistic mission still attainable? Is it too selective, or like an ongoing experiment that is difficult to standardize for the modern classroom and "what we deal with"? I don't know, and I'm curious to find out/if my opinions change at all throughout the book.
I had heard of the Ron Clark Academy after completing my last book Study, Talk to Me. One of the documentaries of the Amazing Shake National Competition gave me a glimpse of the opportunities he provides students. After just reading the contents of the book, I could tell that our Core Principals and Values very much align. I look forward to learning more about him.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of Ron Clark and have seen a little bit on social media. It is an interesting thought and hopeful goal. I didn't know there was a Ron Clark Academy either.
ReplyDeleteBefore starting this book I had heard of Ron Clark and read a few articles about him, his school, and his philosophy. My mentor, Dr. Sheli O. Smith (pretty amazing herself) used his story in workshops to motivate and inspire teachers to try new things and break out of the rut institutional/traditional education had become (and still is, sadly). His story show how teachers can make a difference, but not by following… by leading!
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book I had never heard of Ron Clark or his school. After reading the first few pages, he sounds like someone I could learn a lot from. I think it would be amazing to attend his school in person and see all the solutions his staff uses for their classrooms, students, and families. I think his perspective of thinking outside of the box and encouraging others in education to do so can make a huge transformation in the results educators see.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
ReplyDeletePrior to reading this book - I had not heard of Ron Clark or his Academy. He certainly is full of energy & does manage to intrigue the reader/educator with his introduction in this book. His dedication to creating an "out of the box" learning environment for students is quite commendable.
Before reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book I had never heard of the Ron Clark Academy. My first impression were that I was excited to think that there people out there that are so dedicated to the mission of education that they were willing to spend a huge amount of their own money to improve it for others! It's an incredible mission. This shows passion, compassion and drive. I want to know more!
I had never heard of the Ron Clark Academy until I completed a book study that had a documentary about The Shake competition. This inspired me to research more about RCA and then I found this book listed as a book study and knew I needed to read it. I just find him so engaging and I look forward to reading this book and diving in deeper. I love hearing about strategies other teachers use!
ReplyDeletePrior to reading the book, I had heard of Ron Clark but didn't know that he had created a school. I had seen bits and pieces of the movie that was done about it him. My first impressions are that he has a lot of energy and I want a slide in my school!
ReplyDeleteReposting with my name!
ReplyDeletePrior to reading the book, I had heard of Ron Clark but didn't know that he had created a school. I had seen bits and pieces of the movie that was done about it him. My first impressions are that he has a lot of energy and I want a slide in my school!
I do not know much about Ron Clark. I have heard his name in some other books, but I don't know anything about him other than he is the author of this book!
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, what did you know about the Ron Clark Academy? If you knew nothing about it, what are your first impressions after reading the preface and introduction to this book?
ReplyDeletePrior to reading this book I knew a little about RCA. This is only because of my other book study, Talk to Me by Kim Bearden which I really recommend! I also happened to be scrolling some sort of streaming service and came across the Ron Clark Story which I know I had seen before, but didn't really know who he was until my other book study.
My first impressions with the book are excitement. I knew from my other book study, the personality would be big and the expectations would be even bigger. I am excited to dive in deeper.
I had heard of Ron Clark and Ron Clark Academy when I was in college. I think one of my professors even showed us clips from the movie. From what I remember hearing of it, RCA is a unique school that focuses on student (and teacher) creativity. There is also a lot of enthusiastic and motivated teachers at RCA. Other than that, I really couldn't remember much more.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the preface and introduction, I am so excited to read this book! I had no idea that he wasn't set on being a teacher to begin with! I am looking forward to reading this book and can hopefully implement some of his strategies into my own teaching!
It has been many years since I first heard of Ron Clark and in college it was the topic of many of our teaching discussions. We wondered if his approach and techniques could improve all aspect of learning. I am looking for some inspiration for my teaching position.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, I did not know anything about the Ron Clark Academy. After reading the preface and introduction, my first impression was one of inspiration and admiration. I was especially moved by Ron Clark’s journey—how he did not initially know what he wanted to do with his life but, with encouragement and a leap of faith, fully committed himself to reimagining education. I found it inspiring that he was willing to take risks and create something entirely new rather than accept the limitations of the traditional system. His boldness and passion for students encouraged me to reflect on how I, too, can step outside of comfort zones to better serve the children in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, I was unaware about the Ron Clark Academy. However, after reading the first few pages, I was quickly engaged and interested because of how motivated and committed he was to making his dream come true. His clear passion for students was very noticeable and consistent throughout. How he pushed through difficult times and challenged himself further shows not only what kind of a empathetic person he is but also his faith and commitment to serving the students.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started this class, I had read one of his books quite a while ago and seen him on Oprah but never knew he had built a Ron Clark Academy.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the introduction it is just amazing how motivated, enthusiastic, and inspirational he is to others. He has a can-do attitude and is a very personable person.
Prior to reading the first part of this book, I knew a bit about Ron Clark and his work in education. There are a couple of schools in my area who have adopted one or two things in their buildings following his example. I am interested to read more. I am quite astonished about what he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time in education.
ReplyDeleteSorry - forgot to post under my name: Prior to reading the first part of this book, I knew a bit about Ron Clark and his work in education. There are a couple of schools in my area who have adopted one or two things in their buildings following his example. I am interested to read more. I am quite astonished about what he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time in education.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book I knew nothing of the Ron Clark Academy. teaching and unique culture. After reading the preface and introduction, my first impressions are that the Ron Clark Academy is a place where creativity, enthusiasm, and relationships are central to learning. It feels like this will be inspirational and the that the school is a model of balancing expectations with joy and engagement. I am hopeful it will help me to think about how I can bring elements of that energy into my own work with students.
ReplyDeleteI knew nothing about RCA before reading this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's very inspiring to see him take that leap of faith. Sometimes it's scary to chase your dreams-but he did just that and it's really cool to see. I was really impressed about Oprah!
Prior to reading this book, I had not ever heard of the Ron Clark Academy. After reading the preface and introduction, I am curious to learn more. Ron seems like he is adventurous and truly in education to make a lasting impact on the students. With his ability to draw in big names like Matthew Perry and Oprah Winfrey into his story, I am curious to learn more about what he is doing to attract that attention.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, I did not know about the Ron Clark Academy? My first impressions after reading the preface and introduction is WOW! I love people who think outside of the box and try to find new ways of engaging students in learning. As a music teacher I wonder if they use music to connect with the students.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, I honestly didn’t know much, if anything, about the Ron Clark Academy.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the preface and introduction, my first impression is that the Ron Clark Academy is very intentionally built to look and feel different from a traditional school. Right away, the emphasis on energy, expectations, and purpose makes it clear that this is not a place where passive learning or low engagement is acceptable. Instead, everything seems centered on getting students actively involved, challenged, and genuinely excited about learning. I also thought about how difficult some of these strategies would be for my school being it is a public school in a rural area and what ideas/strategies could be successfully implemented in my situation.
I also connected strongly with the focus on culture. I have a deep understanding of how difficult it is to build and maintain a strong culture. It requires constant attention to detail, everything from expectations, to effort, to daily interactions between people. Those small things matter a great deal, and staying consistent with them can be both exhausting and challenging, especially when you are trying to shift habits or establish something new. Being that vigilant about culture requires all stakeholders to be on board, students, teachers, administrators, and even families. Therefore, I had a deep respect for the amount of effort and work that would require in any school situation.
I had known of Ron Clark but didn't know much about the Ron Clark Academy. My first impression is wow, what an undertaking that was to get the school set up and going. Additionally, what an awesome opportunity for those students - to have a place where things were going to be different, where the would matter, and be able to learn in a different way. How cool?!
ReplyDelete