Ron Clark Academy

It’s been a week, and I’m still soaring from my trip to Atlanta. I find myself trying to figure out how I can get back, simply to soak in the greatness even more.

Not only did I get to learn from some of the best, but I was able to share this experience with some of my dear blogging friends. We shared laughs, ideas about what we had learned, and I know I walked away with strong friendships from this experience.

That first morning, we didn’t really know what to expect. When we walked into the academy, we were greeted by kind students, loud music, trampoline jumping, and dancing. (lots of dancing- I’m in heaven any time I can shake it.) My friend Stephanie, from Falling into First, even got to go on the trampoline! The energy was out. of. this. world. It was interesting to me because I start my day with calm music, where the students enter silently. This was different for me, but was thinking, “Wow! This could be really fun!”

The environment of the Ron Clark Academy blew me away as well. (Let’s get real… what didn’t blow me away here?) They have done an incredible job making the building so welcoming, engaging, and putting a personal touch on it with student pictures. The pictures of the staff and students were probably my favorite part of the hallways. I loved seeing pictures of them on their trips, events, or inspirational quotes that they created.

Hope introduced us to Mr. Clark and then he signed our books. When I got to him, he asked me what my blog was called. I told him, “The Balanced Teacher.” He looked at me and said, “I am still trying to find balance. Something we all need.” I told him how this little blog of mine was a work in progress and that I simply want to inspire people to take time for them. He looked me in the eyes and just smiled. This is a moment I’ll never forget.

I have only been back for a week and I can already tell a HUGE difference in my teaching. I am in my 11th year and this by far was the greatest experience of my teaching career. I came back to Chicago energized, alive, and even more passionate about my job. Not to mention, I have started dancing on my guided reading table. (Just sayin’…) I have had so many parents come to me and tell me about how their children came home and told them about my trip. One parent even told me how their daughter told them the analogy of the slide. I was so incredibly happy to hear this! I have been reading the Essential 55 aloud to my students and they love it!

Now, because I was so inspired, I want to give you the opportunity to win something. I’m going to be sending two lucky winners a copy of Ron Clark’s books. Enter to win either, “The Essential 55,” or “Move Your Bus.” Please share this out with your friends! Good luck, everyone!
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