A Dream Coming True

When I first started teaching, I stumbled upon a little book that really set things in motion for me.  Many of you may have read it.  It's title:  The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.

  I remember very clearly the year that I started reading the book.  It was my first year of teaching in a real school :)  I had 20 4th graders in my class and I was trying to teach them manners.  I was from the south and was living in the northwest.  Manners and northwest aren't as natural as they are in the south. There were many days when I just wanted them to say "Yes ma'am," but that was so culturally different for them.  Somehow this little book landed in my lap.  I latched on and began to implement many of the rules - not all.

Over the years, I've read his other books, watched the movies, etc.  I have been mesmerized by the impact that he has had on the field of education and on students.

I don't think that he does anything extraordinary, or anything that is necessarily unique.  But what I do know is he does something to build relationships with his kids and his parents.  Through my career, that has been my goal.

No, Ron Clark is not the reason I became a teacher, but he does have a lot to do with the reason that I remain in the classroom.

This week, I finally get to meet one of my educational heroes.  My school is hosting him for the day.  I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.  But, the BEST part is...I get to be his personal host.  Ya'll, this is big time.  Yes, me - a 4th grade teacher who is exhausted, stressed, and wondering just how much longer I can put in 14 hour days.  

I'll be posting afterward to let you know how things turn out.  Stay tuned for  lots of pics.