On Nov. 8, the ELA-8 Teaching and Learning Center team was given the wonderful opportunity to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Southeast Atlanta. If you have not heard of it, the Ron Clark Academy is a middle school for children in grades 5-8, housed in an old, renovated factory building. Ron Clark is the author of many books, one being "The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules For Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child."
Included in this entertaining book, readers will find the 55 most important rules that promote respect for self and for others. For example, Rule 2 tells students to make eye contact when speaking with someone; Rule 14 reminds them to answer questions in a complete sentence; Rule 30 says to clean up after oneself. Our team decided to list the top “12 Essentials” that we could bring back from our visit to share with our teachers at Darlington School.
1. Learning should be interactive and engaging. The more students are involved in active learning, the better and more meaningful the learning experience.
2. Creating a positive learning environment fosters respect for all learners.
3. Being creative and innovative brings excitement and a desire to learn!
4. Developing character begins with discipline and consistency.
5. Engaging all learners in rigor and high expectations is paramount.
6. Teaching to the top ensures a challenging curriculum for all.
7. Teaching behavioral and academic expectations through direct instruction is crucial.
8. Failing makes us stronger and builds character.
9. Making eye contact improves the quality of an interaction. It gives a sense of intimacy to your conversations and imparts a sense of connectedness.
10. Contacting parents before the school year begins is highly important. First contact should be positive in order to promote and develop a trusting relationship.
11. Building a sense of community in the classroom is critical in order for all children to feel secure, nurtured, and supported by the environment.
12. Finally, we all agree that an engaging teacher and an interactive learning environment promotes community and fosters learning. An effective teacher touches the lives of many and inspires greatness. We have determined that building and nurturing relationships is the most “essential” component of an effective teacher.
