Monday, April 14, 2014

Monday Mush -- RCA


This is a great representation of the Ron Clark Academy.  This was a special done a few years ago, and I think the 5 minute piece does a great job in capturing the climate of the school and the enthusiasm of the students/teachers.  It is very contagious in the visitors as well, and you can even see it in the newscaster’s face just talking about it after. 

What can we learn from his school or his style?  How can we be better this week?  How can you change your classroom/teaching style to be even more effective? 

Here are some of the quotes that stuck out to me…for sure something to think about this week.  I put some of my thoughts and hopefully reflective questions next to them.

1.       Got some unconventional teaching methods that could change the face of education.  (So doing what we have always done will get what we always get…)
2.       It’s language arts class….yet these kids are singing (Movement and song is vital to students these days…do you find ways to incorporate it?)
3.       You can’t teach the way that we used to teach kids…you can’t just bring kids in and expect them to sit down and have their attention for an hour (We don’t have that kind of attention either…sitting and listening is hard…the only time I can sit for long periods of time is a movie…entertainment is part of our business now)
4.       Teachers come to our school, and they see color, life, and excitement…they students that are on fire.  (Would visitors say that about our school?  Your class?)
5.       Extremely high expectations (The fun is the doorway, but it isn’t the “room.”  The fun/music gets the students ready and in place, but the rigor and expectations have to be there too)
6.       It all revolves around the teacher (You have amazing power…you are how students/parents view our school, district, and education as a whole.) 
7.       Give teachers their own freedom and trust them more.  (You are creative…be willing to take risks for the students)
8.       Success is shown in the faces, hearts, and minds of these students.  (We have the power to effect all aspects of a child)
9.       There is no room for fear…teaches you how to be a global citizen and leader. (Teaching kids for skills they need as adults).
10.   If you are there and you WANT  to be there, you will learn…. (That is the key to everything we do…)


You guys are amazing at what you do.  You come to work to change lives every day.  I know you are pulled in so many directions….and I know you want to make a difference.  I appreciate your heart for kids and education, and I am excited to see the learning taking place every day.  My strongest desire is that Huggins is a beacon in this area as a school where kids love to learn.  I want to lose the stereotypes of school where kids are bored or doing the same things all the time.  I know we can be a place where kids facing are beaming from their excitement to learn.


Happy Monday!

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