There is a reason why acclaimed teacher Ron Clark continues to grab headlines teachers rarely get. It’s not just about his energy and passion (although that clearly helps) and it has very little to do with his standardized testing scores (although I’m sure they are really impressive).
It has to do with his ability to connect with his students by taking their interests and passions and giving them a pride of place in his teaching approach. By letting your students know that what is important to them is also important to you, it forces your students to think of you as different to the standard teacher who has seemed on a different wavelength and of a vastly different era. It makes them listen to you more and gives far greater scope for forging the connection necessary for the kind of progress teachers yearn for but often miss out on.
I advise all young teachers to share their passions and at least try and appreciate your students’. It may just be the catalyst for a successful year.
Click on the link to read Teachers can Make a Real Difference!
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Click on the link to read I Love Teachers Who Go The Extra Mile
Click on the link to read Meet the Blind Teacher Leading the Way
Tags: #DoItLikeMeChallenge, Ron Clark Academy viral video, ron clark dance, ron clark rap, ron clark viral video
Topical Teaching 
January 8, 2016 at 12:34 am |
You have really nailed it with this post. This is one of the things that separates the long termers from the academics. A true teacher is a calling, some people hear it some don’t. The calling drives you to connect and connections are what teachers are all about….certainly now more than every before with online learning taking over, ‘real live connection’ will be like gold!
January 8, 2016 at 10:18 am |
Thanks. I really appreciate the comment.