Ron Clark (teacher)

Ron Clark is an American educator, author, and motivational speaker best known for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to his students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He has received widespread recognition for his work, including being named Disney's American Teacher of the Year in 2000.

Clark's teaching philosophy emphasizes high expectations, creativity, and building strong relationships with students. He is known for creating engaging learning environments and using unconventional techniques to motivate and inspire his students to succeed academically and personally. Some of these techniques include incorporating music, dance, and drama into lessons, as well as implementing a detailed code of conduct outlining expected behavior.

After teaching in rural North Carolina, Clark moved to Harlem, New York City, where he taught fifth grade at a low-income public school. It was during this time that he gained national attention for his remarkable ability to improve his students' academic performance and foster a positive learning environment. His experiences in Harlem are documented in his book, The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child.

Clark later founded the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta, Georgia. RCA is a non-profit middle school that serves a diverse student body, many of whom come from low-income families. The academy also serves as a training ground for teachers from around the world, who visit to learn Clark's methods and strategies. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, emphasis on character development, and vibrant, engaging learning environment.

Clark has authored several books on education and motivation, including The End of Molasses Classes: Getting Our Kids Unstuck--101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers and Move Your Bus: An Operator's Guide to Navigate Change, Accelerate Innovation, and Chart a Course for World-Class Performance. He continues to travel and speak to educators and other audiences about his philosophy and methods, advocating for high-quality education for all students.