Thread: The essential 55

Uhhhh, are you Ron Clark?

.

I haven't read the entire book, but I did skim through it once in a book store. I thought he sounded like a great teacher, but he did far more than I could possibly do. I can't remember all the things he did, but I remember thinking that is sounded like all he did was work. No recess, no lunch break (he spent both with the kids, as I recall), and evenings were spent preparing not only lessons and grading, but even things like cooking brownies... he was cooking something for those kids almost every day, if I remember correctly! Things like that are just above and beyond - really impressive, but hard for those of us who are married and have other things to do outside of work.

Originally Posted by Tom (Houston)

Uhhhh, are you Ron Clark?

.

Ha! I wish, but no. I'm actually a third year college student. I was reading the book, and I thought it seemed like a good idea. However, I was wondering if any teachers, with actual teaching experience, thought it was workable.

Keep in mind that those uber teachers get out of the classroom and onto the book/talkshow cicuit mighty fast. I thik their inability to make the long haul says more about their teaching methods than their books.

I think their inability to make the long haul says more about their teaching methods than their books.

Come to think of it - yes !

Touring with theories pays more than teaching the theory. I wonder why.

On the other hand - there are teachers who operate in both camps. :wink:

Olav

Originally Posted by Each1Teach1

I'm just looking for opinions. Thanks.

I skimmed his book in the bookstore one afternoon. I found it facile. I really admire him for taking the time to write a book like that (I wish _I_ had thought of it! :wink: ) and winning such accolades. I wonder what he's like now that he's been teaching for 10 years or has he burnt out? Has he been in a classroom regularly since 2000? or has he been on the talk-show circuit telling the rest of us how to teach? That sounds bitter; it's not meant to be. There are many things I agree with--eg. every child can be reached, how to have conversations, etc. but like I said at the beginning, it seems a bit superficial.

Well, go figure. My school just gave each teacher a copy of this book as a Christmas present. I'll read it in more detail and then let you know what I think.

heh. They just didn't want to give you a bonus. It's a subconscious nudge. More work, less pay. More work, less pay. If he can do it, you can, too. Lol. Let me know what you think.