There are a lot of people I look up to in the field of education. Past teachers, current teachers, and friends all grace my list, but there is a teacher that stands out as one I strive to be like one day. I don't know him personally, but I watched a movie on his story, and hope to read the books he has written. His name is Ron Clark. I still remember the first time I heard of him. I just happened to turn on the television to the premier of the movie, "The Ron Clark Story." The movie is about a small part of his life as an educator, and is one of the most inspiring films I have ever seen. Watching the movie was the first time I realized how much of a difference one teacher can make in the lives of their students.
Ron isn't a typical educator. He doesn't settle for second best, and uses art integration and innovative techniques to help his students learn. He truly has a passion for teaching and believes that all students have the ability to succeed. He isn't afraid to take risks, and will do just about anything to help his students understand and love the material he is teaching. He integrates art into the classroom with just about everything he does, and he helps the students develop a passion for learning, all while maintain a respectful environment. His techniques are ones that I hope to be able to apply in my classrooms. I want to develop the ability to come up with creative ways to teach subjects that were once dry and boring. It's amazing what one person can do to change a life, and like Ron, I want to be that person in the lives of my students.
