RON CLARK IS COMING

For many kids school can be sometimes an interference in their already important lives. I am sure I went through that sometimes, but for the most part I loved going to school. I loved the class discussion, social interaction and most of my teachers. Of course I had some crappy ones - ones that read directly from the text book the whole period, ones that had an Irish accents and were teaching French, ones that only survived half the year and needed a "vacation". Sure I have some good stories about Teachers Gone Bad, but more importantly I had so many that motivated, cared and mentored me. There was Ms. MacNeil - Grade 4 Coxheath Elementary - just out of Teachers College. She was a delight. She smiled, laughed, raised our preverbial bar, and we responded with one heck of shower when we found out she was pregnant. Oh yes, Ms. Dicks ( no really that was her name) - Grade 6 stylish, contemporary and project oriented. The guys loved her and the girls wanted to be her. She got us ready for junior high, even through the hormonal stuggle we were all facing. Mrs. Sheppard - Grade 11 Math. I convinced myself I sucked at Math in Grade 8 (that story is for another blog) and it was the Mrs. Sheppard with her Math Bone that made me exit high school with a passing grade and some dignity. Most of all I have to say my favorite teacher was Archie Risk - Grade 7 Social Studies. His classroom embodied respect, equality, firmness and warmth. Quizes everyday, exciting projects, high expectations and above all love, which at the tender age of 13 is not always received very well. What I am trying to say is that besides parenting, this is probably the most important vocation and avocation. Anyone can get an education degree if they put their mind to it. Anyone can go through the motions, follow the curriculum and pick up their cheque. But some teachers change our lives, I mean it, they sculpt who we are to become. Ron Clark is this kind of teacher.If you want to be inspired, if you want to inspire your child's teacher, if you are a teacher and want to be recharged - Come see Ron Clark!Bring your child's teacher, Bring your friends and family May 30 at Exhibition Park 5:30 to 7 pm. For more information visit www.familyexpo.ca