1. http://premierespeakers.com/2149/video. cfm?guid=AC90F75D-06D7-77A4- 290A7CAEC4CBC588 http://premierespeakers.com/2149/video. cfm?guid=AC90F75D-06D7-77A4- 290A7CAEC4CBC588

2. Your thoughts…

3. n “Once I became a teacher, it became evident to me that many children aren’t exposed to the type of guidance and opportunities that I had when I was growing up. I have tried to set a example for my students and be a role model like my family members were for me.” ~Ron Clark, foreword, The Essential 55

4. n “It is also apparent that dealing with Harlem 5 th graders is much different than dealing with Orlando 11 th graders.”

5. “If anything, this book made me evaluate my life experiences and try to place myself in a position like he is in.” ~Michelle Weisiger, c/o 2007

6. “I learned from this reading that every teacher has his or her own way of running their classroom and that there is no one right way. What works for one teacher will not necessarily work for another, and vice versa.” ~Amanda Aronholt, c/o 2007

7. n “Every teacher has their own way of teaching and unfortunately that was Clark’s only way of conveying his message. I am so glad that I wasn’t in his class at that time.” ~Porsha Miley, c/o 2007

8. “The thing that I did not understand is how someone can write a book on use of manners and how to be polite; and get paid for it.” ~Anonymous student who for some reason, in college, forgot to put their name at the top of their paper.

9. “I have been so focused on how to present the subject matter that I did not given serious thought to the classroom culture I create through some of the rules and procedures I choose to implement.” ~Eddie Storako, c/o 2007

10. “By making it a rule you are obligated to punish a student when they break it, and I do not know how you can punish this action.” ~Jenna Dundes, c/o 2007

11. “Ron Clark is really strict and I think he expects way too much of his students.” ~Erin Land, c/o 2007 “I think Ron Clark’s “take home message” is that everyone should be perfect like he is.”

12. “The point of homework is not to punish but to enrich the students with the knowledge they just learned.” ~Evan Fuchs, c/o 2007

13. “This is a rule that really should be taught at home, and I really feel that it is common sense.” ~Tiffany Robinson, c/o 2007

14. n “When does this guy have time to teach?” ~Cassandra Salley, c/o 2006