Although there are things that are unfeasible for a single teacher to do, there are many positive ideas with examples of things teachers, parents, and administrators can try. I liked that Clark thought about taking some of his bold ideas and tuning them down for a small group of teachers or even single teachers.


As I was reading, I thought about the contrasts from Ron Clark's Academy to where I am. Would I want to be there? His school looks brilliant, and it's obvious there is a lot of wonderful learning and teaching happening. But, it comes at a price - I don't know if I'm at the age anymore where I could pay that price. Clark typically sleeps only 4-5 hrs. a night, lives on his own and his school is his life. When you have someone else in your life to think about, and your overall health to think about... it looks like a magical place to visit as a teacher's Disneyland, but I don't think I would want to 'live there.' ( )