The Ron Clark Academy

The Ron Clark Academy is a prestigious school in Atlanta, Georgia which holds all the students, teachers, and parents accountable. This academy works toward advancing education through new techniques and modern strategies that enhance learning. This academy maintains its high standards while continuing to function as a non profit school. In order to be able to attend, one must be in the 5th grade. Students in kindergarten through 4th can not attend. However, they must begin the prestigious application process during their 4th grade year. All extensive details are given while the academy is accepting applications. Right now, The Ron Clark Academy is full and is not accepting applications or interviews despite the circumstances.

What makes The Ron Clark Academy different?
The Ron Clark Academy calls for all parents to volunteer 40 hours throughout the entire school year. It is because of this vital step that The Ron Clark Academy stands above the rest. Parent involvement creates not only a better environment at the school due to support and knowledge of whats going on, but it also automatically creates a better environment and more support at home. Because the parents are expected to give time at the school, the school becomes an important part of their life which then also arises within the home. Because of this simple yet crucial step, The Ron Clark Academy is known for their rising test scores. They are also envied for their learning environment which is only possible due to the parental support at home. And last but not least, The Ron Clark Academy is recognized for their vast amount of field trips. This again is only possible because of the parent support...(the Academy requires the parents to sign a contract allowing their child to go on all educational field trips before admission, because that is how important they believe it is).

To read more about this amazing school click here.
 

My New Year Declarations

My 2015 Resolutions Declarations 

I’ve never been the New Year Resolutions type of gal, because I hated their perception of being made to be broken. So I’m not considering these resolutions, but instead declarations for 2015. 

This isn’t a page to write goals so they can be read and remain unaccomplished, this is a page to write of the change that will come this year and the years to follow. It is time to make some changes… and making a change, is a change alone for me. So let’s get this started. 

1. Eyes on Me

When decision making, make the first thought be “Who am I doing this for?”. Then if the answer is for anyone other then myself, I must then ask, “Does it make me happy doing this?”. Now this isn’t meant to sound like it’s coming from a selfish mentality. Because that isn’t the purpose at all, but it is extremely important that I start listening to myself. When I start putting myself at the same level of importance as I put loved ones or even strangers, then will I start to become a happier person. 

2. Really Reaching 

Occasionally, I let my circumstances take over my emotions which surfaces through how I treat people. I’m rarely out right mean, but I definitely become much less affectionate. Now this doesn’t mean I want to become more touchy-feely, though I would like to hug more. But this does mean that I want to learn how to reach out to people even if I’m in need of someone reaching out to me. The tricky thing is, I have been doing this all along but the wrong way. I have successfully learned how to push down my feelings so that I can help others. But is that really helping them? Are pushing my feelings aside and morphing into a well-put-together counselor actually helping them? Temporarily, maybe. But how much more could I help them if I could get the guts to say, “Do you know what, that does suck. And honestly nothing I say is going to make it better. How do I know that? Because I struggle with the same thing (or something completely different). And I don’t have all the answers, but I do care and I am hearing you”. Through my own experience, I have found how therapeutic it is to watch someone become transparent for your sake. It takes a strong person to share deep struggles with the intention for connecting instead of help… and that’s an important quality I hope to develop. 

3. Be Vulnerable  

This goal stems from the last one, but it was so important to me that I felt it deserved its own number. For me, it’s way easier to hold up a front then to let my walls down. I’m sure many feel the same way, but let me tell you… if feels so good when you can slowly, but surely lower the walls and allow someone trustworthy in. Vulnerability is hard because you can’t just be vulnerable with anyone. You must have a strong level of trust with someone before revealing yourself, if you will, which is a sad thing, but that’s how it is. At 18, I finally know who are my people are. I have two women in my life who I know don’t judge me. I know though we aren’t related, they love me as if we were. So my goal is to continue and strengthen my vulnerability. This is something I’m very new at, but the results of being real with people are truly indescribable and I plan on continuing this. 

4. Time Isn’t Meant to be Filled 

My hyperactive-go-getter personally is a blessing and a curse! I’m thankful for my determined way of thinking but I must make it a priority to not only slow down, but to calm down with the agendas. I worked so hard to create an easy Senior year for myself, just to fill it up with more things to do. So for the remaining part of the year (and the rest of my life), I’m going to work on planning my free time. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, right? But i betcha it’s going to work, because once it’s on my schedule, I’ll want to complete it. I’m going to start writing in my cute and underused planner things like, “Read a Book”, “Coffee Please”, and “Be Spontaneous Rachel!”. I know I need more time for myself, so this will allow me to do that without feeling guilty because I’m not doing something more productive like cleaning out my car or working on English essays. 

5. Unconditionally

Unconditionally what? Well I couldn’t narrow it down. I want to unconditionally give. Unconditionally listen. Unconditionally care. Unconditionally hope. Unconditionally live fearlessly. Unconditionally stay true to no one other than myself. And most importantly, unconditionally love. Because when it comes down to it, what’s more important than unconditionally loving?  

Watch and Learn

As a future teacher and a current intern, I have quickly taken "Watch and Learn" and transformed it from an overused and becomingly meaningless phrase to my daily action and take on life. I am currently taking a class called Education and Training, but before this I was in a class called Principles of Education. Though Principles was an outstanding introductory course, one can only learn so much from a textbook. Real learning comes when one is put into action and actually gets to experience what they want to learn. As I intern in schools and that desired action and experience are being put to the test, I realize that I must keep rules for myself to create the best results. One of my top rules for myself is to remember to watch and learn before anything else. I tend to get ahead of myself at times so I make time strictly for observing first.  This way, I am learning all that is given to me first instead of jumping straight into teaching. Aside from using this in the classroom, I use this same strategy for my school work or when I want teach myself new things. One way I do this is by watching educational videos. Through educational videos, I am learning from others then applying it to my life. I use this when I want to learn more in any subject, but specifically in my teaching. Here are some example videos that would work nicely with my "Watch and Learn" strategy.

Here is a video about teaching strategies for English teachers but many of them are transferable.

And here is a video about differentiated learning in an elementary school and the effect it had.

There are many videos that can be viewed that don't only give examples like my videos but that actually teach directly. To be able to watch and to learn and experience through someone else is not only beneficial but an extreme time saver as well. One thing that I have learned very quickly through my intern experience is that you can't be afraid to ask questions. You aren't expected to know everything. Teachers who have been teaching for years still don't know everything and at times must ask questions as well. And through watching videos you are essentially asking questions just in a different form. Don't be too intimidated and let's start learning!

Humor in Classrooms

Humor is an essential part of teaching for it creates an environment that enhances learning and brings fun into education if used correctly. I have had many teachers who taught me the importance in using humor in teaching. These teachers brought brain breaks, happiness, and lighter moods into the average school day. Not only did this help our teacher, but it helped all of us as well. The most amazing thing that these teachers taught me through their humor is that anyone who aspires to be funny while teaching can be. You don't have to be a comedian or even naturally witty... all it takes is some understanding of ones plan and purpose. One must realize that humor in education can't be overpowering or embarrassing, but it must enhance the learning experience. One way to include humor in the classroom is to simply incorporate pictures or quotes that the students could relate to into a presentation. Instead of making a Powerpoint or a Prezi with nothing but written text, try including modern/appropriate pictures that will allow a short brain break. For example, while teaching how to properly add sources to writing and the importance in not using Wikipedia, the teacher could show this humous picture of the beloved Michael Scott from The Office.

This is just one example of how to incorporate humor, but one of my favorite ways to incorporate humor is to poke fun of myself. At times it is okay to joke around with students about themselves, but one must know the student well enough first and still be very careful while testing this. Because this is risky and could end up embarrassing or distracting a student, I personally take the safe route and joke about myself instead. Not only do the kids find humor in their teacher making jokes about herself, but it also builds a bond that lets the students know that [I] the teacher doesn't believe she is superior.

Lastly, a teacher can make entire lessons based off humor. They can use interactive educational websites like Giggle Poetry which has lots of different & entertaining ways to introduce and play with poetry, or a website like Funology which includes Science, trivia, jokes, and magic!

Don't let TEKS or Standards get in your way of having fun with your kids! It just takes a few more minutes to change the entire atmosphere of your classroom! What would you rather have... three more minutes for yourself or a classroom of happy and engaged kids with passing tests scores? The choice is yours... lets bring humor into our classrooms!

2014-2015 Internship

This year I am interning in Paige Henderson's 5th grade class at North Ridge Elementary. I had Mrs. Henderson as my 5th grade teacher so it is amazing to be able to be her student again but in a whole new light. Mrs. Henderson is great about making me feel at home. What is hers is mine and vise-versa. She shares her classroom, ideas, experiences, and heart with me everyday. Mrs. Henderson is also does everything she can to assure that I experience what a teacher would.  Every now and then I will have a student who wants me to be their friend instead of their teacher, but Mrs. Henderson makes sure that I maintain my authority so I get the full teacher experience. When I first walked into her classroom I was a bit intimidated just because it was so out of my comfort zone. I was use to being the student, the class clown, I wasn't use to being an academic leader in Mrs. Henderson's class. This wasn't the only aspect that intimidated me, first, the kids were younger then I was use to, second, the classroom felt smaller, and third, they were doing math, my least favorite subject. But even with it being so different, it didn't take me long to fall in love. After introducing myself we jumped into the lesson. Every student included me and wanted me to be involved. I absolutely love how needed/wanted I was. Though, I was needed and wanted to an extent last year, the older kids weren't as vocal about their feelings toward me. My 5th graders on the other hand, daily either ask my not to leave or thank me for coming. After the lesson (which was fun and interactive, like it is almost everyday) the students worked in partners and I worked with a group who needed extra help. After math we move on to either reading or science and shortly after the intro it's time for me to leave. I am surprised at how much I love my 5th graders and the atmosphere and the curriculum, but mostly, I am beyond thankful for the opportunity. I have been blessed with a willing site school teacher and a sweet class. My students help each other and are quick learners and almost always have a good attitude. I couldn't have asked for a better class to work with for my senior year. I can't wait for the rest of the year so I can continue to build relationships and continue to show them how fun education can be!

Here are my kiddos!

Click here to view Mrs. Henderson's website!

TAFE Region XI Competitive Events Day

Region was the same as last year in that it was stressful and very fun, but different since we were only there for the day. I began my day riding with Mrs. Stevens to do some last minute prep for my group project. I competed in four different events. I started competing with service project, then I moved on to my high pressure public speaking competition, then I took the ELF test, and last but not least I competed in the job interview competition. Though I thought the public speaking competition would bring the most grief, it didn't. Surprisingly, my speech went smoothly and without nerves. However, my job interview on the other hand went completely opposite of how I envisioned. My first interview, though it went south, I was grateful for the learning opportunity. I feel as though I only did so well in my final interview because I took my first interview and reflected as much as I could. I learned the atmosphere and what to expect. I also learned what they were expecting from me, which was the most important. If I happen to make the next round, I will continually remind myself that the judges are just people and usually they are volunteers. The main thing that I will do, that I did in my final interview which helped me, is to instead of viewing each question as an opportunity to impress with an answer or to distract myself by thinking to hard of what I prepared for if they asked me this, I will tell myself to be honest and transparent. If I do that, my passion for the career shines through and my answers are more genuine. I think I psyched myself out by thinking they would ask me extremely hard questions, when really since I am so prepared and have so much experience, I know the answers.  The best part of region competition for me was redeeming myself in my second interview. Even if I don't advance, I will still be content because I did all I could and it was a world of difference in comparison to my first interview. Yes, going to state is ideal, but it was more of a personal accomplishment, so for that alone I am happy. 

If this interests you and you would like to learn more about TAFE, click here. 

Genius Hour

Genius hour is a idea that was created to see what would happen if students are given the chance to spend an our hour doing something productive of their choice. Our teacher assigned us to this creative challenge and I jumped on the opportunity. I first had to pick an issue that I was passionate about. I took a few days to think about issues that consistently bothered me and I decided to come up with a solution that wouldn't just help me and my friends but a broader audience.

Every now and then volunteering has it's time in the lime light. Its popularity is waning. But why must we wait until it's popular or the "cool thing to do" to help people? What is stopping us from helping people who need us the most? For most people, the heart is there but they don't know what to do or where to go or who to talk to. And for all of those people, I'm here to help. I created a website called Reaching Hands to provide people with the next step in their volunteering adventure. My site gives ideas, a place to share passions and endeavors, and an inside look to my heart and how this site originated. Whether you don't know what you want to do and are desperate for ideas or you have ideas but don't know how to put it into action, Reaching Hands is for you.

Click here to get ideas and information for your next volunteering endeavor!

(The website is still being developed! On the opportunity tab, links are being installed to take the viewer to a written document with all the information they need.)