The RCA Experience!

Happy Monday, and let me tell you... I actually mean HAPPY this time! I'm jumping into this week with a smile on my face, pep in my step, and ideas that are overflowing! I will be the first to admit that this is not normally how I start my week. On most occasions you will find me dragging my feet with my grumpy pants on. But, after spending the weekend in Atlanta at the Ron Clark Academy, I am 100% ready to tackle the weeks ahead! I'm inspired, motivated, and encouraged to be the best teacher I can be this week (and hopefully every single day from here on out)!
So, let me take you back, and then I'll tell you how YOU can experience the same exact magic!
After school on Thursday my sweet little family drove my emotional-self to the airport. You see, I haven't been away from my husband for a weekend in the 10 years that we have been married. And, when I have left Joelle with family, I've always had my husband. So, I was a hot mess. I was an emotional wreck... it was almost embarrassing!
But, when I got to Atlanta I was greeted by all of these sweet faces! These are some of my best friends. We aren't just blogging buddies anymore, the relationships go so much deeper. I've been able to travel all over just to meet up with these lovely ladies, and I couldn't be more grateful. They are the real deal!

After lots of gabbing, a little eating, and not much sleep, we drove to The Ron Clark Academy first thing on Friday morning. I was literally going off of TWO hours of sleep. Normally I need a good 8-9 hours of rest, but the anticipation got the best of me. Thankfully I was so excited about the day ahead that my lack of sleep hardly phased me.
Everything about the school is electric... the entrance, building, faculty, music, decorations, and the students... OH the STUDENTS! I have to pause here to tell you about these guys. Have you ever met over 100 5th-8th grade students that look you in the eye, ask you meaningful questions, and can hold a proper conversation with you? I may know one teenager who can do that, and that's even pushing it! They have been taught to be polite, respectful, and gracious. Those kids truly touched my heart and gave me so many ideas to implement in my own home and classroom.

Entering the school was quite the sight to see. People were jumping on the trampoline, music was blaring, teachers were dancing, and the students were greeting all of the visitors. They made an impression, that's for sure!
After the grand entrance we were escorted to classrooms and workshops throughout the day. I promise you that this is not like anything you have seen before. Every lesson is upbeat and full of rigor. These kids are SMART, y'all. They are constantly being challenged and pushed to the next level.

Of course, my favorite time of the day was visiting my sweet friend's classroom. Y'all, I've always known Hope was an amazing teacher. It's no surprise to me that she shines at RCA. In Mr. Clark's workshop he was just raving about her work ethic and dedication, and my little heart beamed with pride (and tears fell down my face because I'm emotional like that, ha!). I've been inspired by Hope for years, and seeing her in action made me want to be her 100 times more than before! She's the BEST, there's no doubt about it. If you are looking to incorporate meaningful and engaging lessons, you must scour her blog and fill up your TpT cart from her store. When in doubt, just do what she does!

And her room... oh, her room. It's not even finished and it's INSANELY awesome. Her little personal touches are everywhere. It's magical, there's no doubt about that!

After seeing more incredible teachers in action, talking with the students, and attending some workshops that helped me fill up my teacher toolkit with all kinds of new ideas, we were able to thank Ron and Kim for such an amazing day. Do you see their fire-pit?! Every inch was thought out and the details are nothing short of awesome-sauce!

And, because we wanted to see what a day in Hope's (very cute and stylish) shoes was like, we also attended RCA's very first basketball game in their brand-new gym! After hosting over 150 teachers all day long, each and every student, faculty member, and volunteer was on their feet ready to cheer on the Dragons! The gym was full of energy, excitement, and spirit! It was a night I'll never forget!

We may be sitting in this picture, but that didn't last for long! Mr. Clark had us up on our feet in no time! I don't know where that man finds his energy, but I need just a sliver of it!!

My day at RCA was one I will always remember. I have already started to add bits and pieces into my classroom. I could see the excitement in the faces of my students when we just practiced an ounce of what they do at RCA. I may not be able to duplicate every single thing that I saw, but I did come away with 5 things that I am going to tackle this year! You'll just have to wait and see how those things pan out!
The rest of our weekend was just as delightful. We had a lovely brunch... that may have lasted 3 hours :)) We all had so much to gab about after our day at RCA!

Of course we hit up the mall and did some shopping! We can't meet together without hitting up local shops!

And because my family is THE best... I was greeted at the airport with my own sign! The cutie behind it made it 1,000 times better! I know this was my husband's idea, he's pretty great, too!

We missed each other BIG time, and were so glad to be reunited! It's no joke... I've been racking my brain as to how my sweet girl (and boys on the way) can have the RCA experience. I'm tempted to move to Atlanta so they can have a top-notch education, ha! If only there was an RCA in Dallas, right?!! Hey, a girl can dream :))

Now, it's your turn. Do yourself, your career, your students, and your coworkers a favor, and start saving (or begging your administration) for a trip to RCA. You deserve it. Your students deserve it. It's ONE day that will impact your entire teaching career. Think of the hundreds of students that could be impacted by you becoming your BEST YOU!
If you want more information on RCA: Visitation: http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/Educator-Welcome
Video about RCA: https://www.youtube.com/watch… Website: http://www.ronclarkacademy.com