When The Essential 55 was published, Ron Clark became a tireless promoter, traveling the country to speak to large groups of teachers and fans. And when his Oprah appearance shot the book onto the New York Times bestseller list, he kept the heat on. We can expect the same tenacious commitment to promoting his follow-up book, The Excellent 11.
The Excellent 11 contains eleven sections, with each one focusing on a theme directly related to teaching and raising children. Ron Clark draws from his own experience to give advice, telling personal stories that demonstrate the significance of each theme within the learning environment--an environment that extends beyond the classroom and into the larger world. Using themes ranging from Adventure, Ingenuity, and Humor to Dedication, Creativity, and Love, Clark provides a road map for both parents and teachers who want to enrich their children's learning experiences.
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"I really enjoyed listening to the audio book version of this one. After reading The Essential 55-- and then being fortunate enough to visit the Ron Clark Academy this past spring--hearing Ron narrate was just another way to pretend I was still there and soak up all the "Ron Clark-edness" that I could. This second book is surprisingly still full of good advice (especially, I thought, his piece on the incorporation of vocabulary), and I plan to listen to the third when it comes out in July as well. Truly an inspiration to those teachers who sometimes feel they are "going it alone"... Ron's testimonies are a reminder to commit to excellence in our responsibilities and gifts as teachers, and be satisfied with nothing less."
— Ronnie (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was yet another book I read to broaden my understanding of the teaching process. While it does present a lot of good advice for aspiring teachers, I only gave it 3 stars because of its touchy-feely nature. I want information, not motivational harangues. "
— Jeremy, 2/11/2014" I wasn't half as excited about his second book than The Essential 55, but still, I appreciate Ron Clark's contagious energy as it relates to finding ways to reach students. "
— Mr., 2/8/2014" A very quick read. I took a bunch of notes, but he says what all the great teachers with books out say: Be creative and passionate about who and what you are teaching. "
— John, 2/7/2014" Good book full of practical ideas for teachers with all types of experience. This book also encouraged me to keep teaching even when the going gets tough. "
— Katee, 2/5/2014" This was an easy read the whole staff of my school read and discussed. Lots of stories but only a few worthwhile tips. "
— Helen, 1/20/2014" Great teaching book. This guy is crazy. He has guts adn I can see why kids love him! Very inspiring. This book is a keeper! "
— Bri, 1/18/2014" I was looking for some insightful advice to make me a better teacher and only found common sense. As a National Teacher of the Year I thought he would have profound insights to share, but the things he mentions seem very superficial. Painting your classroom electric blue???Without permission???? I'm sure the children thought he was a blast. "
— Marcia, 1/13/2014" I saw a somewhat low-budget TV movie about Ron Clark (The Ron Clark Story) and loved it! He is an excellent educator and I thought his book was great for teachers of all kinds. He motivated me to be more creative in Anya's "lessons." "
— Lindy, 12/28/2013" Great reminder and refresher for teachers, new and experienced. Has some great thoughts/ideas for parents as well. "
— Mindy, 12/28/2013" Finally, a "teacher memoir" book that actually contains useful suggestions and advice without talking down to teachers! "
— Rachel, 11/6/2013" This book is full of wonderful anecdotes and tips for teachers and parents alike. As someone who works with kids, it helps to revitalize you after the bad days and feeds the enthusiasm on good days. "
— Caitlin, 10/25/2013" Another great book from Ron Clark. If every teacher in the country could get half as inspired and passionate as him, our future would be so BRIGHT! This book has wonderful tips for teachers and parents. Anyone with kids or going into teaching should take a look at this book. "
— Heather, 9/21/2013" I needed some fresh ideas and inspiration. This book makes me love teaching even more! "
— Arlene, 9/7/2013" I really didn't have any "oh my gosh I am so trying that!" moments but I will say that it did give me the enthusiasm and motivation that I needed to get back into the swing of things. I enjoyed reading this book and the way he told stories of some of his experiences. "
— Cheney, 6/7/2013" Same enthusiasm, but isn't it interesting that in order to be the teacher he aspired to be, he had to start his own school and leave public education. Doesn't that say something about the public schools? "
— Meg, 5/26/2013" This teacher is full of youthful optimism and energy. I can tell that he is enjoying himself and it makes me happy. "
— apwebb83, 4/11/2013" If you are a any kind of a teacher-read it! "
— Janalyn, 4/8/2013" Right when I'm burned out and not loving teaching, this book lifted me back up and gave me new ways to approach my students and what I'm teaching them. "
— Tracy, 1/13/2013" Every educator should read this book! "
— Mary, 1/4/2013" I love him and hate him at the same time. I want to be him but know I couldn't stand to be around him. Weird. I'm certainly glad I read the book. I'm not Ron Clark, but I've learned from him. "
— David, 11/23/2012" Every teachers should read this book. A lot of his general ideas are commen sense for teachers, but he has a lot of really good ideas to use in the classroom. It also has a section on tips for principals, parents, and superintendents. "
— Michele, 8/25/2012" This book got me all fired up and reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place...the kids! Must read for any NEW teacher or even an experienced teacher wanting to re-kindle the passion for teaching they had as a newbie. "
— Tracey, 6/18/2012" Clark offers motivational activities to help students succeed. I like that he includes what parents can and should do in addition to teachers. "
— Kelly, 4/27/2012" Had to read this for a class. Though I'm not a teacher, it was a valuable quick read to remind anyone in education about the foundations that we all need to build our approach. "
— Mary, 4/7/2012" chicken soup for the teacher's soul or something like that. Zig Ziglar sort of thing. except there are good ideas in here. "
— Mark, 3/18/2012" I really enjoyed this book. Ron shares some wonderful ideas for teachers and parents in motivating, inspiring, and educating children. Another great read for teachers. "
— Elainendean, 2/9/2012" As much for parents as teachers. Read the entire thing at the airport. Very inspiring, gives you good ideas to get your kids to do the right things without "punishing". "
— Audra, 10/4/2011" Pretty decent book in the way of advice. "
— J, 5/1/2011" A very quick read. I took a bunch of notes, but he says what all the great teachers with books out say: Be creative and passionate about who and what you are teaching. "
— John, 9/15/2010" I really didn't have any "oh my gosh I am so trying that!" moments but I will say that it did give me the enthusiasm and motivation that I needed to get back into the swing of things. I enjoyed reading this book and the way he told stories of some of his experiences. <br/> "
— Cheney, 8/14/2010" This was an easy read the whole staff of my school read and discussed. Lots of stories but only a few worthwhile tips. <br/> "
— Helen, 4/20/2010" This teacher is full of youthful optimism and energy. I can tell that he is enjoying himself and it makes me happy. "
— apwebb83, 1/13/2010" This was yet another book I read to broaden my understanding of the teaching process. While it does present a lot of good advice for aspiring teachers, I only gave it 3 stars because of its touchy-feely nature. I want information, not motivational harangues. "
— Jeremy, 12/29/2009" Same enthusiasm, but isn't it interesting that in order to be the teacher he aspired to be, he had to start his own school and leave public education. Doesn't that say something about the public schools? "
— Mrs., 12/23/2009" If you are a any kind of a teacher-read it! "
— Janalyn, 10/27/2009" I got some really great ideas and inspiration from this one. This seemed to have more practical applications for me than the Essential 55 for some reason. "
— Kitchengrrl, 7/4/2009" I saw a somewhat low-budget TV movie about Ron Clark (The Ron Clark Story) and loved it! He is an excellent educator and I thought his book was great for teachers of all kinds. He motivated me to be more creative in Anya's "lessons." "
— Lindy, 6/3/2009" Right when I'm burned out and not loving teaching, this book lifted me back up and gave me new ways to approach my students and what I'm teaching them. "
— Tracy, 4/11/2009" I wasn't half as excited about his second book than The Essential 55, but still, I appreciate Ron Clark's contagious energy as it relates to finding ways to reach students. "
— Mr., 3/8/2009" Great teaching book. This guy is crazy. He has guts adn I can see why kids love him! Very inspiring. This book is a keeper! "
— Bri, 10/12/2008Ron Clark is the author of bestseller The Essential 55, which has sold more than one million copies in twenty-five different languages. He has been named “American Teacher of the Year” by Disney and was Oprah Winfrey’s pick as her “Phenomenal Man.” He founded The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, which more than 25,000 educators from around the world have visited to learn about the extraordinary ways that teachers and parents of RCA have helped children achieve great success. He has been featured on The Today Show and CNN, and his experiences have been turned into the film The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry.