Nancy Ann Creed

  I will be writing a series of blog posts about my experiences at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA), documenting this transformative professional development journey. Part 1 Traveling to Atlanta This trip marks a significant personal milestone, as it is the first time I have traveled by air since before September 11, 2001. The experience felt somewhat surreal; even the airline check-in agents expressed surprise when they realized how long it had been since my last flight. Over the years, the rising cost of air travel had made it a luxury that simply wasn't a regular part of my life. Consequently, this journey served as my formal introduction to modern TSA procedures. Being unfamiliar with the current strict regulations regarding liquid sizes, I unfortunately had to surrender my lotion at security. Despite this minor setback, the overall travel experience was positive and smooth. I am fortunate to be traveling to the Ron Clark Academy thanks to a generous scholarship provide...

  Two years ago, the entire leadership team from my school embarked on a profoundly transformative professional development expedition to Atlanta, Georgia. The core objective of this significant journey was to visit and conduct intensive, first-hand observation of The Ron Clark Academy (RCA), a globally recognized non-profit middle school renowned for its innovative and dynamic teaching methodologies, its high student engagement, and its distinctly unique, vibrant school culture. Located in a renovated red brick warehouse in southeast Atlanta, RCA serves students in grades four through eight from a wide range of economic backgrounds. The school's co-founder, Kim Bearden, along with its namesake, Ron Clark, have cultivated an educational model that has inspired educators worldwide. It is a source of personal regret that I have not yet been able to participate in this impactful trip. Initially, my exclusion was purely due to my not being a member of the official school leadershi...