Where Inspiration Meets Education: The Ron Clark Academy 

NOTE THE VENUE CHANGE. THIS FORUM WILL NOT BE AT THE ELLIS.

Ron Clark is re-envisioning America’s educational system from the ground up. Together, he and fellow educator Kim Bearden have created a school unlike any other in the country: The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. The high-energy and hugely imaginative middle school has been so successful that teachers from around the country – including from Columbus – flock to Georgia by the thousands to spend a day learning the secrets of its success. The school, with a gated entrance guarded by a giant dragon, was constructed with passion, humor, and a vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques that can be embraced and replicated everywhere. Students don’t just attend RCA; they’re grouped into “houses” to foster inclusion and to build identity, with each house proud of its own color, symbols, nation of heritage, history, and values. Clark was named Disney’s American Teacher of the Year in 2000 and is a New York Times bestselling author. He’s a national speaker regarding educational issues, including features by Oprah, Ellen, and national news outlets. His life was portrayed by the late Matthew Perry in the inspirational 2006 film The Ron Clark Story, and he has been recognized alongside educators from The Ron Clark Academy at the White House multiple times since the school’s 2007 opening. Join us and our Presenting Sponsor, Huntington, for a forum like no other as we welcome education visionary Ron Clark plus a panel of passionate leaders for a high-energy look at American education reinvented for the 21st century.

Featuring Ron Clark, Co-Founder, The Ron Clark Academy, Kevin Miller, Ed.D., Superintendent, Licking Heights Local Schools, Angela Chapman, Ed.D., Superintendent & CEO, Columbus City Schools, with host, Ralph Smithers, Assistant Vice President, Encova Insurance