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Enthusiastic About Education
A Guide to Inspiring Children to Learn
By Ron Clark
http://www.graphics.iparenting.com/clipart/lifestylesfamilies/00004151.JPG" width=190 height=285 align=left> One teacher, Mrs. Bagalour, was very negative. She wasn't one of the students' favorite teachers, because she basically just sat at her desk all day, earning the student nickname for her of "Mrs. Bag-of-flour." She said there was no way she was getting on the stage, but I knew the kids would love it if she participated. A small group of teachers was going to perform "Charlie Brown," and I suggested to Mrs. Bagalour that she sit at a desk, play the part of a student and throw paper at the teacher along with the other "students." It took a lot of persuading, but she finally agreed.
Slowly but surely the enthusiastic teachers started to spread their energy around to the other faculty members. We reminded everyone what the show was for and told them how much it would affect the students. We showed them how excited we were about the show and put a little pressure on them to take part. As they heard about the great ideas others had and the effort they were putting into their performance, some of them wanted to become part of the show. As everyone was getting involved and everyone became more excited, no one wanted to be left out.
There was one last obstacle: A teacher named Mrs. Brokard said she wasn't going to perform because she wanted a certain rendition of the song she was singing, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and no one could find it. She said she knew all the words to it, and if that rendition was found, she would put on the show of a lifetime. If it wasn't found, she would not participate. Good grief,the drama. Luckily, my dad used to be a disc jockey in the '70s, and I found myself looking through boxes and boxes of his old albums. When I finally found that song, I felt as if I had actually climbed a mountain myself. I walked in the next morning and showed the record to Mrs. Brokard. She looked a little shocked, a little scared and a little worried, but she also looked a little excited.
