Crash Course: A Book Review & Giveaway

Whether you are a teacher nerd like me, or looking for a good summer read (educational or not), I have the perfect book for you! I just finished one of THE best books that I have read in quite some time. As many of you know, last year my husband and I continued our teaching journey at the Ron Clark Academy. During this time, I have had the honor to work with one of the best (if not THE best) educators in the world. Kim Bearden has a love for children unlike anything I have ever witnessed and has finally created a collection of all of her inspiring stories and compiled them into a book called Crash Course: The Lessons My Students Taught Me. 



Seriously y'all…it is a must read. It will without a doubt provide you with the inspiration that you need to make this one of your best years yet. Whether you are loving the profession and are looking for more ideas, or are questioning why you ever became a teacher in the first place (let's admit…we've all been there), this book will strengthen your passion for teaching and renew your energy to give your students the best YOU possible. 

Along with inspirational stories, Kim also shares the ups and downs of both her personal and professional life. As an educator, you will be giving some verbal "amens" throughout the entire book. So many of her stories directly resonated with personal experiences in my life. It made me realize that everyone has their share of obstacles, but if we can dig deep and find the strength to empower ourselves as people and educators, we can achieve amazing things. 

So grab some tissues, and pick up your copy of the book right here! You will definitely not be disappointed! 

Also, be sure you enter to win two fabulous giveaways at the end of this post! 




Kim Bearden is the co-founder and executive director at the Ron Clark Academy. Most importantly, she is also the language arts teacher. 

Kim has received numerous awards for her creative, dynamic, and rigorous teaching styles. She was selected from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Middle School Humanities Teacher. Along with countless other awards, she was also chosen from among 7,000 teachers as Teacher of the Year in Cobb County Georgia. 

Over the past twenty-seven years, she has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school board member, staff development trainer, and middle school principal. 

For someone that has accomplished so much during her career, Kim is by far one of the most humble and down to earth educators. Her life hasn't been perfect, and I love that she is so transparent in her book as she shares her experiences as an educator. 



Instead of telling you, I will just show you! Here is a little clip that shows who and what the Ron Clark Academy is all about! The best part? You can actually come spend a day…or two…at the school! Be sure and follow the Ron Clark Academy on Facebook {HERE} to receive special updates and events! 





If you would like to visit RCA and participate in the RCA Educator Training Experience, visit the website {HERE} to register! It is truly a training unlike anything you have ever experienced before. During this training, you will get to meet the students of RCA and observe Ron Clark and Kim Bearden's unparalleled instruction in their 5th grade classrooms. You will also spend the day in classroom observations and workshops that will enhance your instruction in any grade level. And of course, you will end the visitation becoming "slide certified." 

2014-2015 Training Dates:




I am so excited about teaming up with some of my favorite bloggers to share our review of Kim's book. Click on any of the links below to see what they think...




Win a signed copy of Kim's Book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a free visitation to the Academy! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will end this post with a few pictures of my RCA experience. If you ever get a chance to visit, you will see exactly why I feel so extremely blessed to be surrounded by such spectacular educators every single day! Why they chose me, I will never know…but I sure am glad they did! ;) 










6 comments:

  1. WOW!!! Ron Clark has always inspired me to be a better teacher, but watching that video and reading about your experience is incredible! I would love to read Kim's book, as well as visit the RCA.

    So inspired!

    Marcy
    Searching for Teacher Balance

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  2. Hope!!! It was SO great to meet you this week!! I'll be sending you an email later, but I just had to leave a comment since I just saw your post and amazing giveaways!! Holy moly!!! Kim's book sounds fantastic and I would absolutely love to come visit RCA! Fingers crossed! Hope you had a wonderful weekend recovering from the Vegas shenanigans!!

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  3. Oh. My. Gosh. I have heard of Ron Clark Academy but really didn't know much about it but after watching this and being in your session.... GIRL YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS!!!!! HOLY COW! I can't imagine why they wouldn't want you. Seriously. You inspired me so much with you energy and adorableness and you fit RIGHT in there. #madeforit
    XoXo! -Kandice

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  4. I read his books at the beginning of summer and WOW ...inspiring! I would love to go down that slide! When he won the Disney Teacher of The Year Award, I was also nominated that year. I felt bad that I lost, but he was amazing way back then! I love reading all of your posts. Thanks for inspiring me as well!

    Renee at The Science School Yard

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  5. This is a wonderful book. and so inspiring. It is magic when everyone shares stories like these. Thank You!

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  6. I can't wait to read this! Sounds very inspiring.

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