Ron Clark is an educator, author and speaker who will be coming to Notre Dame Academy as the keynote at an upcoming Professional Development Conference held for Catholic School teachers in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, October 11, 2019.

"We are so excited to have him come to our professional development," comments Notre Dame Academy Principal, Tristan D'Angelo. "He is the biggest name to come to Buffalo in a long time. I have been hearing from my colleagues in both Catholic and public schools who are calling me saying they are clearing their schedules to be here for the morning. He is such an inspiration to those in the teaching profession."

In addition to his many duties as an educator, Ron Clark is a much sought after keynote speaker. He shares the uncanny adventures he has had in the classroom and speaks of his experiences teaching in Harlem. Within his humorous and heartwarming stories, he delivers a relevant message, of hope, dedication and the never-say-never attitude required to achieve our goals and dreams.

For those who did not know, Mr. Ron Clark lead a comfortable life as a successful elementary school teacher, in a rural North Carolina town.  After watching a story on low test scores and the lack of teachers in the inner-city of New York, Clark packed his car and moved to Harlem, hoping to make a difference for the disenfranchised youths that the school system has left behind.

Upon arriving in Harlem, his principal informed him that his class was the least disciplined group she had seen in years. Clark visited the home of each of the students in his class, before the first day of school. Once in the classroom, Clark continuously involved his students in city and state wide projects, and his "low achievers" soon began to excel. By the end of the year, their scores were higher than the "gifted" classes in his district.

His highly effective programs received national attention and led to a White House invitation to be honored by the President of the United States. In 2003, Clark released the New York Times Bestselling book "The Essential 55" which includes his 55 expectations of students - as well as all individuals - young and old. Clark's second book, "The Excellent 11," was released in August 2004 and further captured the attention of parents, educators and students alike.

In 2006, Mr. Clark founded The Ron Clark Academy, an inner-city school serving students from across metro Atlanta. The privately funded institution is unique for its innovative teaching methods and curriculum based on worldwide travel. Each year the students, grades 5 through 8, apply their in-class lessons to international adventures. By the time of graduation, each child will have visited six of the seven continents. Almost 50,000 educators, teachers and administrators from around the world visit the Academy to observe the innovative and "out-of-the-box" methods for achieving student success from all 50 states and 26 countries.

In 2011, Clark released "The End of Molasses Classes: Getting Our Kids Unstuck--101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers." This New York Times Best Seller brought to light 101 innovative and classroom-tested ways for improving America's schools and leading our children to greatness.

In his most recent release, "Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life." This best seller is attracting attention from both the world of business and education. Mr. Clark applies his successful leadership principles to both worlds in this effective and accessible guidebook, perfect for anyone looking to inspire and motivate their team.

Notre Dame Academy is beyond blessed to be hosting Mr. Clark during a local Professional Development Conference, this October. And if you are looking for a great Catholic school for your children or grandchildren there is still time to register for 2019-2020 school year at Notre Dame Academy.  Please call 716-824-0726 to schedule a shadow day. For more information on South Buffalo Catholic School Notre Dame Academy please visit www.notredamebuffalo.org