A widely celebrated Atlanta educator is getting high praise this week — not for his teaching, but for his dance moves.
Ron Clark, co-founder and middle school teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, posted a video Monday to social media that has the Internet buzzing.
Fresh off a holiday break, the 30-second clip shows Clark and seven of his students dancing to "Bet You Can't Do It Like Me Challenge" by hip hop artist DLOW. The popular song "challenges" listeners to do dances such as the Whip, Nae Nae and Milly Rock.
And as evidenced by the video, Clark and company have risen to the challenge.
"We want to meet kids where they are and recognize their interests," Clark told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the inspiration behind the video. "We push them hard academically, but we also work hard on relationships and bonds."
The video has been viewed more than one million times and has been shared nearly 35,000 times.
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, hailing the video as “amazing” and “awesome” and referring to Clark as “the single greatest educator on this planet.” Even Clark’s mother weighed in:
Clark, who has made appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," is known for his dynamic teaching style, particularly for at-risk students. He has previously used music and video as a classroom tool:
For educators who are inspired by the school's latest video, but feel their dancing skills aren't up to the task, Clark advises finding another way to relate to students.
"Do whatever it takes to show them that you're all in and fully invested in their education."
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