The KSU-Student Georgia Association of Educators (SGAE) Chapter is pleased to announce that due to the collaborative efforts of the KSU Chapters of SGAE, Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), the Student Professional Association of Georgia (SPAGE), and the National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME) we have received funding in the amount of $7,500.00 from SABAC which will be used to sponsor guest speaker Ron Clark.

Ron Clark has been called " America 's Educator." His work with disadvantaged students in rural North Carolina and in inner-city Harlem garnered worldwide attention, and he was invited to the White House on three separate occasions to be honored by the President and Mrs. Clinton. Mr. Clark's tireless work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of children has also led him to be named Disney's American Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Clark's first book, The Essential 55, captured the interest of America , and was on the New York Times Best Seller List for thirteen weeks. Mr. Clark says that The Essential 55 is a book not only for teachers but also for parents and anyone who cares about manners, respect, and making a difference in the lives of others. Mr. Clark's most recent book, The Excellent 11, lists the qualities that all teachers and parents need in order to motivate students and help them achieve academic and personal success. In addition, Mr. Clark has also published "The Essential 55 Workbook" which can be used to help teach children manners, encourage them to succeed and stress the importance of respect and having an appreciation of others.

Mr. Clark's dream is to start his own school for disadvantaged children. As he makes plans for his school and arranges funding, he is traveling across the country to talk to teachers, college students, parents, business leaders, civic organizations, and various other groups and organizations. As Ron speaks to these groups around the country, he tells of the uncanny adventures he has had in the classroom and of his experiences teaching in Harlem . Within his humorous and heartwarming stories, he delivers a message that pertains to all of us. It is a message of hope, dedication and the will to never let anything stand in the way of your goals or dreams.

Again, we are all very excited about this event and we look forward to your support as we plan for Ron Clark's visit in the spring. For more information about Ron Clark, please visit him on the web @ http://www.ronclark.info/About_Ron_Clark/.

Updates regarding Ron Clark's March 13th 2006 visit will be posted to this web page so please check back.