You may have seen clips of this viral dance video around the web, but do you know the story behind it? The video featuring a group of young, talented dancers and their much older teacher has become an online sensation. The clip shows the amazing bond between two generations, but more importantly it reveals how teachers can reach students.
"Once we started I said, 'I am so bad, let's just film ya'll' and the kids said, 'No, Mr. Clark, you have to be in it,'" former Teacher of the Year Ron Clark told CBS' Mark Strassman. Ron founded the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, a nonprofit private school where nearly all of its low-income students are on full scholarships and the path to college.
"The message to get out there was to say that we can do fun things while learning at the same time," said seventh grader Jaydon Linsey. It may seem unusual or a little goofy to see kids and teachers dancing together, but it's an important lesson for kids to know that learning, hard work, and fun don't have to be mutually exclusive.
"I think the message of this video is summed up by who we are at the Ron Clark Academy, we are all about relationship with kids," said Ron. "Building bonds and showing kids that you care, because when kids know you are willing to meet them where they are and you're willing to learn about their culture and interact with them in a positive way, they're gonna respect you more and they're gonna work harder."
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