Diana L. (Dimples) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is a collection of the effective rules that Ron clark used to become an extraordinary teacher. It's mostly about manners and respecting self and others. I've taught school for more than 20 years and have put into practice many of Ron Clark's ideas long before he compiled them into this book. The book would be good for beginning teachers, especially.
Stephanie G. (enchantedfamily) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This book is a MUST HAVE not only for educators, but for parents, care givers, or anyone else who works with children. I was surprised to find that mixed in with the "55" lessons are humorous, and inspiring stories of Ron Clark's experience. It has truly been enlightening. I'm giving copies of this to everyone I know. And I can't tell you how many children I've met that I WISH had been taught half of these essentials!!
Kelly B. (missbisby) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book really has some incredibly helpful tips for new teachers. While some of the rules are quite specific, the overall effect is one that helps you establish strong classroom management skills. Clark blends unconditional love with high expectations, which is the goal of every teacher. I suggest you check this book out if you are new to the world of education, or if you want to brush up on your classroom management skills.
Jade A. (jadecaviles) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book was very practical. He spoke to the children in every day terms that made sense...common sense that is.
Mary (grammyteach) -
Helpful Score: 2
great resource of ideas for teachers on how to motivate, discipline, and communicate with students
Jennifer K. (jennababe) - , reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great teaching ideas and concepts. This is written by the guy featured on The Ron Clark Story starring Matthew Perry. Lots of anecdotes and examples from his experiences.
Cindy C. (beaglesheltie) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Quick read with easily implemented ideas for the classroom. Upligting for the tired teacher as well as the beginner.
Judy D. (JudyCutie) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
LOVE this book! I was proud to see that I actually DO some of the things he does, but I also stole quite a few ideas for my 4th grade classroom. Great book!
Kristen S. (gatorgrl) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
For a beginning teacher, this book is great. However, I think teachers need to remember that there is a difference between rules and procedures. A lot of the "rules" Ron Clark describes are procedures and ways he did things in his classrooms. This is not the Bible of teaching like some people make it out to be but if you are having a hard time with classroom management, it is a good place to start. It's also inspiring to see the difference he makes in the lives of "tough kids".
John O. (buzzby) -
Helpful Score: 1
It is nice that he lists the 55 rules right up front. But obviously, the book is out of date, because several have to do with behaviour on field trips. What school can afford field trips now?
Donna E. (impossible) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good help for teachers and parents. Also makes a good reference for ideas for this subject.
Pat K. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The genre of inspirational books for teachers has given a lot to teachers who can relax and be restored by sharing and savoring other teachers' struggles and triumphs. This book can serve that purpose. It isn't particularly well written, and the author includes a larger than usual dose of self-promotion, still, some of its content may be helpful and its mood is largely upbeat. Sadly, if you think about the overall message you may notice as I did that his focus is largely on behavior rather than on learning. He uses behaviorism, and doesn't seem to be interested in the fact that students can develop autonomy and good judgment, that their quality of life in the classroom is more important than the teacher's. He illustrates the inevitability of "mistakes" with a story of his own exceedingly bad judgement and vindictive behaviors that he roped his students into supporting. Hm.
If you would like to read an inpirational teacher book by an author who supports development of _character_ rather than of obedience, and displays humility in the service of the students he loves I'd recommend either Esquith's "There are No Shortcuts" or "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire."
If you would like to read an inpirational teacher book by an author who supports development of _character_ rather than of obedience, and displays humility in the service of the students he loves I'd recommend either Esquith's "There are No Shortcuts" or "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire."
Julianne B. (timekeeper) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent, practical steps for all areas of a child's development. Not just for teachers. Parents can learn a lot from this book.
Tricia M. (bellajolie) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
some really sweet ideas
Rene M. (teacherlady) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 66 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Quick, encouraging read for teachers - will help avoid burnout!
Pamela B. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent book for educators and parents to read! I am a high school teacher with no children, so some of the ideas are a little harder for me to apply, but I thought it was an excellent book from a very fine educator.
John O. (buzzby) -
Some good tips, one part I opened up to talked about he and his class plotting and getting revenge on another teacher. I suppose that's part of the modern classroom now.
Krista C. (teachergal) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 17 more book reviews
This book is a book of ideas to use in the classroom.
Michelle B. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 40 more book reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every teacher should read it!
Elaine H. (Avon) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 279 more book reviews
Great book
Darla J. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 5 more book reviews
Good Ideas
Diane B. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on
An easy read with lots of really good ideas! As a teacher I loved his perspective and enthusiasm for his students. Would definetely recommend.
Melanie P. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 7 more book reviews
Didn't find the tips particularly applicable to my students; however, this book has received good press, and some of the ideas are wonderful. Author has very optimistic views for students.
Christine G. (QueenChrystabel) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 14 more book reviews
Raise the standards and expect the best from your students. Parents and educators alike can use thes simple rules to help their kids succeed.
Nicole L. (NicoleL) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 36 more book reviews
Very Good
Sandra R. - , reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 189 more book reviews
A good resourse for teaching students basic manners and as an educator this should start in elementary school.
Sam S. (thesaminal) reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on + 10 more book reviews
I think Ron Clark is an anal retentive control freak better suited for business management than teaching.
Erin S. reviewed The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child on
This copy of the book is autographed by Ron Clark.
