When Ron Clark began teaching in 1995, his teacher gave him this advice, “If you can influence the life of one child, you’ll be a success.” Up to now, Ron still doesn’t agree with that advice. When Ron entered a class, he decided to change every student’s life for the better.

Ron never planned on being a teacher. After college, he travelled around the world, living a life full of adventures, but after getting terribly sick, he returned to his hometown, North Carolina. Then he taught at a school there. “From then on it was like magic — I fell in love with teaching,” said Ron. After five years of teaching, he heard that some schools in East Harlem, New York were failing because there were few good teachers. “At that moment I had a feeling — it was like a calling,” he said. “And so I said, ‘I’m going to do it.’”

Before school started, Ron went to every single student’s home and met with their families. He gave his students his home phone number, so if they had any trouble with their homework, they could call him. To connect with his students, Ron knew he should use special teaching methods. He learned to play funny games with them, gave them lively lessons, and spent his time taking students to New York’s tourist attractions. His students studied harder and behaved（表现）better in return.

Because of his efforts in North Carolina and Harlem, Ron Clark has become one of the most successful teachers in America. But, more than anything else, he has become famous for his book called The Essential 55.

Sold in over 25 countries, The Essential 55 has encouraged teachers to influence the lives of all of their students. Ron Clark is now starting a new school in Atlanta, Georgia — probably his biggest adventure!

64. Does Ron Clark agree with his teacher’s advice?

65. In which year did Ron Clark begin teaching in New York?

66. What did the students do in return for Ron’s efforts?

67. What is Ron Clark famous for?

68. Why can Ron Clark be a successful teacher?