“Ron Clark is an educator, but leadership model and highly motivational message transcends sectors and is of benefit to businesses and organizations,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Albany Area Chamber is proud to partner with the Dougherty County School System in presenting to Albany and Southwest Georgia Ron Clark through a program that focuses on leadership development and emphasizes the important relationship between business, education and community.”

“The Dougherty County School System is thrilled to welcome Ron Clark to Albany, and we hope educators all over Southwest Georgia will participate to learn how to take Ron’s style and success and replicate it in their own classrooms,” said Dougherty County School System Associate Superintedent and Chief Financial Officer Ken Dyer, who on July 1 officially becomes  superintendent. “Ron’s illustration of ‘Move Your Bus’ has impacted schools across the nation, and to have the opportunity to sit under his teaching could drastically impact education in our community.”

Mr. Clark has been called "America's Educator." In 2000, he was named Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He is a New York Times bestselling author whose book, The Essential 55, has sold over 1 million copies and has been published in 25 different countries. He has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, and Oprah, and Ms. Winfrey even named him as her first "Phenomenal Man." His classes have been honored at the White House on three separate occasions. Ron's teaching experiences in New York City are the subject of the uplifting film, The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry, better known as Chandler from Friends.

“Summer School” will feature a keynote address followed by a teacher-only breakout session with Clark. Tickets are $25 for teachers, $35 for chamber members and $45 for general audience, and may be purchased at the Albany Area Chamber by calling (229) 434-8700.