School Teacher's Good Word

By Stephen M. Silverman

07/16/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Ron Clark, 28, a New York City schoolteacher, was one of 33 teachers picked from more than 70,000 nominees across the country for Disney's American Teacher Award, which honors creativity in the classroom. But the bake sales and the pledge drive held at his Public School 83 in East Harlem only raised enough money to send four of his 6th grade students with him to California on Nov. 18 to collect his prize -- and go with him to Disneyland. (Clark has 30 students, 22 girls and eight boys.) At first, Clark picked four names out of fishbowl. Then he made his announcement to the group: "Thanks to the law firm of Morrison & Foerster," Clark said as a wide smile broke out all over his face, "you're all going!" At first, reports New York's Daily News, the students stood there in stunned silence. Then they erupted into shrieks and applause before they mobbed Clark. Indeed, the law firm, hearing of the school's situation, is picking up the slack for the travel tab, some $16,500. Talk about a class act.