Inspiring Cassata teacher highlighted as Fort Worth Magazine’s Teachers of the Year
Math teacher Ron Clark poses after class in his classroom at Cassata Catholic High School in Fort Worth, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (NTC/Rodger Mallison)
FORT WORTH — For the fourth consecutive year, Cassata High School has an educator selected as one of Fort Worth Magazine's Teachers of the Year.
Ronald Clark has made quite the impact during his 18-year tenure at Cassata, and principal Dr. Maggie Harrison said that perhaps the quality that sets the math teacher apart the most is his patience.
“Mr. Clark is passionate about math and passionate about teaching students,” Harrison said. “He is very patient and very engaged. When you visit his class, he is always working with a student. He is always trying to find new ways to explain things to help them.”
Community centered
Clark, who believes that school should be more than just a place to acquire knowledge, said it was “overwhelming” to be nominated for such an honor, and said from his perspective, he is just doing his job.
“Firstly, the classroom must be a comfortable place in which to learn,” Clark said. “When I was hired, I told the then principal that I couldn’t imagine the students herding through my classroom without us getting to know something about one another. I think it’s important to foster a sense of community within the classroom. It’s okay if our conversations are not always about math.
“A few jokes or an anecdote here or there fosters a feeling of community. To be sure, we are all on an academic mission, but that doesn’t negate enjoying the time we spend together as we’re fulfilling the mission.”
His students definitely benefit from the environment Clark creates, as senior Melody Rodriguez, 18, who took Geometry A and B with Clark said that his class was always peaceful and welcoming.
“Mr. Clark helped me become confident in finishing my classes and led me every step of the way, even when I didn’t even think I could do it,” Rodriguez said. “On my first day here at Cassata, Mr. Clark told me that he knew I was smart, and I can achieve anything.”
Junior Nathan Mize, 18, described Clark's classroom as “the ideal learning environment,” and affirmed that the math teacher would occasionally lighten the mood with a good joke.
“He has changed my perspective on math as well as a bit on life,” Mize said. “He has shown me what a good teacher can be to a student and also what a profound impact one can have on the world around us through positive influence.”
Math works
An educator for a total of 25 years, Clark said it is important to set the correct tone to make students feel encouraged and supported.
“I truly believe the teacher must be seen as approachable; that the teacher is on their side, has their backs, and is truly invested in their success, regardless of the arena,” Clark said. “It is important to remember that we must meet them where they are and truly value them as a unique individual.”
Clark was initially drawn to teaching out of a desire to help others and said he was fortunate to find his “dream job” at Cassata.
“I find myself amid like-minded individuals embracing a common goal — all parties working well together and supporting one another in our mission,” Clark said.
A graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, Clark's interests include astronomy, art, music, reading, drawing, painting, architecture, carpentry, science, and of course, mathematics.
The Cassata teacher recognizes that math can be intimidating for some students and that is why patience is so important.
“Math is rarely obvious to the new learner, and therefore takes practice,” Clark said. “I often relate the concept of starring in a community play to learning mathematical concepts. One would never dream of stepping onto the stage opening night without having rehearsed their lines.
“So, it is with math. It must be rehearsed. Also, demonstrating due diligence in any academic arena builds a stronger work ethic which is a primary ingredient to successful learning.”
Dedicated mission
Cassata alum Kayla M., 20, took Algebra, Algebra II, and Geometry with Clark and said she misses “everything” about his class, but especially how patient, attentive, and caring he was to all his students and how he created a safe space for everyone to help each other and grow together.
“Mr. Clark impacted my life in the most positive ways ever,” Kayla said. “As a student and person, he taught me to never give up no matter how difficult anything may seem, and he showed me hard work truly does pay off. He is the reason I know I am capable of overcoming and achieving great things.”
Clark has also inspired a current student, Deacon Scagel,16, to follow in his footsteps.
“He is very easy to get along with,” Scagel said. “He has worked with me and made me want to study math and even become a math teacher in the future.”
Harrison said Clark is a great asset to Cassata and attributes the recognition her school has enjoyed over the last four years to a couple of factors.
“It makes me proud and humbled to be leading such an incredible team of educators,” Harrison said. “It's a testament to how much of their hearts they put into their craft. It isn't just a job to them, it's their vocation and their mission, and their complete dedication to their students.”
John English is a correspondent for the North Texas Catholic.