Ron Clark and the Ron Clark Academy host the first annual The Great American Teacher Award ceremony at the W Hotel in Midtown on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.  

View the entire photo gallery.

The event started with a red carpet grand entrance.

Ron Clark and Kim Bearden honored five outstanding teachers from around the country.

Ron Clark Academy students offered several performances.  Friends from Pace Academy and the cast of Rent joined in on "Seasons of Love" to end the show.

This year’s Great American Teacher of the Year was Aimée Burgamy from Lilburn, GA.

A few of her students came along for the celebration.

View and order prints from this event.