Sunday, December 22, 2013

PLN Blogging Challenge

PLN Blogging Challenge and My Thanks...



I had a couple of ideas percolating for an end of 2013 blog, and then the PLN Blogging Challenge came along. I was tagged in this challenge by one of my EdCampUNY friends Lisa Meade. I'm going to try to mesh my end of the year post with the challenge. Here goes...

In my year-end post I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the many individuals that have contributed to my professional growth this year.  When I sat back and thought about all the truly amazing conversations, chats, and interactions I had this year with so many gifted educators, I realized what a truly remarkable year it had been.  A difficult year to be sure, but one filled with so many blessings. When I become overwhelmed, or discouraged, I read my Twitter feed.  It is filled with examples of educators doing extraordinary things, and making a difference one child, one moment, one day at a time. So thank you for inspiring, challenging, encouraging and empowering me this year. And now without further delay...the PLN Blogging Challenge.

The Rules of the Challenge:

  • Acknowledge the nominating blogger.
  • Share 11 random facts about yourself.
  • Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
  • List 11 bloggers. They should be bloggers you believe deserve a little recognition and blogging love.
  • Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they've been nominated. *You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.


11 Random Facts About Me...

1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty. Jesus Christ is my Savior. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yes, I will wish you a Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays.

2) My roots are Canadian.  I moved to the United States in 2000.
3) I attended the University of Toronto at Scarborough and studied Environmental Science, and had not initially planned to pursue a career as a public school teacher.
4) My husband hates taking me to hockey games, especially if the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Toronto Marlies are playing. Apparently, I get a little into the game. See #2 for the explanation.
5) I have two children that I love beyond measure. Josh was born on Dec. 24 and Cassie was born on Dec. 9. Yes, December is a little busy in our house.
6) I have skied (downhill) since before I was 2 years old. Love Whistler, B.C.
7) My first teaching assignment in my present building was in 2nd grade. After that year, I moved to 6th grade where I remained for 10 years.  This year I returned to 2nd grade, and the very room I started in.
8) I grew up in a rural area outside of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Blackstock, Ontario was a great place to grow up.
9) Social media has allowed me to stay connected with family and friends from "home" and that means the world to me.
10) I love Italian food.
11) I love the magic of Disney.


My Answers to Lisa's Questions...

1) It's a toss up Lord I Need You by Matt Maher or One Thing Remains by Passion
2) Depending on the day, it would be Pride and Prejudice or Love Actually.
3) High. Stakes. Testing.
4) 1:1 implementation and a more collaborative physical space.
5) I reach out to my PLN (those in my own school, District, and those online) 
     and I pray - a lot!
6) Daisy Dyer-Duerr (@DaisyDyerDuerr), Scott Totten (@4BetterEducatio), and Ross Cooper (@RossCoops31). I am wicked excited to meet Tom Murray (@thomascmurray) in January.
7) To be really present, and in the moment. Not racing ahead to the next thing.
8) Jesus of Nazareth 
9) Professionally - Recent collaborations with Dr. Dixon (he was a teacher of mine in elementary school) around Cognitive Kinesthetics and Helping Boys Learn.
10) Professionally - The deaths of students, Andrew Sleeth and Hannah Coye.
11) Hard-working, dedicated and caring.

Bloggers I'm Challenging...It is supposed to be 11, but most of my PLN that blog are already working on this. Here are three friends that I hope will jump in and blog...

Scott Bedley (of the Bedley Brothers)
Scott Totten
David Hochheiser

My 11 questions:

1) What inspires you? 
2) Favorite childhood memory.
3) If you could go anywhere and do anything, where would you go and what would you do?
4) When you have free time, how do you spend it?
5) What book are you reading?
6) What changes would you make in the current education system?
7) Proudest professional moment.
8) Most humbling professional moment.
9) Favorite song.
10) What I see myself doing in 10 years.
11) If you weren't in education you would be...

I love how this has helped me to get to know my PLN a little better.  I have such an overwhelming sense of gratitude for you.  My professional life has been forever altered, and I cannot thank you enough.  I am challenged, inspired and empowered daily by all of you. I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a truly blessed New Year.