These 3 Things I Know are True: The PLN Blogging Challenge

I am excited to be a part of a PLN blogging challenge that is sure to connect educators from all over. Today's blog will depart from the "3 Things I Know Are True" and focus on the challenge given to me by East Leyden Principal, Jason Markey. Jason has been a huge part of my growth as an educator. We first met on May 2, 2007, the day I signed my first contract to become a teacher. Since then, I have admired Jason's growth and passion as a school leader and am proud to say he, and a Bears loss to the Packers in the freezing cold are the reasons why I have become a connected educator.

HERE ARE 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 a little 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.)

1. I attended Marquette University

2. I was educated in the Catholic schools from kindergarten through college

3. My sister was an NFL cheerleader

4. I have coached golf, baseball, and basketball

5. My wife Lizzie is from Green Bay, which makes Sunday's tough

6. I make my own thin crust and deep dish pizza

7. I have never had a cup of coffee in my life

8. My Dad was a teacher and my Mom was a social worker, and both my sister and I followed in those professions respectively

9. My wife and I had 3 permanent addresses in 2012

10. My professional sports hero is Bo Jackson.

11. U2 and Coldplay are my favorite bands.

Ok, now here comes the hard part. I have to answer 11 question's that my blog nominator has posed. Here we go...

1. How has blogging and being “connected” impacted your practice?

I am sharing ideas and being inspired by people from all over the world. I now receive self-directed professional development everyday and am in a constant state of learning. It has been a game changer.

2. What is a blog post you have read recently that you would like to share with others?

This is one of the most passionate blogs I've ever read from my mentor Tony Sinanis.

http://leadingmotivatedlearners.blogspot.com/2013/08/ode-to-paul.html

3. What is your favorite food/restaurant? Tough one, maybe- "Smoque" BBQ in Chicago.

4. Why did you choose to be a high school, middle school, or elementary educator?

High School is an incredible time in your life. I wanted to continue to be a part of the journey for and with my students.

5. What is your favorite movie, book, and song?

Movie- Shawshank Redemption Book- To Kill a Mockingbird Song- U2- City of Blinding Lights

6. What is your favorite vacation destination?

Hawaii- more specifically Maui

7. Where do you want to travel most that you haven’t been to yet?

I could probably spend some time in Australia!

8. What are you most proud of in your career?

Its probably not anything you can quantitatively measure. I think the success and happiness of my students after they leave high school makes me the most proud.

9. iPhone or Android?

Apple. Think Differently.

10. If you had a superpower what would it be?

I'm flying for sure!

11. If you could change one thing in education what would it be?

The way politicians, the public, and state measure what truly makes a school successful.

Below are 11 educators/bloggers that I am challenging to answer my questions. I respect all of them for making me a better educator and inspiring me to do great things.

1. Mike Manderino

2. Jenna Shaw

3. Tony Sinanis

4. John Fritzky

5. Kristen Jansen

6. Chris Lange

7. Jason Bretzmann

8. Brianne Koletsos

9. Chuck Skrabacz

10. Jason Curtis

11. Jeff Zoul

Here are 11 questions I have for my blogging friends: