PLN Blogging Challenge-1

One night while I was participating in the #njed Twitter chat, I came upon some other educators discussing blogging, and the challenges of getting into a regular blogging routine. Somehow someone decided to make it a challenge to blog once a month. They created a Google doc to keep track of all of the names and links to the blogs, so we can keep each other accountable. I signed up and now here I am, blogging. 

I was nominated, by Drew, for this wonderful idea of blogging along with other educators who want to share their ideas and collaborate with each other. Here are the rules of the challenge:

The PLN blogging Challenge:

1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger.
2. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
3. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
4. List 11 bloggers. They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!
5. Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.)

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I have been to China twice to teach English to students at a Martial Arts School. I went in June-July of 2006 and 2007. It was a WONDERFUL experience. I hope that the "little brother" I had there has had a wonderful time growing into a young adult and that he has a good life.
   
2. I am certified with my CEAS in NJ for Elementary Education AND all 4 core Middle School subject areas. I only had to retake one praxis.
   
3. I love attending Professional Development workshops. It helps me see where I want to be in my career, and helps me understand the challenges and great things going on in the education field.
   
4. I am addicted to Vera Bradley bags and Alex and Ani bracelets. I have too many bags to count, and currently have 7 different bangles that I wear.
   
5. I love reading, preferably fiction books. I still enjoy reading "teeny bop" books, as they are quick reads.
   
6. I have started a good collection of books on anything education related- pedagogy, techniques, etc.
   
7. I love taking pictures and one day hope to be able to take good quality portraits.
   
8. I started teach Sunday School at my church and love the munchkins that come.
   
9. I am attempting to plan an education conference for New Teachers and one for Pre-Service Teachers with an awesome organization (NJASCD).
   
10. Within 2013 I not only got more involved with Twitter, but I started participating in Twitter chats to grow my PLN.
    
11. My favorite holiday is Christmas. 

Questions from Drew

1. What is your favorite movie of all time?
   I enjoy watching  A LOT of movies, but I guess my all time favorite is The Wizard of Oz.
   
2. If you could go to have attended any concert anytime in history, what would it have been?
   I guess it would have been cool to attend the concert that support Sandy relief in 2012.
   
3. What do you do for fun?  Hobby?
   I enjoy reading fiction books. I enjoy looking up different ways to help improve my teaching skills. I enjoy PD events. Those are all fun for me. I also enjoy watching movies. A hobby I have is doing various arts and crafts projects.
4. What two guests would make the best comedic pair as co-hosts for the Oscars?
   I am always bad at this part because I feel like I never know any comedians. I guess maybe Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy might be a nice duo because they did well in their movie together. 
5. Cat, Dog or Goldfish? Why…
   I have never had a cat or a dog because we thought I was allergic to them when I was little. My brother did have a fish. I want a dog though, in the next 10 years. 
6. How do you caffeinate?
   Depends on the coffee shop. Mostly its a Caramel latte (hot or iced) or a Caramel macchiatto. 
7. Favorite twitter chat?
   #njed, #ntchat, #satchat (I couldn't pick just one)
8. Best place you ever vacationed?
   Disney World. 
9. Best book you’ve read in 2013?
   I read several books in 2013 but I guess my favorite was Teach Like a Champion. 
10. Favorite television shows?
    So many!! Some are still on the air and others aren't. Grey's Anatomy, Tomorrow People, Arrow, How I Met Your Mother, FRIENDS, Teen Wolf, The Walking Dead, NCIS, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, That 70's Show, etc.
11. What is one thing you never/rarely share that you are exceptionally proud of?
    I guess it is the fact that I went to China to teach English. I speak of it from time to time, but I am extremely proud of it. I am also extremely proud that I was able to pass the middle school praxis tests for 4 different subject areas. 

Now it is my turn to nominate some bloggers:
I will put some of the fellow bloggers from the #blogamonth challenge. Feel free to join the challenge here http://blogamonth.weebly.com/.

Finally, according to the rules, it’s my turn to ask 11 questions of my nominees:

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? 

2. What made you decide to go into education?

3. Who was your favorite teacher and why?

4. What drew you to the school you work in now? 

5. Why do you blog? 

6. What is your favorite Twitter chat?

7. What is your favorite holiday? 

8. Where would you like to go, if you could go anywhere in the world?

9. What is biggest challenge you've ever overcome? 

10. What is one goal you have for 2014?

11. What is your favorite color?

2013 recap

I haven't posted a blog post in a LONG time. 2013 got a little crazy. In August I received a phone call for an interview, which I happily took. It was for a long, per diem substitute job in Edison Township. I interviewed with the science supervisor and she, right away, recommended me to the Principal of the middle school where the opening was. I interviewed with the principal and accepted the position. I was ECSTATIC! I finally had my own classroom, even if it was only for 2 months. I was so happy to set up the room and start the school year off with these students. They really touched my heart, and made my 1st real "LTS" job a success! I may have been a little hesitant to go too far out of the box, but it was a learning experience.

Once that job was over, I just subbed per diem for random teachers in the district. I have been on about 3 other interviews since and am waiting to hear back from them all. It is all a learning experience, which I am happy to take.

2014 will be a better year for blogging. Enjoy the last 2 days of 2013!!