He Knows Not His Influence - Michael Abramczyk

I first met Michael in person at ICE's #TasteOfTech in August of 2017 in Aurora, IL. I was blown away by his enthusiasm so early in the morning! I was also a bit embarrassed, as he was lavishing all this praise on me for my own endeavors. I didn't know anyone there knew my name, much less what I've done or what I do. During his session that I was able to attend - on Scratch - I was ready to learn. He made us all ready to learn with his enthusiasm and passion for teaching. We continued talking during lunch that day, and I learned of his unabashed passion for connecting educators.

I have since been able to chat with him briefly at ISTE18, where I somehow earned the title "Aunt Joy," and we've also been able to have dinner together with his work wife (Megan Hacholski - another gem - they made a great team!) and my husband. This man acts so humble. He has every right to be confident and boastful, but he is just the opposite. I'm so glad he began his blog this year - he's got so many stories to share from his caring heart!

Joy Kirr
7th grade ELA teacher in Arlington Heights, IL



Looking for a picture of him is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, so we're using his current Twitter photo... it's not REALLY Bob Ross... that's Michael under that fun hair piece!

Mike is without a doubt the most influential person I have met in my teaching career thus far. I would not be where I am today without him, and that is not even close to hyperbole. Mike is my brother from another mother, the party-in-the-back to my business-in-the-front, and my all-time favorite person to "boooo" others with (sort of joking). In all seriousness, Mike is a humble, caring educator who wants nothing more than the best for others. He will consistently put everyone else before himself, singing praises for all to hear. He is supportive, encouraging and gives the best motivational speech you'll ever hear. I am so grateful to have worked with him for 6.5 years, but even more grateful to call him my friend for life.

Megan Hacholski
Brookfield-La Grange Park District 95
Digital Skills Teacher and STEM Lab Coordinator

Connect with Michael Abramczyk. 
Then chat with him a bit in person. 
You'll be very glad you did!

Thank you, Michael, for all you do for children and educators!

Lessons from 8,422 Miles Away - Sam Sherratt

I learn from so many educators on Twitter each day. I am currently "following" 4,625 of them. Some, however, I've latched on to because it seems as if EVERY DAY I'm learning something new, or I'm reminded of what I need to focus on, or I'm challenged by a question posed.

Sam Sherratt is one of those educators.
On my TweetDeck, he even has his OWN column. (He didn't know that before this post came out!) Here's the thing - It's like I have a mentor on my screen every morning. Here's what I saw first this morning. It caught my attention because he normally doesn't tweet his own thoughts many times in a row:

I found myself nodding my head, and feeling good about the track I'm on in my career.

I then saw a couple he retweeted that after reading, I, too retweeted:

 

It's as if he's already gone through his feed and culled it for the blog posts I need to read with my breakfast. Much as a mentor would do. I aspire to tweet such gems as he does each day! He is one of those educators who (currently) uses Twitter for professional sharing - I don't recall seeing tweets about his food or fun. I don't know much about the man (except from blog posts), but I do know he is passionate about making schools truly work for children.

If that's not enough - Sam blogs. His blog posts are from the heart, reflective, and many times present challenges for us to consider. His retweets from educators at his own school show us HOW to take on many of those challenges. So he not only poses the questions, but shares - in 140 characters or less - how teachers can begin tackling those questions.

I am so grateful for Sam for sharing his learning, the learning of others, and small bits of his day that can help guide other educators. I am so grateful I can learn from him, even being 8,422 miles away.

My Dad Is My Pirate Role Model - Marly Schroepfer

This note of appreciation was originally posted here.

The more I have learned about Teach Like a Pirate (Dave Burgess), the more I believe that my dad is a pirate, too. Not in the same way that educators are, but in his own unique way.

Passion: My dad has an incredible passion for softball, playing in the over-70 league. He has played ever since grade school. Dad played on work teams throughout his career. Ever since he and my mom retired, he has played for the church league down in Bella Vista, Arkansas. In addition, he has been on various traveling senior softball leagues, playing in tournaments all over the south. He's won a wealth of accolades, including MVP of the World Senior Softball Championship. Did I mention that, in addition to his place as an incredible hitter and all-star outfielder, he's also his team's runner? Amazing!

Immersion: My parents both supported my siblings and I, attending every one of our games, concerts and ceremonies. Now that we are grown, they are still interested in our activities and achievements, although they don't always get to see us in person. Immersing themselves in softball, my mom and dad travel all over the country so my dad and his teammates can show those younger guys that they've still got it. My mom lovingly keeps score of every game in her notebook (and has kept all these notebooks dating back through the years). She also brings along a cooler with ice and cold rags to put over my dad's neck to cool him down in extreme heat. My folks don't just dip their toes in the softball water...they dive right in during every season.

Rapport: My dad has a sly sense of humor, and my mom can talk to just about anyone. They get along with everyone they meet, and take on any responsibility needed to help their teams (and their community). My dad has helped coach and create the lineups, and both of them like to socialize with the players and their wives during the out-of-town tournaments. My own family (husband and two children) has joined them for at least one softball tournament each summer, and we are always amazed at the camaraderie among the group. My son, who is almost 18, has joined the team as their bat boy for 10+ seasons. My dad's warmth and team spirit always made him feel like one of the guys. It has been amazing to witness their grandfather-son relationship grow stronger each year.

Ask & Analyze: My dad and I are Twins fans, and enjoy talking about our favorite team's wins, losses and player/team stats. Although he doesn't live in Minnesota anymore, my dad follows every game. We can talk each other's ear off about our shared love of Twins baseball. As for senior softball, after just about every game (and especially at tournaments), my mom will call or text the breakdown of my dad's successes. She shares how many hits (broken down by base), catches and runs he scored. It's almost like I was there. (Remember that it's all written down in Mom's notebooks.) MLB statisticians have nothing on her.

Transformation: My parents have transformed what could have been a relaxing retirement into an engaging whirlwind of activity. They have also transformed an office space into a shrine to all things baseball, displaying every trophy, ribbon, medal and accolade my dad earned over his softball career. A few years ago, my mom had many of my dad's t-shirts from his tournaments made into a quilt (which is displayed in that room). It's like a softball museum in there.

Enthusiasm: Despite a scare years ago regarding his eyesight, my dad plays his heart out every game, and wouldn't miss a game or tournament if he can help it. In addition, you should just see my mom and the other softball wives rooting for their husbands. These guys play in the 100+ degree heat, with a genuine love for the game oozing out of their pores. They play for the pure joy. However, the championship rings, trophies, medals, ribbons, and plaques sure are nice.

So, I am the daughter of a pirate (actually two pirates). I owe my success to these incredible pirates who raised me.

*As further proof of their pirate-ness, they went zip lining on my dad's 75th birthday. Another adventure for these amazing people in the prime of their lives.

Happy 75th birthday, Dad! I love you!

This post was written by this wonderful pirate’s daughter, Sandy Otto.

My Rock - Bob Kirr

He is my #1 Fan...    (Well, he may be tied with my mom...!)

My husband, Bob Kirr...

When it comes to my teaching career, he is my biggest support. I won't go into the rest of our life together, as it would take a ton more than just one post, so this one is all about how appreciative I am of Bob's support of me as a teacher.

Here is the physical proof of what Bob has done for my students IN the classroom:

 I chose the fabric, and Bob did the rest...

I bought the books, and Bob gave me a place to put them... (Over a bulletin board...)

I wanted to find a way to display certain books, and Bob made me a way...

I wanted to get the headsets out of the box, and Bob made me a rack...

I found an idea on Pinterest for whisper phones, and Bob glued them all together for us...

Behind all the fun supplies he supplies (hah!), he also holds me up mentally. Some instances of when he's helped me become a better teacher (ahem - a better PERSON)...

When a parent called Genius Hour "crazy," and said, "You should do more P.R.," he let me cry. When I was finished, he asked, "What are you going to do now?" My answer? Create the LiveBinder.

When (recently) another teacher called a meeting with me and the principal over something I had said, Bob let me know, "You did nothing wrong." When it was over, he asked, "What have you learned?" He helps me reflect - EVERY SINGLE DAY.

When I want to try something new, he's the one who challenges with one word - WHY?

When I'm on the laptop too long, he comes by and shuts it on my fingers.

When I get a wonderful letter from a parent, he's the only one with whom I can share it.

When I feel knocked down because other teachers and I do not agree, he calms me and reminds me that I used to believe differently, too. He also reminds me that I don't need to change the world - I'm doing a lot with the kiddos I have.

When I have the BEST DAY EVER, he's the one I run to so I can share my stories of the BEST KIDS EVER.

And, of course, after a difficult week, he's the first one who helps me celebrate the weekend...!
He is my love, my life, and my rock, even when he helps me feel as if I can fly...

With all the respect I can muster... Joy Lynn

Imagination and a Sense of Humor

My Mom came here as a LEGAL immigrant (from Italy) after waiting 13 years, (for a sponsor and honoring the United States laws). She only went to the 8th grade and yet she amassed so much - in love, in family, in friends, and financially. She took care of us and gave us everything we ever wanted!

My 88-year-old Mom Fernanda is a resident at Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, CA. where I visit her everyday at 4:00. This morning I called her and when she didn’t answer, I left her a message to call me back. When she finally returned my call, she explained that she didn’t pick up the phone because she was at ‘gymnastics’.

This is another thing I love about my Mother - her imagination and sense of humor: It was a senior fitness class, but she calls it ‘gymnastics’. I’m envisioning tumbling, trampoline, pummel board, etc. I’m going to thank her in person later today when I go visit. 

Oh wait, today is Monday. 

She has her pole-vaulting class at 4:00...

Lovingly submitted by Justin Ezzi

Everybody's Grammie

"Is Grammie coming today?" This asked by multiple students in my 5/6 block every Monday.

Grammie is one student's grandmother. She came to read us a picture book back in January of this year. She didn't know which to choose, so I asked if she could read The Sweetest Fig by Chris van Allsburg. She loved the story and she loved coming in to read it, and we clicked immediately. She then came again, to read another, and said she'd love to come by more often. I asked if she'd come in to help us with our Genius Hour projects, and her face glowed.

When you see Chris Avelle, a.k.a. Grammie, with this group of 7th graders, you immediately know she used to teach. She's a natural with children. She had "little ones," and has transferred all of her knowledge about how to work with them to this new age level. She loves to work one-on-one with students, and is very grateful for the time in the classroom and with children once again.

I don't think Grammie realizes that I feel just as grateful to her for coming to join us. She has been able to give all of her attention to one child at a time, and I am free to tackle short bursts with the rest of our students who don't need as much guidance.

I don't think Grammie realizes how much the students feel grateful having her presence in our class. They see her visits as a very special treat, and they want to show her what they're doing and all of their progress.

I don't think Grammie realizes what an impact she's had on the culture of our class and how these students will never forget that Grammie came in to visit with them for many weeks in a row.

I'm writing this as a public thank you to Grammie. I've made her a gift - sharing my passions for art and words, and students have signed their autographs and messages that we attached to the back of it. Her presence in room 239 has reinforced the idea that everyone is welcome in our classroom as a teacher, and we all have our gifts to share.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
~Jackie Robinson

Always Present, Always Positive: Dan Kerr Makes Everyone Better

Every morning when students arrive at Academia Cotopaxi in Quito, Ecuador, they are greeted with a huge smile and a friendly, "Good morning," "Happy Monday," or one of any number of impromptu acapella songs. I've never been to Ecuador, but I know this happens every day - rain or shine - because Dan Kerr is there.

In his first year as the Intermediate Principal at Academia Cotopaxi, Dan is, without a doubt, bringing positivity and happiness to the entire school community.  I can be so incredibly confident that this is happening because I’ve seen it with my own eyes (and heard it too!)

Dan Kerr and I started out as mere acquaintances; we met at the Principals Training Center (PTC) in Miami, Florida.  We worked in the same small group and had many spirited conversations about education during our class time, on the golf course, and over a drink or two.  It was apparent to me that Dan’s zest for life was not limited to sports, his family, or school, but rather it encompassed every single breath he took.

Fortunately for me, Dan later became my mentor and one of my best friends in the world (which means something a little more special in the very transient international teaching community).  He encouraged me to join him in Shanghai, where he mentored me in my first years as a Middle School Vice Principal.  Dan’s guidance extended beyond the workplace.  He became a better friend than anyone could ever wish for, guiding me through any and all of the challenges life had in store for me.   Dan has impacted my life immeasurably; there are no words that can explain the gratitude I have for him!

I’m surely not the only person who is grateful for all that Dan has brought to their life.  Dan has become a widely read educational blogger at www.mondaymusings.org, as his weekly posts are shared out to tens-of-thousands of people via multiple social media and educational networks. With over 1.5 million views to his page as of May of 2014 (I snooped last Spring), Dan has surely had a positive influence on a lot of people around the world.

It speaks volumes about Dan that his former students (now in High School here in Shanghai) are brainstorming ways to celebrate his upcoming birthday despite the fact that he is literally on the other side of the world!

After more than 15 years in education, Dan has surely touched the hearts of many students, parents, and colleagues.  I am one of those lucky many that have been able to learn and benefit from the friendship and guidance of Dan Kerr.

On behalf of all those who have been fortunate enough to meet Dan and experience his infectious positive energy, I would like to say…

“Thank you for all that you’ve done and for being the presence you have become in so many of our lives!”

This letter of gratitude was written on behalf of all the lives Dan Kerr has touched... 

by Bret Olson (@The1sWhoDo)

Champion of Others - Peter DeWitt

Every day we empower students to be the best versions of themselves as they can be. We work hard to develop relationships to support their best interests and encourage them to be better than they sometimes realize themselves they can be; it’s second nature to us.

It’s rarer, however, to have an administrator or colleague who champions us, the teachers. Peter DeWitt is one of those special people.

Although I don’t remember the specifics as to how Peter and I first got linked, I’m certain it was through Twitter. He asked me if I wanted to do a guest spot on his blog, Finding Common Ground, and I was just overjoyed. Eager to please and impress him with my writing, I asked dozens of questions to which he simply answered, “What do you care about?”

It was that simple. He wanted me to write him an article about something that mattered to me. He gave me a deadline and word count and I, of course, got it to him the next day in usual “Starr” fashion. I think he was surprised.

And so the beginning of our professional relationship began. Over the last 6 months, Peter has continually gone out of his way to offer me opportunities and encourage me to move beyond what I was doing for him. He’s easy to work with, supportive, and engaging. His genuine concern for my success is really unparalleled considering we haven’t even met in person.

Now, I feel fortunate to not only call Peter my colleague, but a friend. We’ve expanded our relationship beyond Twitter and into other social media outlets and email. His direct honesty about a plethora of personal and professional wisdom is uncommon. The willingness he has to share his experiences and challenges is what I’d like to model myself after when helping others, too.

When successes come my way from the opportunities he has offered or otherwise, I enthusiastically reach out to him and he never disappoints me when he responds. He has been sage in his advice and I respect all that he has shared.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m extremely grateful for Peter’s mentoring of my writing life. Anyone who knows him is already aware of his kindness and knowledge. Those who are just getting to know him will be welcomed. His impassioned beliefs about education are decisive and thoughtful, so read his blog and follow him on Twitter… pick up one of his books and learn. You won’t be sorry.

This post of gratitude was written by Starr Sackstein (@mssackstein).

Eric Williams

Dr. Eric Williams is the superintendent of the York County School Division in Yorktown, VA.

After ten years of teaching I found myself burning out--losing that fire to be in the classroom. Thank goodness I found Twitter and a PLN to rekindle my passion for teaching and learning! I am honored to have Dr. Williams as part of my PLN-- he helps me believe what I do in the classroom every day matters. Thank you Dr. Williams for being “real”, for being connected, for being a learner, and for pushing my thinking.

It is not every day you find a superintendent willing to connect with teachers.  Dr Williams maintains an open line of communication and an open door policy. He takes the time to visit classrooms and wants to share in the enthusiasm of a learning environment.  His progressive vision has steered our division towards transformative and project based learning. I know I am in the right division because of his support of student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. We are not a division stressed out over data and test scores...and for that I am grateful.

I am also grateful for Dr. Williams’ presence on Twitter. He clearly wants to be part of online learning alongside a global platform of educators. It is not out of the norm to find him in a Twitter education chat over the weekend, and he will readily jump into the conversation with ideas and reflections. He truly “levels the playing field” as he keeps his finger on the pulse of what is working for teachers, students, classrooms, school buildings, and other districts around the world. He quite simply gets the need to be a connected learner.

Thank you Dr. Williams!

This letter of gratitude was written by Jill Barnes.

Lucky to Have a Friend Like You

Dena Budrecki: media specialist, technology goddess, passionate educator, colleague, friend. Where do I even begin to express my appreciation for her?  

It is rare to find that colleague who matches you step for step, answers your questions with more questions, and just challenges you daily to be your best. Dena does that for me. I’ve been at this teaching thing for a long time (26 years), but I am still learning, still growing. I appreciate that Dena is right there with me.  

When I am looking for ideas for a lesson, Dena is there with links, apps, and just awesome teaching tips. She isn’t afraid to throw a lot of things at me, knowing that we can sift through and pick out the best things.

When I am excited about something I have read for one of my doctoral classes, I know I can share it with her, and I get real conversation not just the polite head nod.

When I am frustrated because something doesn’t go as planned, I can complain, but then Dena helps me figure out the ‘So what...now what’ I need to move forward.

When I have an idea but need a co-conspirator, Dena’s right there, too (and I return the favor). Together we have accomplished some good things this year (reviving the Sunshine club at school, writing a weekly digital citizenship blog).

When I am grappling with a new idea or trying to assimilate what I have always done with what I need to change, Dena is there asking tough questions.

When I need an opinion on something I’ve written (blog post, letter to parent, email to one of my kids’ teachers), I can count on Dena to give honest feedback.

When I doubt myself, Dena is there to remind me of what I have accomplished and to encourage me to step outside my comfort zone.

And it doesn’t stop when the bell rings at the end of the day. Dena is my summer walking partner (yes, we still end up talking about school), she is a great dinner companion (especially when she sees I’m feeling down), and she worries about me when I’m off at class and the weather conditions aren’t the best (she calls and tells me to drive carefully).

I am blessed to have such a friend. Thanks, Dena. :-) 

Looking forward to the next big adventure,

Jennifer

This post of appreciation is written by Jennifer Marten.

The Right Post at the Right Time

“It’s not easy to get excited about every experience we have as parents or as educators. However, our excitement (while arguably important) is not always as important as our children’s and/or our students. When we find moments that learners are enthusiastic about, we should work hard to capture and build upon them.” These words written by Seth Berg over the Christmas Break hit me just when I needed them. They are from his inspirational piece titled “Being A Toddler Stand-Up.”  

I read his piece during a stretch in which I had spent a lot of time blogging and Tweeting. Too much time! Seth’s post inspired me to recenter and spend more time with my kids. It helped to remind me what was most important in life. Family. Heck, the majority of my posts are about my kids and yet I was not spending enough time with them.

So later that evening I decided to devote the next morning to having fun and, as Seth would put it, trying to be a Toddler Stand-Up. We got every blanket and pillow we had in the house and piled them at the bottom of the stairs. We then spent the next hour jumping into our new creation, or fort, as my two-year old likes to call it. It was a blast! The fun and excitement we had was incredible. The looks on my son and daughter’s faces when they were midair were priceless. But, I think they got more enjoyment from watching their 43 year-old dad fly through the air into a pile of blankets like some out of work circus performer.

From Seth's Twitter Profile

I have never met Seth, and only I know of him what I read from his blog posts and his tweets. But, I won’t forget the day that Seth’s inspirational post helped me to recenter and become a better Toddler Stand-Up.

Thank you Seth and thank you Joy for inspiring me to write this piece.

~Jon Harper

Twitter talks turned real life inspiration - Thank you Dr. Michael Curran

Shortly after I became deeply steeped in the Twitter culture, I had the pleasure of “meeting” Michael Curran (@Mgcjusa) who agreed to talk with me to research for the book I was writing.

Since he is a professor of education at Rider University, he was particularly well-suited to share thoughts about the various myths associated with early career education and even offer solutions to set myths.

Quickly after a few rounds of direct messaging, we had our first Wednesday morning conversation. I didn’t know then that these conversations would become a ritual in my weekly routine, but Michael’s willingness to share his time and expertise with me, a stranger, was amazing. His sacrifice of time and energy is something I am always grateful for.

The first few conversations ran like interviews. I asked him questions, he answered them, sent me materials about his program and told me about his classes and students. Thoroughly intrigued by his commitment to the evolving nature of education, our conversations began to lengthen and not always stay on my research.

The program Michael told me about was what I wished I had when I started teaching. Thought provoking, engaging, technologically savvy - I wondered if his students and advisees truly appreciated how good they have it.

Over the last year, Michael and I have continued our conversations and hope to meet in person sometime very soon. Now, I’d consider him not just a mentor and colleague but a friend. Michael is the kind of person every teacher should come in contact with in his/her career - so selflessly giving of his time and expertise. Our talks have make me a more thoughtful educator.

Endlessly supportive and caring, Michael has become a welcomed sounding board for ideas and frustrations and validator of my work. He builds me up in ways that all leaders should and I’m so grateful for the friendship that grew out research.  

Thanks Michael. I really appreciate you and all the excellent work you do.

This gratitude attitude shared by Starr Sackstein @MsSackstein.

Erin Olson

I “met” her on Twitter. She didn’t tweet “a lot,” and what she said always seemed to mean more than the 140 characters, for some reason.

And then… I actually met her - face to face. Imagine this - I’m new to Twitter (it’s 2012), and I live in a suburb of Chicago. I’m asked by my administration if I’d like to go to Boston for a conference. I have never been to Massachusetts - OF COURSE I’d like to go! Who was going to be there? I had no clue. When I look back at the names of the speakers I met that week, the list blows me away.

The best session I went to in Boston was led by high school English teacher Erin Olson.

From Erin's Twitter Profile

Erin lives in Iowa.

    Surrounded by farmland.

         And I met her in Boston.

It was fate.

She spoke of literacy. “What does it mean to be literate?” she’d tweeted out prior to her session. Every question she asks always makes my gears turn. She spoke about literacy, but it was HOW she spoke that got to me. She chose her words carefully, deliberately adding pauses that captured my attention the entire time. Literacy, to her, meant not only reading, but responding - acting on your beliefs.

Erin is not a talker. Erin is a DO-er. If she speaks about it, she has also done it. Erin practices all she preaches. She reads, writes, speaks… her life. Her poetry is a reflection of all she experiences. Her blog posts help others think of different viewpoints. She does what is best for students. No - she does what is best for people. And, in turn, she inspires them to do what’s best for others.

Since meeting her in person, I’ve waved to her virtually, and she’s waved back on a live feed from a session at an EdCamp. I’ve read her poems and blog posts with fervor. I haven’t spoken in person with her since 2012, but I feel like her message is always with me… I thought of her message when I finished The Running Dream by Van Draanen last week. In it, the author states, “I wonder about the deep, wide abyss between good intentions and concrete action.” On Erin’s laptop that day in Boston was this quote: “Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.” ~Mohammad Ali. And this is where Erin shines - she converts her conviction into conduct. She moves her good intentions directly into concrete action.

You can find this wise, reflective, caring woman at @eolsonteacher, #IAedchat, #plaea, and encouraging students everywhere with her comments and social media groups. She is now an Instructional Technology Consultant - role modeling for teachers how to inspire students, I’m sure. I’m excited to see her friends and followers comment on this blog post so we can all learn more about Erin.

She makes me a better teacher.

No - she makes me a better person.

I will forever be grateful I have met this amazing woman.

I hope you get a chance to in your lifetime, as well.

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