Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight goes to another outstanding educator that I met along my doctoral journey. We struck up a conversation about our interest and passion for all things #EdCamp and the rest is history! The Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Ms. Kristen Crawford (@sciencediva319), a K-12 science supervisor in the Chatham Public Schools District.

Educational Pursuit: Kristen is an established veteran in the world of education with over two decades worth of experience. She obtained a bachelors of science in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University, in addition to a masters degree in Elementary Science Education and Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. Her journey into the world of education was an unusual one. Volunteering at a small aquarium in Newport, RI, Kristen was tasked with speaking to the public about the collection of animals. Her supervisor observed her interactions with children and noticed her natural affinity for working with them and subsequently, encouraged her to “look into education”. She soon after obtained an internship in the Education Department at Mystic Aquarium and she was hooked. She really loved sharing my science knowledge with people of all ages and the rest is history!

Most Memorable Moment: Kristen’s most memorable moment was when a parent of a former student informed her that a former student had been accepted to Harvard University and was pursuing a degree in Biology thank to the impact that Kristen had in their child’s life. Inspiring students to love science is simply the best!

Personal Learning Interests: Kristen kept it short and sweet. Currently, she is devoted to inspiring women to pursue careers in the field of science.

The Fun Stuff

Kristen’s go-to Karaoke Song: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor…but Kristen did admit that her musical selection is contingent upon the number of drinks she’s indulged!

Kristen’s Inside Scoop: The beach is her happy place.

Thank you, Kristen, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I’ll never forget one of your first comments towards me and the subsequent positive impact you have had on my PLN since then! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight goes to an educator that I’ve never met, physically that is. I am proud to announce that I was selected to be a Desmos Fellow and will be headed out to San Fransisco this July for an intense three-day professional development. This educator, a Desmos Fellow from the original cohort, was one of the first to reach out to congratulate me and after scouring his twitter profile, I loved the work he was doing both in and outside of the classroom. The Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Mr. Nickolas Corley (@MrCorleyMath), an 8th-grade mathematics (good man!) teacher at Northfield Middle School.

Educational Pursuit: My new found friend, Nick, is steadily approaching the two-decade mark in education. He obtained his bachelor of science in mathematics and minor in education from St. Joe’s University. He decided to pursue a career in education since he’s always enjoyed his time as a student and during his time in high school mathematics courses, his teachers often relied on him to assist his struggling peers.

Most Memorable Moment: As I mentioned before, Nick is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Desmos Fellowship Program. Being selected to a part of that experience has changed Nick’s career. The training, experience, and community of educators that he has been able to connect with since the program has inspired him to explore new techniques and take more risks within his classroom.

Personal Learning Interests: Mathematics being a passion of his, Nick is interested in exploring number sense in the middle grades and exploring how his students can develop that understanding.

The Fun Stuff

Nick’s go-to Karaoke Song: Take On Me by a-ha

Nick’s Inside Scoop: Despite only being 5’7″, Nick played basketball at the collegiate level.

Thank you, Nick, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I’m confident that we will meet in person soon enough but in the meantime, I appreciate and value the positive impact you have had on my PLN via Twitter! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight goes to another rockstar educator that I had the pleasure of meeting in my doctoral program. While our approaches to the way we handle our assignment deadlines could not be more dichotomous (I’m much more relaxed about those things, hard to believe, I know!), I have come to admire and respect the level of professionalism and intellect she demonstrates during our classes together. The Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Ms. Kanika Chopra (@k_chopra3), a high school English teacher.

Educational Pursuit: Kanika has less than five years of teaching experience but is a young, motivated teacher who has no ceiling on what she is capable of. She obtained a Master’s degree from Rutgers University and is back again for her doctorate in education, her concentration being the design of learning environments. When asked why she decided to enter the world of education she jokingly remarked that she wished she had a better answer to that question. She’s always enjoyed reading, exploring, and seeking to understand “why do things happen the way they do” and “how do we know this is true”? While this inquiry-framed personality has gotten her into some trouble, it has also opened many doors for her, including a career in education.

Most Memorable Moment: Three years ago, Kanika had a student from Portugal that spoke very little English and he began writing poetry in Portuguese. She learned a little Portuguese to be able to communicate with him and understand them, while he made a dedicated effort to learn some English. What was most compelling about this experience was that he used a series of narrative poems to come out as gay. He said it was the first time he was ever able to express it. This student has since returned to Portugal and while Kanika has had several meaningful moments in her classroom, this one holds a special place in her heart.

Personal Learning Interests:  Kanika has devoted copious amounts of time over the last several months in pursuing her educational interests and they, alongside her personal learning interests, have kind of melded into one. She is fascinated by brain science and always has been. More specifically, she is currently looking at the intersection between cognitive empathy and literary perspective-taking.

The Fun Stuff

Kanika’s go-to Karaoke Song: Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell…and she’s not even embarrassed! I am, for you. Just kidding. 🙂

Kanika’s Inside Scoop: Kanika really loves to dance. This is not to be confused with “She is a dancer,” because trust her…she’s not. Despite all of this, you can still catch her pirouetting across the living room floor or breakdancing in the kitchen.

Thank you, Kanika, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I cannot begin to describe the positive impact you have had on my PLN and I look forward to many more years learning and growing together! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight is shined upon another colleague I’ve met along my doctoral journey. Being fortunate enough to have sat right next to one another at our orientation, this educator has become a resource, support, and lifelong friend. The educator that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Mr. Scott Bortnick (@ScottBortnick), an elementary school principal in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools district.

Educational Pursuit: Scott is aging like wine in the world of education. He has over two decades worth of experience having obtained a bachelor’s degree in Plant Physiology, from Rutgers University. He earned a Master of the Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College as well as a Master of Educational Administration from Caldwell University. Currently, he causes ruckus alongside myself in the in doctoral program at Rutgers University, being a member of the Education, Culture, and Society concentration.

Most Memorable Moment: Every time Scott runs into a former student and he hears how much they enjoyed his classes, and more importantly, how much they appreciated the way he treated them, he knows his work is complete. As a principal for the last eight years, he has had the opportunity to see students from age three through age ten. When parents share with him how important he and his staff are in their child’s life and how the school has helped their child and their family is also a very memorable moment that he will cherish forever.

Personal Learning Interests: Scott’s undergraduate and previous graduate school experiences had provided him with great learning opportunities. Hindsight being 20/20 these learning opportunities did not expand his understanding of the manner in which culture (gender, race, ethnicity, etc.) shape our experiences and understanding and visa versa. As he completes his doctoral journey, this is the area of his greatest professional and personal growth.

The Fun Stuff

Scott’s go-to Karaoke Song: Unsure of whether he has a go-to karaoke song, Scott shared with me that his wedding song is “Can’t get enough of your love, babe” by Barry White.

Scott’s Inside Scoop: Scott used to have a rather extensive insect collection that he used for teaching purposes in his environmental science classes. If you are interested in seeing the collection you can visit the museum (his house) where they are on display.

Thank you, Scott, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I am grateful for the positive impact you have had on my PLN and the hours of conversation we have logged up to this point! Here’s to many more years of growth and friendship! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight goes to an educator that I met in some unusual circumstances. I had just touched down on the banks at Rutgers University in the summer of 2009 for the EOF Program. My roommate and friends said that their old teacher was coming to visit and they were going to grab some food and invited me along. Fast forward from this impromptu meeting nine years ago and having joined the ranks since then, have relied heavily on his expertise and wisdom. The Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Mr. George Morales (@geomorales86), a high school educator at Union City High School who wears many hats! He teaches history courses, the Student Council Advisor, Peer Group Connection Advisor, and Producer/Director of UCHS Weekly.

Educational Pursuit: George obtained his bachelor’s degree by NJCU and time has flown by since, as the double-decade mark is slowly creeping upon his time within education. Initially, he started out as an accounting major in college and at some point, volunteered to talk to students from Lincoln High School in Jersey City about college. After the event, the professor in charge pulled him aside and informed him that she was impressed with the way he spoke to students and if he had ever considered a career in education. After a couple of weeks of thinking about what she had said, he decided to switch majors and in hindsight, is happy that he did.

Most Memorable Moment: PGC is Peer Group Connection, is a program designed to ease the transition from middle to high school and help incoming students feel connected to the school. The program pairs a senior who serves as a mentor with an incoming sophomore/freshman. Morales was the spark within Union City High School that brought the program there and provided him with countless memories. He was a member of the program when he was a freshman in high school as well as a mentor his senior year.

He pitched the idea to his principal who supported the idea right away. The problem was getting the funding for it. One day on his way back from the Senior Florida Trip he received a call from the Princeton Center for Leadership and Training saying that a school that was getting funding through a grant was pulling out at the last minute. If he could get permission from the BOE by the end of the week they would cover all costs as long as they could do a study on the students in the program. The principal, Mr. Robert Fazio, informed Morales that he would get everything approved in two days and he did it in one. The program came to be because an administrator trusted him enough to take a chance and its been in the district for 14 years and counting. During their PGC reunions, Morales spoke about the pride he experiences when his students speak of their accomplishments and how much they credit PGC for it. #WeWinTogether

Personal Learning Interests: Morales and his wife just purchased their first home so after living in apartments for his entire life he’s taken on learning how to repair and maintain a house. He has developed a new appreciation for power tools and lawn equipment. Congratulations my friend!

The Fun Stuff

Morales’s go-to Karaoke Song: Morales has been a big Beatles fan since he was a kid because of his Dad so I usually pick something from them.  The last time he sang karaoke he chose “When I’m 64”.

Morales’s Inside Scoop: Morales is a big movie and comic book guy. He has collected comics and action figures since he was a child and most of his collection is housed at the museum of his mother’s house in North Carolina. He also enjoys recording old movies and watching them in his spare time. He was able to turn that passion into an educational reality when he proposed a History through Film class at UCHS. He’s been teaching it now for 7 years.

Thank you, Morales, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I would never have guessed the few slices of pizza I shared while you and your former students exchanged stories would translate into the friendship that we have nowadays and the positive impact you have had on my PLN! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: Another Tuesday, another #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight! This week my Spotlight is being shined upon another educator that I met in my doctoral program. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her more personally as we are both members of the Teacher  Leadership concentration. The Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Mrs. Joan Cansdale (@joancansdale), an English Language Arts supervisor at Plainfield Public Schools.

Educational Pursuit: An established veteran in the world of education, Joan has spent over two decades in education. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State, master’s degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University in addition to a master’s in education from The College of New Jersey. Currently, she’s stuck with me in our doctoral program at Rutgers University.

Why pursue a career in education? Joan called it predestination. Education chose her. No matter what areas of interest she pursued, she always found herself teaching. Despite actively planning not to be a teacher, not because she didn’t love it, but because, as a young woman, she didn’t want to be “ordinary”, she wound up in a classroom, this time on the other side! Little did she realize that teaching is anything but ordinary!

Most Memorable Moment: Short and succinct, much like our professors remind us about our writing style, Joan considers the years she worked with colleagues in a “school within a school” program to be one of the most significant.

Personal Learning Interests: We were subject to a “brutal” lecture this week on performing a quantitative analysis of survey data. Being a mathematics teacher, I was right at home. Joan, jokingly, informed me that while she wouldn’t consider it much of a personal learning interest as much as she does a survival skill at this point in our doctoral program.

Rest assured, Joan, I have your back!

The Fun Stuff

Joan’s go-to Karaoke Song: I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty

Joan’s Inside Scoop: In a previous life, Joan was a dancer and fitness trainer.

Thank you, Joan, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I am truly grateful to have crossed paths and am fortunate to be on the receiving end of your wisdom and insight. The positive impact you have had on my PLN is limitless! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.

Introduction: This week’s #BowTieTuesday Educator Spotlight goes to an educator that I met more recently as she joined the #ZebraNation family this school year. Without further adieu, the Edu-Rock Star that I’ll be recognizing this week is none other than Mrs. Keira Scussa (@keirascussa26), the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at New Brunswick Public Schools.

Educational Pursuit: Ms. Scussa is a seasoned veteran in the world of education with close to two years worth of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Delaware Valley University, as well as certificates in Reading Recovery, and Regular and Special Education. Her journey into the world of education is a personal one and I thank her for sharing her story…

Keira’s sister Donna had special needs. She couldn’t walk, talk, or feed herself. Her sister was 7 years older than her (her brother is 10 years older) so she always considered her sister to be her big/little sister because she was like a 3-month-old baby. Her parents were dedicated to Donna’s care and worked tirelessly to raise money for a program for children with needs like her sister. Before this time, “these children” were often cared for in the home by a nurse or institutionalized. She recalls watching the bus pull up outside every morning and watching her wheelchair go up the lift and then disappear into the bus. Keira’s earliest memories were of her and her mom taking daily trips to her sister’s school to volunteer and visit with the other children. Keira would look at books and sing songs with the children in her sister’s class. She wholeheartedly believe’s these experiences shaped her into the person she is. She would watch the teachers and staff cheer joyfully when one of the students was able to pick up a cheerio off their tray and bring it to their mouth for the first time. She would witness parents supporting each other and celebrating achievements together. It was from these experiences where she learned that every child is an individual and deserves to be celebrated. She wanted to be the person to celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small. Keira wanted to listen to parents and set goals WITH them and watch their children achieve. Her sister touched so many lives just by her presence…more than she will ever know.

Who would have ever thought that a life so insignificant would have so much power? Donna made Keira a better person, a more empathetic caregiver, and an educator who sees and expects the best for EVERY child. Donna made her want to be an advocate for all children.

Most Memorable Moment: Having roughly 20 years of experience made it quite difficult for Keira to select her most memorable moment. She recalled her experiences as a Reading Recovery Teacher where she had the opportunity to see her students needs and build on their strengths. One student, Thomas, had psoriatic arthritis which impacted his speech and fine motor skills. He was the lowest reader in the first grade and had difficulty even writing his name. She worked with Thomas, diligently, every day for 20 weeks. She learned to understand his speech and they became a force to be reckoned with! She would send daily reports to his parents and together, they would celebrate his reading growth. When it was time for Thomas to “test out” of Keira’s class, she invited his parents in to see the testing and see the comparative growth. Thomas’s mom had the flu so his father came to her room and sat in one of her first-grade sized chairs. She could tell immediately that he felt uncomfortable but when she shared his son’s progress, tears streamed down his face. She, of course, started to cry too. Before them was this amazing little boy with so much drive and strength and who had accelerated a year and a half in reading, in just 4 months. She still sees Thomas’ mom occasionally and makes it a priority to find out what milestone Thomas is currently in pursuit of. He made her love education even more.

Personal Learning Interests: Keira secretly admitted to me that she’s a little bit of a nerd…shocker! 🙂 Currently, she is engrossed in books about school culture and cultivating a community of learners to positively impact students. She also admitted that since she is fairly new to her position in New Brunswick, she is learning every day. She values the insight and opinion of every person she comes across which develops her abilities as an educator and learner every day.

The Fun Stuff

Keira’s go-to Karaoke Song: Ms. Scussa’s go-to Karaoke Song can be heard over the whir of her cardio workouts on the treadmill! Her song of choice is Hall of Fame by the Script.

Keira’s Inside Scoop: She may have been on a Nickelodeon game show when she was in middle school. Bow-Tie Joe is still scouring the corners of the internet to find evidence of this rare phenomenon.

Thank you, Keira, for your heartfelt efforts to improve education each and every day you step foot inside a classroom. I truly do appreciate all the support you offer to both myself and my colleagues in initiatives to improve the culture and create successful school experiences for teachers! Oh, and the positive impact that you have had on my PLN! I truly appreciate all that you do to keep moving education forward.