Scott Bortnick (@ScottBortnick) | #BowTieTuesday

Published by Bow Tie Joe on April 10, 2018

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.