Back in 2011 I wrote a similar post And the Oscar Goes To… In that post I reflected on who I would give an Oscar to in my life at that time. That post just happened to be about some amazing 5th bloggers, their teachers and support staff I had the opportunity to work with. As I sit here reflecting on my current blogging journey through the month of March I want to send out some personal Oscars.
Best Actress in a Leading Role – This award goes to my best friend. She isn’t on Twitter and doesn’t have a blog – but she knows who she is. We met as colleagues. She was assigned to be my mentor. We quickly became friends. We have shared life’s ups and downs. She pushes me to new heights, just as she literally did this summer in our parasailing adventure. I am a better person because of her insight, enthusiasm and inquiry about the world around her!
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – This one is a hard category to narrow down to just one winner. There are three ladies that support me and are there when I need them. They are always just an email, tweet, text, Skype, Google Hangout or Voxer away. So, it is a three-way tie!
- I met Fran McVeigh when I first started in my role as a literacy consultant. I soon realized what a passionate and knowledgable educator she was. I’ve grown as an educator because of her support and willingness to learn and grow together on an ongoing basis. I have appreciated her willingness to step up and co-moderate the #educoach chat at times this year! I can always count on her! I love peer coaching lesson ideas with her. We are both in Iowa, but many miles apart. We excel at using technology to stay connected. As each new tool emerges, we take hold and use it to be efficient.
- I met Jessica Johnson and Shira Leibowitz in June of 2011 when I sent out a tweet to see if anyone would be interested in a chat for instructional coaches. That tiny vision has grown due to the part of these dedicated leaders. I’ve only met Jessica face-to-face briefly at a conference and Shira and I have yet to met face-to-face. Yet we collaborate on several projects. We are currently working a book about how principals can embody a coaching mindset to help teachers grow. Together we continue to planned the behind the scenes coordination for #educoach – an opportunity to be inspired weekly by amazing educators around the globe. I look forward to each Wednesday evening at 9:00 CST. I’m reminded of the Margaret Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” All #educoachers are world changers!
Best Picture – On November 7, 2014 life changed for Jeff and Jen Bradbury. They welcomed three precious babies into the world – 3 months early! Following this instant family of five through all their joys and challenges has been inspirational. View the Trailer: Triplet Newborn babies home for the first time after being in the NICU for 100 days. You can stay up-to-date with the @EduTriplets on their blog and on twitter. I’m a proud #EduAunt to Sara, Chris and Robert. I look forward to the text updates Jeff sends of cute pictures or cries for help. Yet, there is only so much you can do from a far. I think Jeff would like to develop a diaper changing app so that all the #EduAunts and #EduUncles can help out.
This list could go on forever. There are so many people in my life that deserve my “Oscar.” But, I will close for now. I don’t want to break my blog, like Ellen broke Twitter last night.
Who has changed your world this year? Who deserves your “Oscar”?
blkdrama says
HI Kathy,
I just wrote about the actual Oscars, but I love how you made the awards your own. What a wonderful tribute to important people in your life. As much as I love Meryl Streep’s work she will never touch me without some makeup and someone else’s words.
Cool!
Kathy Perret says
Thanks! I enjoyed the Oscars last night. Neat that the show provided us both with the inspiration to write something today. I have to admit, I got a head start on today’s post last night while I was watching!
I hope “Stars” are real people – but we never really get to see that side, do we. 🙂
Kathy
franmcveigh says
Thanks, Kathy! I so appreciate the shout out! We definitely have a mutual admiration society going as I believe that I have also stretched and grown personally and professionally as we have worked together collaboratively over the years!
I love the thought of my own Oscar. Can we print those on a 3-D printer??? And to be included with Jessica and Shira? What great company I am in!
Kathy Perret says
Great project for a 3-D Printer. I think our AEA is getting one soon!
Enjoy the Oscar. What are you going to wear on the Red Carpet?
K.
franmcveigh says
Where will this red carpet be? At the Lake? Des Moines? Location will be needed first!
Thanks for the honor, my friend!
Kathy Perret says
We should head out to see the Triplets! I’m sure Jeff would love some diaper changers!
Kathy
Jeffrey Bradbury (@TeacherCast) says
Thank you for including the @EduTriplets… this in no way gets you off the hook from Diaper Duty!
Tara Smith says
What a fun slice! I think Fran is amazing, too… she reads everything, and knows everything, and wants to learn even more. As I said, amazing.
Kathy Perret says
The world is a brighter place because of FRAN! She makes us all smarter!
K.