2017: A Year to Remember

2017 will go down as the busiest and most fulfilling times in my professional career. I was able to grow as an educator and experience so many wonderful opportunities. One of the highlights, was the release of my latest book that I wrote with Scott Rocco and Billy Krakower titled Hacking Google for Education. It’s done very well in the education genre and hopefully will continue to help educators understand the impact Google tools can have in a classroom, school, district, business, or organization.  

Another great moment was experiencing the success of the 3rd Annual Tomorrow’s Classrooms Today Conference. Hundreds of educators from around the country shared their innovative ideas on the campus of Rider University. My hope is that the 4th Annual Tomorrow's Classrooms Today Conference will be even more incredible due to the fact that, for the first time ever, it's going to be held over a two day period (May 18 and 19).

Schools to Watch Re-Designation

Packed house for #TCT17

On a sad note, my friend and colleague Bob Mullen decided to retire. I was very fortunate to learn from him these past five years and I am a better educator because of what he taught me about leadership. It was great to see Bob go out on top as Black River Middle School was once again re-designated as a School to Watch. ​

A new opportunity arose for me toward the end of the 2017 school year as I was appointed the Director of Planning, Research and Evaluation for the Chester School District. There is no doubt that I will miss being a middle level educator, but excited to help continue the tradition of excellence within our district. In the Spring 2017 edition of Rider University's Alumni Magazine, I was featured in an article that looked at my passion for technology in education. It was a great honor and will forever be a Rider Bronc. 

Principal Leadership Cover

NASSP Award Ceremony

NJPSA Award Ceremony

The proudest moment of 2017 came in the form of being recognized as the NJPSA State Visionary Assistant Principal of the Year and the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. I never saw this coming, but was incredibly humbled by the experience. I am looking forward to carry the torch for all educational leaders in the years to come. There is no doubt that this is one of the most exciting times in education and we all must work together to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of innovative learning environments that are engaging and relevant. 

We celebrated the 5th Birthday of #Satchat in April of 2017. Twitter has provided educators from all walks of life with an opportunity to connect, share, and reflect. You can join in on the #Satchat conversation every Saturday morning at 7:30 EST. 

Finally, I was able to present at some outstanding local, state, and national conferences. The National Principals Conference and Association of Middle Level Educator's Annual Conference are two that stand out. It's always great to highlight the awesome learning experiences that you support in your school and district with attendees on a national stage. 

Let's hope that 2018 will be another year to remember, not only for myself, but everyone out there trying to "fight the good fight" and helping to the promote the success of all students.