Inspiration as defined by Merriam-webster.com says it is “the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions: act of influencing or suggesting opinions.” It was after reading this definition of Inspiration I was able to get my mind wrapped around what I wanted to write in this blog entry. I am writing this post to accomplish two goals: 1) be a guest blogger in collaboration with Tim Holt of El Paso, Texas. 2) Express the inspiration and respect I developed for a middle school student in Connecticut.

What inspires me personally?

My family is the biggest influence and inspiring portion of my life. See, both of my parents were educators for a time. They always focused on what was best for the students and not what was best for them. My sister is the head of the education department at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. She loves working with students and educators making them aware of all living animals, reptiles, and insects on Earth. She too wants to provide students every possible benefit of learning in a student-centered environment. I see this same attribute in how my wife approaches her daily task of working with a wide range of students in her high school special education classroom. Some students are high-level functioning students while others are either mentally or physically disabled. But that does not change her approach to finding ways to let each and every student become productive citizens. The other two inspirational parts of my life are my children. My four-year-old son is always asking questions. Then again, what young child does not want to learn about his surroundings? The thing that amazes me about him is his ability to remember the smallest trivial piece of information along with the passion his possess in wanting to attend pre-school. If he misses school, his world has been rocked. Then there is my nine year old. One of her biggest characteristics is her passion to help others. She is always looking out for the other person. If there is a way she could help a friend or classmate out, she will get involved. Honestly, she is my “Extreme Home Makeover” watcher. We watch the show together and there are not very many episodes she does not make a comment about wondering how to make a difference locally or globally.

Who else inspires?

Students inspire me. Thus, they are the focal point of my “Mantz’s Mission” podcasts and several blog posts. I feel that the key to improving education and the success of technology implementation rests in student engagement. I also see students and educators inspiring one another. For example, three educators that indirectly inspire me in how they inspire students are Kymberli Mulford, Ginger Lewman, and Paul Bogush. Kymberli has students assist her during professional development sessions with other educators. After all, what is more powerful than being an educator and learning from our students and understanding what inspires them to learn? She also said that several teachers observed the passion of the students and felt that they could integrate a variety of tools into their own classrooms. Next educator is Ginger Lewman. I strongly believe that this lady has as much energy, if not more, than Tim Holt and Kevin Honeycutt. Ginger is the Director of face-to-face learning at the Turning Point Learning Center in Emporia, Kansas. Ginger, along with a great cast of fellow educators, has developed a curriculum using project based learning activities to inspire their students to search out the answer and collaborate on developing possible resolutions to global issues. Through one of her projects, I learned of Paul Bogush in Connecticut. Paul and Ginger teamed up for a collaborative project that placed students in the role of debaters. The students had to research issues being addressed in the presidential campaigns. Upon completion of their research, each student team debated the other students using uStream channels embed into a wiki site. I observed this debate remotely and was just amazed by the ability of the students to communicate their points. Wow, what a powerful use of technology transparently to get across to their students the importance of understanding the issues and being able to communicate.

It is this transparent use of technology and openness to let students explore that inspires Paul’s students. I was honored to view and later interview one of Paul’s middle school students “Meg” about her digital story project. Paul had challenged the students to create a digital story about an African American that influenced others. Rosa Parks was Meg’s selection. To make a long story short, she continued to inspire me with her passion to learn and willingness to stand up (in this case “sit down”) for the rights of others. We continued to talk about how she was inspired by the lesser-known people that have influenced American history. Here is the digital story created by this young inspiring lady from Connecticut. Thanks again Meg for being such an inspiration!

Who are some of the lesser-known women that have inspired?

In recognition of March being Women History month, I have compiled a small list of inspiring, influential women from America’s past. Those ladies include Betsy Ross, Clara Barton, Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Rosa Parks, Carrie Chapman Catt, Susan Brownell Anthony, Amelia Earhart, and Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, USNR just for beginners.

In another challenge that meets present day inspirational women came from Heather Braum. The challenge was Ada Lovelace Day. Here are the ladies of technology that I feel deserve to be acknowledged and recognized for the time they take to inspire educators and students today with the integration of technology. Tammy Worcester, Dyane Smokorowski (Smoke), Becky Herl, Rita Betts, Laurie Korte, Sheryl McCoy, Teryl McGee, and Carol Skyring. To learn of additional ladies that influence technology please check out the list of my friends on Plurk.

Future inspiring and influential women that come to mind is Paul Bogush’s student and my nine-year-old daughter. Who are your up and coming inspirational ladies?

Finally, I hope you take a moment and step back to reflect upon those that influence and inspire you on a daily basis. Please keep in mind that educators can be viewed as role models to our students. It is this honor that educators should cherish as we look to inspire students today and tomorrow.