Liebster Blog Award

Today I am thrilled that my friend and colleague Jen from That First Grade Blog has nominated my blog for the Liebster Award. I am a brand new blogger so this is a great way to acquire new friends and get more exposure in Bloggerville.

Liebster is German, and it means "dearest", "lovely", "cute", "beloved" and "welcome". I think that's a quite a word! Since blogging is about creating community, this award is an awesome way to spread the word about new blogs.

To accept the nomination you must:
1. Link back to the blog that nominated you.
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers.
3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator.
4. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
5. Create 11 questions for your nominees.
6. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them.

Blogs I Nominate for the Liebster Award:  (see below)


1. The Teaching Twosome

2. First Grade a to z

3. Shifting Teacher K-2

4.  Rosie's Rambles

5. Compassionate Teacher

Jens's Questions for me:

1. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for less than one month. I've just created and published by blog and have become very inspired to blog more from all the great bloggers that I am learning a lot from by following them on TpT and Bloglovin'.

2. If you've taught multiple grade levels, what grade level is your favorite? Why?

I have taught pre-school, fourth grade, second grade, and first grade throughout my twenty-five years of teaching. I must say that my favorite grade is probably first since it was the grade that I taught for the longest time (about 12 years or so). I think having taught six and seven year olds for such a long time has made me pretty much an expert and fan of all primary grade children.

3. What is the funniest thing that ever happened in your classroom?

I think that would have to be all the times when I have screamed and jumped on top of desks and chairs after seeing bugs and a mouse in my classroom while teaching first grade. During those times I did not have it in me to be brave or animal friendly. I was just plain scared! My students always got a good laugh at watching me jump so high and scream so loudly. :-) I'm glad to have made their day.

4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Tuscany, Italy is on my bucket list. I love the beauty of the land, and love to hear the Italian language spoken. 

5. Why did you decide to teach?

I was at a crossroads in my life in my second year of college and decided to major in teaching after first considering dropping out of college. It was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. I transferred to Shippensburg University, where I got my BS in Elementary Education. 

6. What is your favorite food? 

My favorite food is all soul food. Yep! Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, green beans, black-eyed peas and rice. Love it all! Note that although I love these foods, I restrain myself from eating them until the holidays mostly. That just makes holidays even better.

7. Do you have any pets?

Although he does not live in my home (because my husband is not an animal lover. BOO!) I do share ownership of a rescue dog named Buddy. He is a lab/basset hound mix. He is the world's most handsome, cuddly, loving lap dog.

8. What is your favorite song?

 Hmmmm. I like a lot of different songs, but I can't say that I have an all time favorite.

9. What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was called Becoming a Woman of Strength by one of my favorite authors, Cynthia Heald. Her books are very inspirational.

10.  Do you have any children?

I have two adult children: Stephon Jr.-25 and Tammy-24

11. What is your most memorable experience as a teacher?

My most memorable experience came just about two years ago when I opted out of teaching first grade. I needed a change and ended up as our school's science teacher. It was totally unexpected, as I had never before taught just one subject, and especially not science. My first year was all about learning the curriculum and my second year was very rewarding because most days students came to my classroom very excited about what they would be learning in science. This was a breath of fresh air after teaching first grade for many years. 


11 Random Facts About Me:

1. I have a very small family.
2. My grandmother had two children; my mother had two children; and I had two children
3. I have a Master's degree in Curriculum/Instruction: Educational Technology
4. My sister and I are less than one year apart. For one month we are the same age.
5. I had gall bladder surgery recently.
6. My husband and I have both had the same surgeries twice (with identical scars to prove it).
7. I got married when I was 22 years old.
8. I will celebrate 28 years of marriage this summer! :-)
9. I drive a Nissan Altima
10. My husband and I are ordained ministers.
11. I live in a neighborhood where there are four educators living on the same street within the same block. Three of us are actually next door neighbors!




My Liebster Award Nominees:

1. The Teaching Twosome

2. First Grade a to z

3. Shifting Teacher K-2

4.  Rosie's Rambles

5. Compassionate Teacher



My Nominee Questions:

1. How old were you when you became a teacher?
2. What was your first teaching assignment?
3. What is your favorite children's book?
4. What brings you to tears?
5. Why do you teach?
6. What is your greatest joy?
7. What is your favorite vacation spot?
8. Do you like animals/pets?
9. Who is your greatest inspiration?
10. If you could write a book, what would it be its title?
11. What is your favorite Disney character?