I am thrilled to announce that For The Love of Teachers was one of the 11 blogs nominated for The Sunshine blogger award by Fabulouslymom.com. What an honor and privilege to be acknowledged by other bloggers in what I love to do. Thank you so much! This is so exciting!

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers who are creative, positive, and inspiring. Once nominated, the blogger is required to write a post in which they:

• Thank the blogger who nominated them and link back to their blog.

• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated them.

• Nominate 11 other blogs and give them 11 new questions to answer.

• Notify your nominees and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post.

So thank you so much Fabulouslymom.com for recognizing For The Love of Teachers, a website and blog dedicated to teacher collaboration, professional growth and providing useful resources for teachers. I am so happy that For The Love of Teachers has reached out to so many teachers and fellow bloggers making an impression and difference every day. For The Love of Teachers email subscribers and page views is rapidly growing. That means I have a passionate and dedicated audience that shares the same enthusiasm for education, learning and growing, just like me.

My answers to Fabulouslymom.com’s questions:

1. What motivates you the most to blog?

I am a complete teacher geek, so what motivates me to write is my passion and love for teaching others. I have taught students, both elementary and college level, and I have taught teachers. I absolutely love everything about teaching. I also love to write so I have a true motivation to write as a way of teaching others.

2. Share a post you are so proud of?

I am really proud of my post 5 Must Do End of Year Activities. This post has reached many teachers. It is my most popular pin on Pinterest and has 267 views on LinkedIn alone. That means this post is well liked, viewed and visited by many teachers. That makes me happy that I am writing content that is reaching and helping so many teachers.

3. How many times do you blog per week?

I blog twice a week, which means I publish a new post twice a week that is relevant to teaching, teachers and education. However, I spend a good amount of time each day networking and engaging with others in my niche and outside of my niche to support the work that everyone is passionate about.

4. What’s your favorite book?

This is a really hard question because I love so many books both professionally and personally. I am such a writing geek so my favorite book professionally is Writing Like Writers: Guiding Elementary Children through a Writer’s Workshop by Kay Johnson. My favorite Book personally is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

5. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging while on my maternity leave. I just couldn’t let go of my passion for teaching and writing. I needed an outlet and I also wanted to try something new, take on a new challenge and meet new professionals while I wasn’t in the classroom. As a person and a professional, I think trying new things and taking on different challenges helps you grow as a person. When I look back on my life in 30 years from now, I don’t want to be the same person that I am today and teach in the same place. I want to embrace change, learn more and meet new people to help me grow. That’s why I created For The Love of Teachers website and blog.

6. What made you chose your blog’s niche?

I chose this niche because I am an educator for 15 years and an expert my field. I also feel like there aren’t many teacher bloggers out there with a passion to support teachers in this challenging profession.

7. How do you get yourself motivated to write in your blog?

I was born motivated in everything I do and with every challenge I take on. It is part of who I am. I am so passionate about my blog, teaching and writing so that it is motivation enough.

8. Give an advice to all the bloggers who just started?

Blogging is definitely hard work and is a full time job. You have to be persistent, motivated and truly have a passion for your niche and for writing. Believe that you have a voice to reach out to others. Try to be unique and think about how you will stand out from others in your niche. Do not blog with a focus on making money. Blog to truly help others. Engage your audience and build trust from loyal followers. I am a true believer in paying it forward so try to do this everyday within and outside of your niche to support others.

9. Do you love blogging?

Yes, I absolutely do love blogging. It’s really an amazing way to grow as a person and as a professional. I love engaging in other people’s blog that are completely different from mine in all niches.

10. Who is your favorite blogger?

I actually do not have a favorite blogger, yet every day I come across amazing people in a variety of niches. I am blown away by the dedication and passion that is out there. It is truly inspirational.

11. Who inspires you the most in life generally?

My husband inspires me the most in life. He is my best friend and supports and encourages me to be better and stronger in everything I do. He encourages me to try new things, take risks and to be appreciated and valued in the work place. I am a lucky lady!

Again, I am honored and privileged to be nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thank you for your support and encouragement in this journey! If you’d like to be nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award, leave a comment below with the name of your blog. I’m looking for bloggers who are creative, positive and inspiring, who have a good story and really want to help and support others…Back to that whole pay it forward thing ;).

My questions to those who are nominated next!

1. What is your niche? Tell us a little bit about your blog.

2. Why did you create your blog?

3. What are your hopes and dreams for your blog?

4. How long have you been blogging?

5. Which blogs do you follow that inspire you?

6. Do you blog full time or just as a hobby?

7. What are some mistakes or lessons that you learned about blogging?

8. Why should others read your blog?

9. How do you inspire others?

10. What are the biggest challenges with blogging?

11. In what ways to you support others (bloggers, friends or family) in helping them grow?

    Can’t wait to hear these answers!

Be sure to visit For The Love of Teachers to collaborate and grow professionally. See you in the forums and the blog!

Now go spread the sunshine!!!