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It’s convention week, and today Ministry Monday is coming to you from the exhibit hall at the 2018 NPM national convention in Baltimore, Maryland. The convention started literally minutes ago with the ringing the NPM bell and the official welcome from NPM president Stephen Petrunak. The energy level is high, and participants are meeting friends old and new.For me, this week will bring a marathon of interviews future episodes of this podcast, the Open Your Hymnal podcast, and live broadcasts of convention plenum addresses and keynote sessions. Of course, like any good convention, I am sure there will be times for reuniting and socializing.Today’s episode features a conversation with Amanda Plazek Bruce. Amanda is the chair of the NPM technology interest section, and one of the live broadcast cohosts for the week. In addition to her work for NPM, Amanda is an example of how important conventions like this can be, both in terms of professional learning and in terms of mentorship and invitation.
GIVEAWAY ALERT: Follow @PrincipalStager and mention this episode (educatorslead.com/theresastager) on Twitter for your chance to receive a free copy of her latest book "Breaking Out of Isolation: Becoming a Connected School Leader"! About Theresa: Theresa Stager is a Co-Host of PrincipalPLN podcast which can be found at principalpln.com and on iTunes. She is currently in her third year as Building Principal and Lead Learner at St. Mary Catholic School in Rockwood, MI. She has implemented a 1:1 iPad program and is excited to be able to merge her love of technology, learning and education with this position. She lives in Huron Township, MI with husband Brian and two children Audrey and Jacob. Theresa believes that as long as you are making the decisions that are best for kids, you can’t go wrong. Theresa earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 2003 and a Master in Educational Administration (Assessment and Evaluation) at University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2007. She taught for 8 years as a public school music educator teaching general music and band starting in 2003 as well as co-directing the high school vocal music program. She also worked for 2 years as an Implementation Director at an Human Resources company until 2013. Ms. Stager has been an accompanist at St. Blase Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, MI since September 1998. She accompanied a 180-member choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City with guest artist Liam Lawton as well as performing with a host of artists at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) in Detroit, 2010. Her biggest musical accomplishment was being asked to perform for Pope Benedict XVI in Rome during November, 2012 concert tour throughout Italy, and playing the organ at St. Peter’s Cathedral during a mass. Mrs. Stager has worked as a guest accompanist for GIA Publications and can be heard on Stephen Petrunak’s Dove Award-Nominated Album “Love Beyond All Measure” Theresa has presented at many music, administration and technology conferences in her career. Her music education blog was nominated and chosen as one of the Top 75 eCollegeFinder Music and Arts Enthusiasts Award Winners. Theresa was featured in Dr. Spike Cook’s first book “Connected Leadership: It’s Just a Click Away.” Theresa, along with Dr. Spike Cook and Jessica Johnson have cowritten their first book “Breaking Out of Isolation: Becoming a Connected School Leader” published by Corwin Press. About EducatorsLead: Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact. Educate. Inspire. Lead. www.educatorslead.com