Before I introduce you to the newbie for 2010 I would like to take some time to explain how I came about choosing the NECC 2010 Newbie.

I spent a great deal of time looking at the various people in my PLN. There are certain qualities that I look for in a newbie. The absolute most important thing is that they possess a passion for learning. They must also have the desire to share what they are learning. They need to be visionary leaders in their field. In other words, I want someone who has big ideas because those are the people who are not afraid to affect change. My PLN is full of people who meet these criteria, but there is one person who I have been watching since December. This teacher is incredibly dedicated to his profession. He is a social studies teacher who is working hard to seemlessly integrate technology into his classroom. From the conversations I have had with him on Twitter, he is facing some of the same struggles that so many of us are. I think so many of us will be able to relate to him.

The person I am about to name has absolutely no idea this that this is even happening. While he is not obligated to accept my offer to be the next newbie it is my hope that he will! There is one condition that will be attached to this project this year which is not unreasonable. I am requiring that the newbie blog every week or two about what they are doing in their classroom.

So without any further delay please join me in congratulating Jason Schrage (@oswego98) who I have selected to be the Newbie for 2010.

I am not going to start the fund raising for this project until much later in the year. I have not even thought that far ahead! If Mr. Schrage accepts this offer I want to give our PLN time to get to know him. If it is not too much trouble please follow him and send him some words of encouragement.

Thanks to my PLN for all of your help with the 2009 Newbie project. I am literally sitting 20 feet from Richard Byrne who is in a discussion with Lee Lefever from Common Craft. I hope you can welcome Jason into your PLN. He is a rising super star!