My Town Tutors had a great year in 2012, expanding our network of local teachers who tutor and communicating with more teachers and parents than ever. In 2012 we had over 35,000 people visit our site from all 50 states.
One of our most popular posts is our Connected Educators list. Our followers love connected educators who are willing to share there knowledge and experience, however our list only includes twitter profiles. Many of our followers want to learn more about some incredible individuals! That is why we will highlight one connected educator during each week of 2013. So here it is!
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Lillie Marshall: Connected Educator of the Week

What is your current job or position?
I currently teach five sections of 7th grade Humanities in a Boston Public School. I also run two global education websites, www.AroundTheWorldL.com and www.TeachingTraveling.com and do freelance writing for several other sites.
What is your educational background?
I majored in Comparative World Literature at Brown University and never thought about being a teacher until I did a volunteer program in a local school… and loved it! I got my Masters in Teaching directly after getting my B.A. and entered the Boston Public Schools as a fully certified teacher at the age of 22. I’m now 31 and still teaching!

Describe your educational philosophy and educational vision?
I believe that education should be useful and tightly connected to the real world, while also being fun… and even deliciously goofy.
How do you grow and engage your professional learning network?
I am extremely active on Twitter (among other social media sites), and frequently posting and replying helps grow a PLN. I also proactively follow new people on Twitter each day, which helps my PLN expand. I always try to follow etiquette rules from real life online (staying appropriate and always thanking people) which helps, too!
What is the greatest benefit of your professional network?
I get huge energy from interacting with amazing educators around the world. I also learn a great deal from what people post.
If you blog, what is the focus of it? How long have you been writing? Who is your audience?
I started Around the World “L” Global Education Blog in 2009 when I took a year-long leave of absence to travel the world and volunteer abroad. The site currently gets 1,000 visitors a day from all parts of the globe. I started www.TeachingTraveling.com in 2010 to share stories of other teacher-travelers to inspire more teachers from around the world to travel.

How do you use social media to connect with other educators? What is your advice to teachers on social media and education?
I use social media constantly, and for a multitude of purposes: Sharing and discussing articles, discussions on current events, hashtag chats on Twitter, learning about and and connecting with innovative educators around the world. I also engage on the 500-member Education Bloggers Facebook Group for more in-depth discussions of education blogging.
What advice in general do you have to teachers today?
Have fun with it! The secret few people talk about is that teaching is the best career for a lot of reasons… but the humor teachers see every day is a top reason to relish our job!
Describe a teacher who has had a significant impact on your professional development?
Ms. Rogers was a teacher who became a Literacy Coach the year I was hired in Boston Public Schools. Her coaching shaped my teaching for years to come, and it was her encouragement that kept me from quitting the teaching profession. In another influence, my friend and colleague Ms. Lindwall inspires me daily with her world travels and engaging global curriculum.
What book would you recommend to teachers?
I would recommend a teacher read any book covering the realities of the specific geographic location or student population that the teacher deals with. For example in Boston Public Schools, the books “All Souls” and “The Assist” can help us shape our teaching to connect with the recent history of our community.
What closing words do you have?
Be a connected educator! Social media is NOT a waste of time. I have gained many great ideas and much inspiration from the educators around the world I have connected with online. Don’t be shy– reach out!
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