A Sad Day for the CAIU

I usually only post links to favorite sites and tools for integration, but today is like non other. I will post about one of my favorite teachers, technolgy enthusiasts, colleagues, mentors and dearest of friends.  Today I share with you a true gem of the Web 2.0 world.  Over the past several years I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from one of the best!  One of the most well respected educators and educational technology specialists around the world has retired from his "official" job today, however, for those of us who know him, know that he is not "done today". This retirement will just free him up to do more of what he loves to do; share, inspire, teach, travel, collaborate, post, and oh let's not forget - visit his cabin to hunt.  It's so hard to believe that he will no longer be walking the halls of the IU and sharing a great Web 2.0 tool/tip during an in person TAC meeting or simply sharing a laugh over one of his funny and enlightening stories. Jim, your positive influence and  profound impact on Pennsylvania's classrooms, teachers, students, administrators, and even state officials will resonate in PA forever. Your legacy "it's about the kids" will live on through all of us who have had the opportunity to experience your dedication, passion, expertise and yes especially those "tips" on best practice and educational reform.  Jim Gates, I want to thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, charm, inspiration, mentoring, guidance and friendship. You will always be an inspiration to me. I look forward to working with you, yes working... you are not getting off the hook that fast, in the future.  Have a drink on me big guy!  Enjoy your rest and relaxation at least for a few days.  For the rest of us who follow Jim's blog, it will surely be more than we could hope for since he will have more time now to post and share more often. http://tipline.blogspot.com/ 
Thanks for everthing Gatesy!  You're the best.