Innovation, exhilaration and education. I am a Technology Staff Developer, a social studies teacher, an entrepreneur and a father who wants to change the way we think about our local and global solutions to the educational challenges that we are faced with in the 21st Century.

As a social studies teacher, I have piloted "How Could War Look Different?" an online template for classrooms around the world to collaborate re-enact and re-examine the wars of our past. I have also championed the Akidemy Awards at Great Neck South Middle School on Long Island, where students create mini-documentaries answering the question "What is the greatest challenge facing the United States today?"

As an educator, I have brought together over 60 middle and high schools and 500 students and teachers on Long Island to participate in a Pay It Forward Conference in order to spread the message of kindness.

In 2010, I was named Tech & Learning's Educator Leader of the Year for my work in the classroom and designing and implementing "The Connected Classroom" where I was able to secure funding to bring 1 to 1 netbooks and 1 to 2 Ipod Touches to my team.

I am a Flat Classroom Certified teacher and have recently set my sights on re-inventing the concept of a textbook, moving toward a flipped model where students can engage in an Interactive Textbook Ecosystem where student learning and assignments are geared toward student learning styles and where content can be created and discussed in real time with other students around the world.

My most recent initiative is an educational talk show on Google+ Hangouts called "The Power of Ten: Discussing Education's Future." The show is a forum utilizing the revolutionary Video Chat Hangout of a ten seat interactive forum offered on Google+.

As President and CEO of http://www.BabysittingBarter.com I am seeking to revolutionize the way Moms, Dads and caregivers across the country do babysitting.

Connect with me @mannixlab