Be REAL Reflection #REALedu

Be REAL, Educate from the Heart by: Tara Martin

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a slight addiction to Dave Burgess Consulting books. 
When Tara Martin's book came out, I had to get it immediately.  I have so many other books on my required reading stack, but I had to make time for this one. I'm so glad I did!  Anything that has "Educate from the Heart" in the title is right up my alley! 
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#REALedu #Sketchnotes 

When I read professional books, I highlight and write ALL over them! Then I go back and write, draw, or color all the key points in my Gotcha Covered notebook to help me remember them.  This is why #Sketchnoting is one of my favorite comprehension strategies!  Want to learn more?  Check out Sylvia Duckworth's  resources!   

Reflection...

First, Tara's story is amazing, sad, and inspiring, all at the same time.  I must say, I cried reading this book! Okay, I may be a little sensitive anyway, but I mention this to say... this is no ordinary professional development book!  You have to read the book to get the full effect, but these are the ideas I want to use to improve my impact with the teachers I work with. 
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Part 1: Relatable

• No matter what your role in education (or life)... Be transparent, Be humble, Be you!
• Use the "Little Yellow Notebook" for coaching. 
• Books to read: Multipliers, Humble Inquiry, Mentoring Matters, and Start with Why!
• REAL Talk Treasures! 
• REAL + Innovator's Compass
• Write a blog post on My Multipliers. *DONE!
• Favorite Quote: "Each of us has a tremendous and unique gift to offer the world and when we allow anything to stand in our way of sharing our gifts - our real selves - we cheat the universe." 

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Part 2: Expose a Little Vulnerability

• Know your goals and crush them!
• Remember - Humility is being REAL, sharing obstacles you've overcome, and being grateful. 
• Cannonball-in! 
• Favorite Quote: "We must share our experiences of overcoming challenges, because doing so helps others gain strength and encouragement." 

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Part 3: Approachable 

• 10 Approachability Principles
• Drive-By's twice a week! Go slow to go fast, but stay consistent.
  
• Favorite quote: "Approachablity is an invisible trait that people can sense." 

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Part 4: Learning Through Life 

•  Blogging! "Professional Time Capsule" with voice and transparency. 
• Twitter! #BookSnaps #Gratitudesnaps #REALyousnaps #PottyPD 
• Know your Why and ask these questions:
  • How will this action help me achieve my why?
  • What positive impact will I have on the people I serve? ​
• Favorite quote: "I view life as a great, big learning opportunity!" ​

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Next Steps... 

I think I need to re-read this book over the summer while I mentally prepare for my second year as an instructional coach in my school. I spent this year building relationships and learning what the job entails. I'm really looking forward to keeping the momentum going and Cannonball-In this August! 
In the meantime, I'll be "learning though life" this summer with many professional development books by the pool.  I'll also be using  Twitter to share my #booksnaps as I learn. I hope you'll join me!