Category: Books

Be REAL & Be a Multiplier!

3/3/2019

Be REAL - Education from the Heart

I have read many of Dave Burgess Consulting books, but this one is in my top 5 at this point!
The older I get the more I agree with the idea of just being REAL, so I HAD to get Tara Martin's Book!
As I read this book... I cried, laughed, got awesome ideas, and was completely inspired and assured that being REAL was the only way to be, the only way to change the world around you for the better.
Do I have a false sense of power because of it? No way... but there are some things I can change, and that's where I want to spend my time an energy. Life is short, make it the best life you can! Or as Tara would say, "Cannonball In"!

Relatable
Expose Vulnerability
Approachable
Learning Through Life

Here's a great video to give you a glimpse of Tara Martin's book and her amazing personality that you can feel as you read the book. Seriously, I felt like we were friends by the time I finished it!

My Multiplier!

I have lots of Sketchnotes to share after reading this book, but I'll save that for another post.
This post is more for about my Multiplier that Tara inspired me to write about. I have more than one, but Mr. Sardone is the first one to SPARK something in me that I wouldn't recognize for MANY years. He ignited the fire in my heart to be an educator! Thank you Tara for reminding me to keep them in my heart, remember my why, and aim to be a "Multiplier" myself! (referenced book: Multipliers)

Mr. Sardone, My Inspiration!

Video Credit: LaEpocaFilm.com *Click the image for the Facebook video.

While reading the book, I had to reconnect with Mr. Sardone ! I had to tell this amazing 5th grade teacher how much I appreciated him (again)! He's the reason why I wanted to be a teacher and that never changed. I had written Christmas cards to him for many, many years, until I moved and had my second child. I feel horrible that I ever stopped! I was elated when I found this video on Facebook done by a man who also had him a few years after I did. I sent "La Epoca" a message and I was able to connect with some local people who still see him (at the gym of all places)! This video makes me cry every time I watch it (click the image above to watch)!

Even though this video won't mean as much to you, watch it knowing the impact you can have on your students. You never know which ones you'll reach or what they will do once they have moved on. I think Tara gets that point across in her book as well!

The Interview

La Epoca:
"When I thank you, as I have over the years, what does my expression of Gratitude do to you?"
Joseph Sardone (88):
"So many of you have come back into my life - never forgetting me. I am so elated by your generosity, the love that you show me, and it's genuine. Because you don't have to. And yet, you still come back. And at the same time - this elation, I'm humbled by it. *Where I start bawling.
I don't know whether I deserve it or not, but I guess my reaction to it says it all.
I never take it for granted. Never. I never take people for granted. I never took my parents for granted. That's where it all started for me. If I extended myself to you, you received a bit of my mom, my dad, and my beautiful brother. So, I don't know what else I can say."

Later in the conversation he says,
"I thank you so much (for telling me). Just saying thank you seems so inadequate, but you are in my heart. That is all I can give you."

"You are in my heart, that is all I can give you."

This man was, and still is as REAL as it gets!
He's my inspiration and I'm so happy that I had the chance to tell him so!
Who is your Multiplier? Do they know?
I hope you will reach out to them if it's still possible.

Come back after you read Tara's books to read my reflection post.
This is just the beginning of the inspiration she's given me!

2 Comments

The 5 R's of Summer for Educators

5/28/2018

1 Comment

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

Everyone thinks of relaxation and rejuvenation a little differently. My preference is to turn off my alarm clock and spend as much time at the pool or beach as possible. Netflix binge watching is also at the top of my list, especially after a long day in the sun with friends or family.

Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day. Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too.

If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you. Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!
Recommended reading for more ideas:
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer!

Reflection

Reflection is an amazing way to process what went well this year and what you want to change for next year. I use these questions from a Passion Planner I've used in the past. I may not follow it exactly, but it helps me with the reflection process. There are tons of reflection templates online as well.
Questions you can start with...
1. What went well?
2. What didn't go well?
3. What are my next steps?
4. What resources will I need to help me accomplish my goal(s).

I find it helpful to write answer these in a journal so I can look back at my responses. Look for "Bullet Journal" layouts and ideas if this sound like something you'd be interested in starting.

Relevant Learning

Last summer, I joined Kasey Bell's Teachable course to prepare myself to become a Google Certified Trainer. I figured if I was serious about it, I may as well prepare well the first time so I didn't have to apply more than once. It's not free, but it's worth it! I was able to apply and get accepted on the first try thanks to Kasey and her amazing resources. This summer, she has lots of courses available!
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.
Click the button below to join today!

Shake Up Learning Courses

Here are some of the other online learning options I've looked into:

Cult of Pedagogy's Jennifer Gonzalez has an amazing blog, podcast and has courses available.
Kasey Bell and Matt Miller have a podcast together called Google Teacher Tribe. If you haven't listened yet, go ahead and catch up this summer! It will be worth your time! They have kept me company every Monday morning on the way to work for a while now. #gttribe @gteachertribe
Matt Miller has Teachable course called Tech to Learn. You can sign up here.

If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure!

Reading

Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, rejuvenate, and stay relevant all at once. My stack is a little out of control, but there are so many good books out there for educators!

This stack is missing some my newest additions...
The Zen Teacher (mentioned above)
Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell - Obviously, she's one of my favorite #edurockstars!
Ditch That Homework by Matt Miller and Alice Keeler
Onward by Elena Aguilar
Culturize by Jimmy Casas * This one is literally on the way thanks to my Amazon Prime addiction.

Looking for other reading ideas? Just search Amazon for Dave Burgess Publishing and you'll have plenty of amazing books to choose from!

What's on your Summer Agenda?

I'd love to hear what your summer plans are! Connect with me on Twitter or leave a comment here. What ever you do to get ready for the next school year, I hope you have a wonderful summer.
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.

As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie

1 Comment

Social Media... Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Does!

6/27/2017

3 Comments

Social Media... A Love Hate Relationship

Social Media can be a time sucker, but it can also be the best way to reach an audience in a positive way. It's out there, we can't fight it, so we may as well use it to benefit our school communities.

I've been reading Lead Like A Pirate by Shelley Burgess @burgess_shelley and Beth Houf @bethhouf. Really, If it has PIRATE in the title, I'm going to read it. I'm not an administrator, but all educational stakeholders can play a leadership role if they are passionate about making their schools amazing, right?!

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Twitter Chats, Books & Blogs. . . Oh My!

5/6/2017

5 Comments

A few years ago, Twitter was where I drew the line when it came to social media use. Well, things have changed! You can read my post about this revalation if you want. Here, I just want to share some resources and let you decide if it's worth your time.

I love using Twitter for the connection, sharing resources, and learning new ideas for teaching, coaching or tech integration. When it comes to tech integration, I can't imagine how else I'd keep up! Everything I share in this post started with Twitter. A connection, a book recommended, an idea shared... Connecte Educators are the best!

Twitter chats are an amazing way to start! My favorites are #satchat, #learnlap, #tlap, #plearnchat, #2pencilchat, #edtechchat, #edtechafterdark (although too late for me to do very often). Check out the Ed Chat list here for more topics and dates. A few hashtags I follow athat don't have desgnated chats are #innovatorsmindset, #gttribe, and #leadlap, and many, many more! You can start as a "lurker" until you feel comfortable or passionate enough to share your thoughts publicly.

MUST Follow List:

@burgessdave @PaulSolarz @shakeuplearning @jmattmiller @gcouros @alicekeeler @markbarnes19 @magicpantjones @cultofpedagogy @BethHouf @burgess_shelley @jaybilly2 @toddwhitaker to name a few. These are the people who have shared amazing ideas and are willing to participate in conversations with their followers. It's awesome to chat with authors of some of your favorite books!
They are real people after all. 😃 Speaking of books...

5 Comments

Be REAL & Be a Multiplier!

Be REAL - Education from the Heart

Relatable
Expose Vulnerability
Approachable
Learning Through Life

My Multiplier!

Mr. Sardone, My Inspiration!

The Interview

"You are in my heart, that is all I can give you."

The 5 R's of Summer for Educators

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

Reflection

Relevant Learning

Reading

What's on your Summer Agenda?

Social Media... Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Does!

Social Media... A Love Hate Relationship

Twitter Chats, Books & Blogs. . . Oh My!

MUST Follow List:

Author

Archives

Short Cuts

Be REAL & Be a Multiplier!

Be REAL - Education from the Heart

Relatable Expose Vulnerability Approachable Learning Through Life

My Multiplier!​

Mr. Sardone, My Inspiration!​

The Interview

"You are in my heart, that is all I can give you."

The 5 R's of Summer for Educators

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

Reflection

Relevant Learning

​Reading

​What's on your Summer Agenda?

Social Media... Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Does!

Social Media... A Love Hate Relationship

Twitter Chats, Books & Blogs. . . Oh My!

MUST Follow List:

Author

Archives

Short Cuts

Relatable
Expose Vulnerability
Approachable
Learning Through Life

My Multiplier!

Mr. Sardone, My Inspiration!

Reading

What's on your Summer Agenda?