All Posts by Tara M Martin

About the Author

I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others. Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.

Sep 10

A Little Dash of Appreciation

By Tara M Martin

What might be the special ingredient for building relationships and encouraging a positive culture in the workplace?  Answer: A little dash of appreciation  Recently, I’ve been following Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess‘s #LEADlap challenges. The latest challenge has transformed the lens from which I view others. Honestly, I’ve always considered myself an appreciative person, but I now feel […]

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Aug 23

#BookSnaps – Snapping for Learning

By Tara M Martin

According to the cell phone data report, it is safe to say that the Snapchat app occupies a high percentage the Martin-bill usage. My fifteen-year-old makes certain of it! He’s steadily snapping pictures of his daily interactions and sharing them out with his buddies locally and all over the globe. I must admit, Snapchat is […]

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Aug 14

Let Dream-Squashers Ignite Your Enthusiasm

By Tara M Martin

This week I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many educators on fire to try new things in their classroom, with their staff or in their department. The energy within USD 497 is incredible! Invigorating is an understatement. Of course, as you might imagine, I’m right in the middle of this blaze of excitement. However, as […]

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Aug 07

Share the Own It Factor

By Tara M Martin

It’s back to school TIME! YAYZERS! Such an exciting time of the year for me! Over the past couple of weeks, we have been welcoming and supporting new staff in our district. I love this time of the year because the new employees bring so much to the company; their enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. After […]

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