Story Power

By Tara M Martin

Mar 29

“Stories can become the fuel to innovation in education.”

George Couros – The Innovator’s Mindset

Throughout this #IMMOOC journey, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting new educators around the world who share a common passion–creating a culture of innovation for our students, teachers, and school communities. Each time, I read a new blog post, and the words on the screen expose the vulnerability of the writer, I’m in awe.  So many insightful reflections. 

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The virtual connections have been incredible, and the Twitter chats… OMtoTheG! I never dreamt SO many amazing ideas could race across the screen at NASCAR car speed.

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It’s mind-blowing, to say the least.

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However, one of my most memorable moments of #IMMOOC2 is meeting Katie Martin, face-to-face. It was a “fast friend” moment.

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As we shared our stories–personal, professional, EDU-heroes, future ambitions, etc., we had moments of…

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and…

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and a little bit of…

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Two hours flew by, and when I dropped her off at the hotel, I couldn’t help but think.

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Aw…I hope I get to visit with my friend, again.

Friend?!

Yes, it’s crazy to believe co-moderating a few Twitter chats and meeting face-to-face one time would build a friendship, but it did. Katie pushes me to want to reach my professional ambitions; she is an encouraging and inspiring friend. 

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I can’t help but believe we all have stories to tell.

It’s our story power!

In fact, I felt instantly connected to George Couros, in The Innovator’s Mindset, when he shared the story of his mom and dad and the sacrifices they made to provide a better life for his family. 

http://gph.is/1i0z0Ns

Meeting new members of the #IMMOOC community has reminded me, once again, that our REAL stories make us unique, influential educators. Sharing where we have come from and where we are going is astonishingly empowering. 

So, keep blogging and telling your learning journey! We are made better when you do.

http://gph.is/115kdS5

#IMMOOC GIFBlogSmash Challenge

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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.

April Padalino

Wow! You have a gift for creating stories with Gif’s. I am in awe.

I felt like the #IMMOOC experience is like Disney for teachers. I blogged for the first time ever and found a group that has similar ideas about education. Thanks Tara for sharing your ideas and introducing me to #booksnaps. I have loved watching #booksnaps catch fire in our district. One teacher even introduced #mapsnapping about where students went on spring break.

    Tara M Martin

    Thank you, April! You are too kind.
    I absolutely love your reflections about #IMMOOC! THAT is EXACTLY what this experience is ALL about! Thanks for sharing, April.

Samuel Hicks

REAL is REAL: Great post today. I also loved the walk down memory lane with your GIF’s. Keep on writing.

    Tara M Martin

    Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Samuel.

Vicki Den Ouden

Tara, what a great post! The GIFs are hilarious and the stories … I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for teaching me about BookSnaps and for your encouraging words. I hope to meet you in person one day too. ?

    Tara M Martin

    Agreed, Vicki. We need to make that f2f meeting happen. I’d love to catch up and chat EDUawsomeness for hours. Also, you’re ROCKIN’ the #BookSnaps! Keep them coming.

Dora

Tara, I feel the same way about the IMMOOC2 experience. It’s kind of silly but I have been reading your blog posts and tweets and feel like I know you too! plus I am learning so much from you and Katie! Thank you for sharing! 😉

    Tara M Martin

    Aw…thanks, Dora. Isn’t it an amazing feeling to meet your “EDU-tribe” or EDUfam? I love it! I’m excited we are connected, Dora. Keep changing the world, my friend.

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