Last week, I shared about how I knew I would miss my teacher friends when I decided to leave the traditional classroom. And, I do miss them — terribly! There is something truly special about finding colleagues that can be friends as well as mentors. I’m so lucky to have so many incredible educators that I can call friends.
My number one advice to new teachers is to build a team of mentors for yourself. Find those teachers that you not only admire, but that you can also talk to without any fear of judgement. A good teacher friend always knows that you’re trying your best and will always make you feel like your efforts are more than enough. But, that same teacher friend will also give you the support you need when you’re flailing without making you feel like you took a wrong turn in life when you decided to become an educator.
My number one advice to veteran teachers is to hold on to the team of mentors you’ve build for yourself over the years. No matter how experienced you are – no matter if you’ve seen and done it all – you will still have times where you wonder if you went to bed the night before and forgot how to teach when you woke up the next morning. Those teacher friends will remind you of who you are as an educator. You need these people in your professional life.
No matter where your journey as an educator takes you, take your teacher friends with you. The knowledge you gained from them is always with you. Take time this month to let your teacher friends know how much you appreciate them.
Until next time…Happy Teaching!
PinaRose Education 