As a teacher, I can sometimes feel like I’m in an isolated silo, so I make it a priority to seek out and connect with my colleagues. You have to find your people. You might not always agree with them 100 percent, but you share similar philosophies about the work. Having those people around you can really push you to do something different and new.
It also makes you think about the work differently. I’ve changed as a teacher in my practice and in how I interact with students. Those close, collegial relationships help hold you accountable. You can’t be talking about equity and valuing student voice and raising the issue of students of color and be contradicting that in your classroom. You’ve got to honestly own it, and that’s the image you put forth and that’s the work that you do.
I also really value those times when we can come together to talk about the struggles honestly and openly. You realize others have the same issues, and that it’s not just you. You also get the bigger perspective when connecting with colleagues, and you see the needs the students are having – like the need for more mental health support.
I am continually inspired by working with others I know are engaged in a process that is difficult and challenging but who are not willing to shy away from the challenge.
As we go we embark on this new school year, I always think there’s going to be something that comes up that is either exciting or troubling, but it is a year full of possibility. Around the corner there’s hope. Working with my colleagues and my union, we can create the school systems we dream of seeing. That’s what becomes the most inspiring thing. We aren’t working for what public education is now, but what it could be, what it should be.
