Finding Inspiration in Colleagues

When I first started as a school counselor, I was in a building where I was the only counselor. I went straight from undergrad to grad school and had not actually spent any time in an elementary school outside of my school counseling internship. I had a lot to learn! Luckily, I was surrounded by amazing teachers who served as mentors for me. While they couldn't support me in school counseling, they taught me to connect with colleagues, push my students for more, and appreciate fun in learning. 

Lessons I Learned

One of my teacher mentors was someone who had a natural caretaker personality. She always checked on everyone, gave advice, asked about your family, and knew what was happening with each person. She taught me to care for my colleagues as people and to show that care in an active way. 

What I learned: Connect with your colleagues and know them as a whole person.

Another teacher loved her students fiercely. She had super high expectations for them and never let them slip. She held her kids to a high standard but also supported them in meeting her expectations. She did not play and her kiddos knew that about her. They worked so hard because they never wanted to let her down. The growth that I saw in her students was always astounding. 

What I learned: Believe in your students so much that you help them reach higher but also be ready to support them to get there. 

Everyone appreciates a good laugh. One teacher I worked with was always ready to have fun with her students. She was an excellent teacher and students were definitely learning but they were also having fun. For years, my office shared a wall with her classroom and it always sounded like they were having the best time over there. She managed this by having really clear directions and routines. She was able to have 25 first graders living their best lives while also learning. 

What I learned: Productivity and purpose doesn't have to come at the expense of enjoyment. 

Share the Love

I recently learned about a great opportunity to honor the teachers that shine their brilliance in your building every day. The Sanford Teacher Award gives one deserving teacher in each state $10,000 and one national winner is awarded $50,000. What an amazing opportunity! Nominations are open until November 20th, so time is of the essence. 

They're looking for inspirational teachers who:

• Engage students
• Motivate students to succeed
• Build confidence
• Give students a voice
• Create an inclusive environment

If that sounds like someone you know, you can complete the nomination form here. Let me know if you nominate someone, I'd love to watch out for their name in the awardees! What have you learned from a colleague? Please share your wisdom in the comments.

This post is sponsored by Sanford Teacher Award. All opinions and colleague-related-learning are my own.