Education Week - February 18, 2015 - Special Report - 9

3. Follow Your Colleagues on Social Media
While heavy social media use isn't my personal preference,
following co-workers on social media can spark both lighthearted
and work-related conversations. The phenomenon
of the "Serial" podcast comes to mind; my colleagues and I
swapped links and commentary relating to the story.
In addition, there's no reason why your professional learning
networks can't have a heavily local flavor. If you already follow
nationally recognized educators, publications, and organizations,
why not also create space for those folks you come into
contact with the most? I've created a Fern Creek High School
Twitter list so it's simple to get a "pulse" of what thoughts,
ideas, images, and information my co-workers are sharing.
4. Make Interdisciplinary Connections
I'll be the first to admit that, as an English teacher, I have
a hard time imagining sustained collaboration with an
Algebra II teacher. But this doesn't mean I'm not striving
to interact with folks from other departments and subject
areas in order to expand student-learning possibilities while
building more diverse collegial relationships.
Three years ago, I sought out our functional mental disabilities
teachers to include our school's special-needs students
in my digital media elective course. Not only has this
partnership been great for all students, but I've created a
link to a department-and group of teachers-often isolated
in many school buildings. My interactions with the FMD
teachers and students have been some of my favorite, most
meaningful interactions at my school.
5. Laugh
I know the feeling of having a furrowed brow and tension
building in my neck and shoulders after a particularly trying
day. Strolling down the hallways, it's easy to spot colleagues
who are in the same boat. Yes, our work is important
and incredibly difficult. But I do appreciate co-workers
who manage to keep a smile or crack a joke in order to
lighten the mood. Shared joy and laughter can forge bonds
and also make our toughest days more manageable.
6. Show Humility
Hopefully you work in an environment where the majority
of teachers don't think they've figured everything out.
I'm fortunate to be in a place where many educators seek
out advice from one another. I'm in the midst of my 11th
year teaching, and one of my current classes is the most
difficult I've ever had in terms of student engagement, promoting
positive behavior, and attendance issues.
Despite the fact that I'm generally an effective educator,
I still need help. I've contacted colleagues regarding best
ways to reach certain students. I've asked for advice from
administrators. For those of us educators who are realistic
about the Herculean challenges we face, it's off-putting to
try to form positive relationships with co-workers who think
they know it all.
7. Expand Your Circles
I know that sometimes I feel cordoned off in my own
teaching world with my colleagues in the English III Professional
Learning Community. In lieu of faculty meetings,
our school has dedicated plc time, which is usually a good
thing. But it's easy for all of us in this small group of colleagues
to keep that professional circle limited.
Instead, are there other folks in your building who you
can learn and interact with? For me, this means frequent
contact with our college counselors and mentors, who work
with many of my students on transcripts, applications to
schools, financial aid, and more. Or how about secretarial
staff? Librarians? Classroom aides?
There's no doubt each of us approaches relationshipbuilding
differently. Some of us require closer bonds and
adult interaction; others are more content to be selective
about whom they interact with. But if an attitude of
closed doors and "just let me teach" prevails in a school's
culture, it hurts our ability to connect with other adults in
our buildings. We must take advantage of opportunities to
connect-instead of pushing them aside in the face of so
much to do.
Teaching is more manageable and enjoyable when we are
diligent in fostering positive relationships with a diverse
group of colleagues. This sets a foundation for the real work
of professional collaboration, teaching, and learning. We
can't rely on shaky, weak professional relationships given
all we strive to accomplish together. n
Paul Barnwell (@mindfulstew) is in his 11th year teaching
in Kentucky public schools. He's currently an English III and
digital media teacher at Fern Creek Traditional High School in
Louisville, Ky., in addition to serving as a Center for Teaching
Quality "teacherpreneur" for Jefferson County school district.
This essay originally appeared online on Education Week Teacher.
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Education Week - February 18, 2015 - Special Report

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