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This week, I have been considering the concept of connections. During a lovely little Google Hangout on Wednesday night with fellow coaches & facilitators, @gnichols said that our goal (as coaches) this Cohort21 season is to help the participants feel “inspired, supported and connected” when they leave each F2F. When I think about my favourite part about being an educator, my mind always first drawn to the people I have the pleasure to work with: students, colleagues at my own school and colleagues at other institutions. Relationships are at the heart of schools and education.
Since becoming a teacher, I’ve grown and learned so much through my connections with others. When I first started at The Sterling Hall, I couldn’t help but notice how closely knit the faculty and staff were to one another, warmly greeting each other with hugs after summer break or spending time with each other outside of school hours. I had never worked in a place that had friendships amongst employees in quite the same way. At first, I’ll admit, I thought it was strange. But now, after 5 years here, some of my best friends are also my colleagues. The support and inspiration I receive from them on a daily basis is incredibly special.
In all of my professional development opportunities, the most memorable moments have been during times when I’ve been fortunate enough to discuss concepts and issues with other innovative and creative educators. I am so grateful to work in an industry that values collaboration and collective achievements rather than solely individual success. I look forward to meeting all of the new participants this year and to reconnect with familiar faces!
Here’s to the all of the inspiration, support and connections to be made tomorrow and through the year!
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Well put @mneale, friendship allows for an organically formed mentoring culture. It’s opens our doors as teachers and makes us all better.
Really excited for a great year with cohort21, learning from and becoming inspired by each other.