Teachers Are Cool

     Yesterday I was at a professional development training with colleagues from my supervisory union. We were learning about using math menus in the classroom...but that is basically irrelevant. Not because the topic wasn't important or the content wasn't valuable, but because the golden nugget that I took away from the day was more about how cool teachers really are! 

    I must confess, being a teacher was never a dream of mine when I was young. Nor was I even driven to be one, even when I was getting my graduate degree for teaching. I had my teaching licence and Master;s degree for nearly 20 years before I actually put it to good use. (Good use- that's funny.) However, since I am one and have been one for 6 years, I have found that the people who are in this profession are not in any way proprietary about their work. Now, that doesn't mean that all teachers are like this, but the ones I have encountered are more than willing to help, and share, and encourage one another in times of need.

    I am particularly proud of the community in which I work and live. When a colleague is struggling, all they need to do is ask for help, and BAM!- someone steps up to help. Whenever I have needed a resource, or books for my class, or a new way to look at instruction....all I have had to do is make mention of it to one of my teacher friends and they have delivered assistance. Because of that, I try to offer what I can to others. 

    Not only are teachers there to support one another inside the classroom, but they are there to support each other in times of emotional need. There is no one else who knows the trials and tribulations of a teacher besides those who find themselves inside the walls of a school to see and experience the day to day life of an educator.(Of course, spouses and significant others probably have a pretty good sense.) Some days are really unbelievable. We couldn't even begin to make up the nonsense that goes on. So many days are either laugh or cry situations....and there is not much room for anything else in between. 

    The point I am trying to make is that I think teachers really are cool. They are smart and funny, compassionate and generous. I am grateful to be in a profession that embraces collaboration and life long learning. No matter what changes or challenges we face, we know we are not alone and can face them together. If you are reading this and are a teacher, I hope you now have a little pep in your step knowing that you are important to your students, your peers, and your community. 

Go Teachers!