LAUGH
Teacher friends are one of the most important parts of a teacher’s life. Here are a few reasons why we couldn’t live without them.
1. They listen to you vent daily with zero judgment.
The field of education is no joke. So many individuals can get on your nerves: parents, students, administrators, other teachers, that barista who messed up your coffee order, and so on. I love teaching, but it is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. When I get an absolute INSANE parent request, I need to complain about it for a few minutes. Thank you, beautiful teacher friend, for letting me rob you of your planning time. I appreciate your willingness to listen to my shrill voice become shriller as I think about said, crazy parent.
2. They bring you back to reality when you think you are slowly losing your mind.
Actual Conversation That Has Happened In My Class This Year:
6th Grade Boy: Ms. Courter, what do you mean by “when is your birthdate?”
Me: Uhhh…write down your birthday.
6th Grade Boy: You mean like, the day? The date? I AM SO CONFUSED.
Me: I AM ALSO CONFUSED BY THIS CONVERSATION.
Sometimes you need someone to remind you that it is not you, it is your students who are having an off day (maybe month…maybe year…let’s just say an off decade).
3. They cover for you, no questions asked.
There have been times when I have been extremely ill (thank you, preschooler, who gave me hand, foot, and mouth disease last year) or extremely upset. My teacher friends have saved the day more than once by taking a class, grading projects, and rehearsing hundreds of my students without so much as batting an eyelash. You need someone who can help you out when you are in a bind. Beloved teacher friend, I’ve got your classes when your own children fall ill and I appreciate you covering my class for five minutes when I desperately need to use the bathroom after 5 hours of holding it in.
4. They are the best people to collaborate with.
Teaching is not an isolated profession. The only way a school thrives is when all teachers are working together to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Two heads are always better than one. An awesome teacher friend is there to sit and plan kick-ass lessons with you while keeping in mind the needs of your class.
5. They support you when you silently mouth “what the f$%#?” several times throughout the school day.
The amount of crazy things I see and hear from students on a daily basis is quite ridiculous. I’ve had students behave like animals, get instruments stuck in body parts that I don’t wish to name, and have complete meltdowns over the smallest thing. And this is all before 9:00 a.m. You need someone you can look at and commiserate with. A sinking boat is always better if you are not the only passenger on it. Thank you, teacher friend, for letting me drop some choice words when I suddenly become the star in an action-comedy also known as my classroom on a Friday afternoon.
So, in sum, I encourage you to throw some love at a teacher friend this week. Bring them a large order of their favorite beverage, write a meaningful note to them, or just take something off their plate for them. Thank you, co-teacher, for being the best work-buddy anyone can ever ask for. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know!
SHARE THIS with your best TEACHER FRIENDS!
