Blog Post #7
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDelete1. First colleague I would like to reconnect with is the teacher I student taught with at the High School Level. She guided me in the right direction to get myself to where I currently am. She even helped me get a job with the district and sign a contract during my student teaching, so i was able to work full time as a teacher while finishing my college degree. She is now a principal at a middle school in our district. I would like to reconnect with her and see how things are going in her administration position. I would like to catch up on how her life has been both in the work environment and in her home life. I would like to know how she became such a great mentor so I can help teachers in the future.
2. The second person I would like to reconnect with was a former history teacher of mine. I had him in middle school, then he transferred to the high school and I was able to have him again. He was one fo my favorite teachers. His passion for what he taught was very apparant and he was always such a great man. We send Christmas cards, and I recently went back to my home town and stopped in the school to see him, it was great. He was teaching though, so we only got to say hello, its great to see you and give a hug. I would like to see how his family is doing, he has such a nice family. I also want to learn how he developed such a passion for teaching, and how after all these years he still has that same passion.
3. The third colleague I would like to reconnect with is a secretary at the school I worked at before I as transferred for the year. She carries the school on her back (like most school secretaries do), students and staff members alike all love her. She helped me learn a lot about how the school ran and what to expect. Now that I am at a different building, I would like to sit down with her and see how she is doing. After all these years of helping me, is there anything I can do to help her?
The first colleague I would like to reconnect with is my faith-filled colleague. She is someone who listens, truly cares, no drama, and makes those around her better. Due to us being in different stages of life and our busy schedules, we have not found time to just sit down and chat. I would like to hear how her family is doing and all about her beautiful grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThe second colleague is a fairly new staff member. We work in different areas in the building, so I hardly see her. I do notice that she is working hard to develop positive relationships with our students. I would like to learn more about her and let her know that I see her and the connections that she is making.
The third colleague is a teacher who has a full plate. She goes above and beyond for our school, our students, and our community. Busy lady would be an understatement. I need to check in on her with her favorite drink in hand to see how she is doing, what help she may need to accomplish her goals, and just let her know that what she does matters.
The first collegue I would like to reconnect with is Mary, who has recently been on an extended leave for an illness. I don't know anything about what she has been going through or what that entailed. I have taught with her for several years and have taught all of her children, and yet I don't know that much about her everyday life. We trade "hellos" and other pleasantries, but that's all. I would like her to know that I am there and would be happy to help her in anyway she needs.
ReplyDeleteThe second collegue is Martha. She is a long-term sub in our building. In the last 2 years she has been around a lot because of paternity leave and illnesses. She is a retired teacher and I didn't know her when she taught before. The times I have interacted with her have been wonderful and I would like to get to know her better. I'm sure she could give me some great advice and I'm sure she has some phenomenal stories.
The third collegue is a good friend that I haven't kept up with as well as I should have this year. This person is always there for me and yet, this year we have both let the "busy-ness" of the year get in the way of our friendship. I need to touch base with her and get our friendship back where it was - for the sake of both of us.
The first would be our new Superintendent. She is obviously new to our district, hired this past spring. I know she has a son in the military, as do I. She looks at data and test scores and that seems to be a focus for her. I do not know what she does on her free time or what she is interested in outside of school
ReplyDeleteThe second would be our new para at the high school. She was previously at the elementary and chose to move to the JH/HS. I had her son in school, several years ago. She is very good with the students that she works with and spends a great deal of time learning the material with them. Once again, I do not know what she likes to do on her free time or what her hobbies are.
The third colleague would be our secretary. She has been at our school for 2 years now and is wonderful. She brings a smile to everyone's face, is creative in the projects/ideas she does for the school. I have brought her coffee after she helps me with some projects I need ideas for. I have had both of her children in class, but once again, I do not know her interests/hobbies. Does she like to read, cook, binge watch TV?
Last year we had 2 teachers move up a grade with our students. We had incredible kids and the 2 teachers were so influential for teachers as well as students. I would really like to reconnect with both of them. Yes, we are still in the same building but complete different areas. I love asking for advice about these kids and great lessons that could be incorporated into all of our discipline areas. Both of these teachers were former Teacher of the Year, and their enthusiasm really rubbed off on me.
ReplyDeleteThe third colleauge I would like to connect with would be my cooperating teacher from when I did my student teaching. She was so enthusiastic and fun and would really bring life to her lessons. Although I don't think my lessons are bad, I just really love how bubbly and full of life she is. Our kids were the same age and aalthough they were not in the same school, they did sports together so we were always chatting about school and teaching. I miss that and would really like to reconnect with her.
#1- My PE technology professor. I learned a lot from him and I would love to get more of his advice, now that I am a teacher. I would ask him if he has switched up any of his teaching methods and why
ReplyDelete#2 I would love to catch up with my colleague who switched schools. I wonder how teaching is going on in his new school and if he has any new/good ideas that we can bring to my current school (his old school)
#3 My 7th grade Social Studies teacher. He was always such an inspiration. I would love to see if he is still teaching/ what he is up to. I would love to get his perspective on students today compared to when I was his student. What has changed? What has he had to change teaching wise, due to this.
1-A SPED teacher I work with. I would like to move more of our conversations to things about her instead of just work related conversation.
ReplyDelete2-A new ESP who started this year. I would like to get to know her personally.
3-A teacher that I haven't had the best working relationship with. I want her to see that I am there to help support her.
ReplyDeleteColleague one would be our middle school Title Math teacher. I have known him for the 25 years I have taught in our school district. I would like to get to know him and more things about his family.
Colleague two would be our industrial arts teacher. I have known him also for a long time, but never really gotten to know him better.
Colleague three would be our Ag/FFA instructor. She has only been a part of our school district for two years, but she has a great repour with our students and her programs have strong numbers. I would like to learn from her on her instructional approach and her many successes in her classroom.
Great blog post, it really made be reflect on getting to truly know someone, not just the outside perspective, but the overall three-dimensional person.
1. Colleague 1 would be a teacher I used to teach with years ago & now we're both at the same school again. We have rooms pretty closed to each other. We were colleagues, but weren't really close at the first school we both worked at. Now that we're both at the same school, it would be nice to reconnect & get to know her more about her family. I know she has a husband & 2 children, but that is surface level things. I wouldn't mind getting to know her more than what I already know now, considering we've worked at 2 different schools together.
ReplyDeleteColleague 2 would be a title teacher from my school. Sometimes I know I miss understand her, so I would like to be able to get to know her for our professional relationship to grow and better service the title students.
Colleague 3 is in her second year of teaching. She is older as she had kids first, then went to college. I have her daughter in my class this year & would love to get to know her better. She works with the upper grades, so I hardly see her during the school day, but would like the opportunity to learn more about her.
1. My first year of teaching, the 5th grade teacher next door to me who had been teaching for 30 years. She was so welcoming to me when I arrived at the school and was such a sounding board for me throughout my first year of teaching. She not only shared with me about school tips, but we had long conversations about her family. Her kids were close to my age and it was so nice to have a "mom" when I was over 2 hours away from home. I have her on Facebook, but would like to reconnect with her and see how she is doing, not only in teaching (she is close to retirement) but also how her family is doing. I know she was super excited to become a grandma, which happened recently.
ReplyDelete2. My co-teacher at my previous school. We leaned on each other for so much in the classroom from content, to planning, to behaviors. Our families ended up becoming close out of school and we did many activities all together. Now that I stepped away from teaching, we haven't seen them in quite some time and I would like to reconnect with them and be able to do events and suppers together again.
3. The special education teacher/my co-teaching partner. She relied on me quite a bit her first few years of teaching and we developed a close friendship at work, but also outside of work as well. Since then, she has moved closer to her home, about 1.5 hours away from here. We actually have plans to get together in a couple weeks when I will be in her area visiting. I am looking forward to catching up and seeing how her new school is going, but also how life in general is for her these days!
Colleague 1- My special Ed co-teacher. Becky is so dedicated to her students and always puts others first. She is dependable, thoughtful and respectful. I know she carries a hard caseload and is torn in many directions. I would like to know who she's really doing right now-- what is weighing on her. I want to understand what she needs and offer to help in any way I can.
ReplyDeleteColleague 2- Our 7th grade veteran SS teacher who is right across the hall from me. Karen is calm and steady, but has a great sense of humor that often goes unnoticed. With limited time, our conversations are always focused only on the task at hand. I'd like to learn more about what she enjoys outside of school. I would like to have a genuine connection with her and not only talk about school stuff!
Colleague 3- Amy -She is passionate and creative and cares so deeply about doing what's best for kids. Recently, she's experienced some negative changes that seem to be shifting her perspective. I'd like to better understand how those changes have affected her and how I can support her. I want to listen and not assume anything.
The 1st would be 1 of the new paras in our elementary. I know she is married and some of her interests, but haven't gotten much time to really get to know her. How does she spend her free time?
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd would be one of the elementary teachers. We have been teaching in the same school for years, but she recently went through a divorce. I don't know anything about her life outside of school or what brings her joy.
The 3rd would be our new Superintendent. I got to know her a little bit during our book study, but would love to learn more about her. Her likes and interests. What brings her joy? What does she do in her spare time?
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDeleteMy first colleague that I would like to reconnect with in the next month would be my mentor teacher in which I was her student teacher in my first placement. I use to be in contact with her and we would meet for coffee, but we don’t connect anymore. She moved to different elementary school, I wonder how she’s liking her new school and the grade level she is teaching.
The second colleague that I would like to reconnect with in the next month would be one of my middle school teachers. This teacher showed great interest in me as an individual, but as a learner. When I was struggling with the academic side, she worked with me and gave me the extra support that I needed. I would love to just have a conversation with her and to reconnect with her, get to know her now as I’m an adult.
The third colleague that I would love to reconnect with this month would be a teacher that I had in high school. She always made learning fun and I always looked forward to her classes. I would love to learn about what she likes to do outside of school.
The first colleague that I would like to reconnect with is the Science teacher that I taught alongside at my previous school. Her son was one of my students and I would love to know where he is at now and what he is up to, as well as what her and her husband are doing now that she is retired.
ReplyDeleteThe second one would be the aid that I had in my classroom. Because we spent the entire morning together, we got to know each other well. When the 9-11 attacks happened, I watched first hand the fear a mother has whose son is already enlisted and the uncertainty of whether or not he was going to be deployed. That was my last year before transitioning to a stay at home mom, so I don't know if he was ever deployed or what their family is up to these days.
And thirdly, my supervising teacher when I student taught. She was the sweetest lady, so kind and patient and loved what she did. Over a decade later, we were contemplating moving back to that town and during our interview process, we were walking through the school. We ran into her in the hallway and she remembered my name and mentioned how much she enjoyed our wedding all those years before. We only had a couple of minutes to catch up, as she had to get back to class, but it would be fun to catch up on what has happened over the last twenty plus years.
Colleague #1- I would love to reconnect with my partner teaching back in the day. She and I both taught Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies together. She has an amazing sense of humor and could always put a smile on my face. I would love to reconnect and share how life has been going as well as catch up on how teaching is going for her in Sioux Falls.
ReplyDeleteColleague #2- I would also love to reconnect with my neighboring teacher back when I was a full-time teacher. He is now a Middle School principal, and I would LOVE to hear how it's going? Does he love it? How is it different from having your own classroom?
Colleague #3- My final colleague would be my previous secretary. She was the nicest lady. She was like a grandma to every student (and staff member). I wonder how she's doing. Is she still living here in town? Does she miss the kids?
Colleague #1- I'd love to reconnect with my student teacher from over twenty five years ago. I have followed her on social media and see her occasionally around town but would love to sit and have coffee with her and tell her about how she impacted me in education and catch up on our lives now.
ReplyDeleteColleague #2- I want to reconnect with a sixth grade teacher that moved away midyear. She was an amazing educator and I'd love to see how she and her family is doing today. I know her oldest children are graduating high school this year.
Colleague #3- My kindergarten teacher from Denver Colorado. I was a quiet, shy anxious little girl and she made my first experience in school a beautiful thing. I often wonder where she is. How long was she teacher? And I'd love to tell her thank you for being a safe place in my scary world.
School Social Worker – I don’t know much about her personally, but I love watching how she interacts with children. I’d like to learn more about her strategies and what inspires her work.
ReplyDeleteElementary Behavior Interventionist – I know she is energetic and approaches situations from a unique perspective. I’d like to learn more about her techniques and how she maintains her energy and positivity.
Head Start Teacher – I know she always has a smile and exudes calm. I’d like to learn more about her classroom routines and how she cultivates such a peaceful environment.
Our English Department is struggling right now. We have lost — or are about to lose — three teachers this year. Two are leaving for new opportunities, and one was diagnosed mid-year with an aggressive cancer and chose to retire so he could spend his remaining time making memories with his daughter. The combination of high turnover and the loss of a deeply valued colleague have taken a personal and emotional toll on department morale. I feel us slowly losing connection with one another, and I want to help create space for us to reconnect, support each other, and rediscover some joy in our work together.
ReplyDeleteI was especially drawn to the suggestion in Teachers These Days about creating a shared Google coffee-preference spreadsheet, and I may start there by surprising everyone with their favorite drink at an upcoming meeting. I am a strong believer in Key Idea #4: Feed your colleagues, because small acts of care can rebuild connection in meaningful ways. What I most want to learn from my colleagues right now is how they are truly doing — what has felt heavy this year, what support they need, and what still brings them moments of purpose or laughter in the classroom. I also want to hear their hopes for our department moving forward so we can intentionally rebuild a culture rooted in connection, compassion, and shared belonging rather than simply surviving another difficult year.
The first colleague I would like to reconnect with is someone who I worked closer with last year, she was just down the hall. She moved to a different grade level. With this move, I feel like I haven’t talked with her in a while. I would like to know how her year is growing, if she is enjoying the change. She went up several grade levels, so I would also like to know what it is like making that big of a switch.
ReplyDeleteThe second person I would like to reconnect with is also someone who I worked closer with last year. This person received a promotion and moved to a different part of the building. With her new duties, it just feels like she is less available. I really miss this person because she always had a good listening ear and provided good input and advice when I needed it. I know in her new position she appreciates catching up with people too, so I just need to make it a priority to reconnect.
The next person I would like to connect with is a teacher that teaches kids that are several years older than I do, therefore she works in a different part of the school. I would like to connect with her more because I appreciate her enthusiasm for what she does. She always seems to have a great attitude, and that can be such a breath of fresh air.
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDelete1. The first colleague I would like to reconnect with is my mentor from when I first started. When I taught in the classroom we were a lot closer, now that I teach P.E. I rarely have the chance to catch up with her. She is so knowledgable, doesn't let anything bother her, and is just a great friend. I love her work ethic and the time and care she puts in to teaching her students.
2. The second colleague is my old partner teacher. We started teaching 5th grade together 11 years ago. He still teaches 5th grade, but as I said, I moved to PE, so we don't collaborate anymore. He was also a hard worker, always stayed cool, calm, and collected. He was a great partner and teammate to have!
3. The third colleague is a 3rd year teacher and she is actually now my neighbor. I think our age gap hinders our connection a little bit, and I'm not overly talkative. She is spunky and has a great attitude! I think it would be fun to get to know her a little bit more and get ideas from her on just her management style with second graders.
The first colleague would be my first assistant coach. After I moved on to a different school, we lost touch with each other. He is a great coach and I learned a lot about coaching and dealing with players, parents, administrators from him. When we worked together we talked a lot about other things and not just basketball. He truly is a great friend and person.
ReplyDeleteMy second colleague is the priest in our school. He is a young priest but is always there for students and staff and I have not gotten to know him better because I have a lot of questions about the Catholic faith and it seems that our paths don’t cross as much as I would like them to.
My third colleague would be our school president. He has gone through a lot in his life (open heart surgery), multiple heart attacks but he has always put the school first and he is always on the go which makes it hard to just sit down and pick his brain about the school and the climate of the school and how we can make it better.
1) I would like to reconnect with "Justin," a teacher at my first high school teaching job. Being a new teacher, I picked out the most successful teachers and those that had the best repour with students and watched them. This teacher would often drop by and ask what I was doing and I got a lot of ideas from this teacher.
ReplyDelete2) I would like to reconnect with "Sam." I often interacted we are still colleagues but upon reflection, I have had very few interactions with this teacher over the past few years. We are on different floors and teach different subjects, so we just have not gotten a chance to visit lately. This teacher is always positive and professional, and I always got good advice on questions about school or life.
3) I would like to reconnect with "Marcus." We both were involved in after-school activities and always ran into each other at sporting events and other activities. We both loved these activities and believe they benefit students. This person always put students first and had strong relationships with students who realized that he cared about them outside the classroom as well as in.
The first teacher I'd like to reconnect with would be the 4th grade teacher at the school I used to teach at. I taught 3rd grade there and she was a phenomenal teacher. We were good friends and I'd like to know how she's doing. How has her career been since I left. How her family is. What has changed at the school. I would also love to get ideas from her on how she teaches certain topics in her classroom since I teach 4th grade now. I love collaborating so this would be a great start.
ReplyDeleteThe second teacher I would like to reconnect with would be another teacher from my past school. We were both 3rd grade teachers and again, good friends. She was a great mentor for me when I first started teaching and I've learned a lot from her. I haven't talked to her very often since leaving and I think it would be great to see how life is treating her.
The third teacher I would like to reconnect with would be my college professor. She was such a great role model and an amazing teacher. It would be nice to chat with her about my teaching career and listen to her advice for me.
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDelete1. The first teacher that I would love to reconnect with is the teacher that I did my student teaching under. She was amazing and taught me so much. We also became good friends. I know that he kids are now grown and she just retired. She is also a breast cancer survivor. I would love to see what she's doing now and tell her all about my teaching career and my family. She was always so encouraging and uplifting and just made me feel like I was doing an awesome job.
2. I would like to reconnect with a teacher I taught next door to for several years. She moved to a different state and we don't keep in touch any more. She was an awesome person/friend to collaborate with, laugh with, encourage, and so much more. She made my job so much fun! Of course, the students were fun, but having that teacher friend next door was just like a dream. I would love to see where her career took her and things that she learned along the way. I would love to fill her in on everything that has happened in my life and career as well.
3. The 3rd person that I would like to reconnect with would be a teacher in my own building, but due to our schedules etc, it's hard to ever find the time to talk. She always has a smile on her face whether it's a good day or a crazy/tough day! I know she has gone through some tough times this last year and I would love to listen if she needs someone to talk to and fill her in on how things have been going for me, my family, and my job. She is always that calm voice that everything is going to be ok and I appreciate her.
J - P - and G. I’d have a basic understand of their families but I’d like to reconnect to see how their lives are going, what's keeping them busy outside of school, and how their kids are doing. There never seems to be enough time during the school day to check in on one another but if I put forth a conscious effort I know that I could find the time.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been thinking about three specific people at school I’d like to catch up with properly. First is the colleague who always has the most incredible, natural-looking classroom; I know she has a great eye for design, but I’d love to find out if she has a creative outlet or studio practice outside of school that keeps her inspired. Then there’s one of our long-time teachers who has that calm, seen-it-all presence I really admire. I'd like to sit down and hear her stories about how the community has changed over the years. Finally, I want to reach out to the person who is always saving us from tech disasters. I know he's incredibly helpful and has a quick sense of humor, but I’m curious about what he does to actually unplug and relax when he's not fixing everyone else’s problems.
ReplyDeleteList 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDelete#1 (Kinder coworker)-I know her family background and how involved her kids were in school. What I want to learn from her is how she dealing with the death of her oldest son. He unexpectedly passed away almost a year ago and I want to know how she feeling and how she is dealing with it, especially with her very high in behavior class.
#2 (one of my paraprofessionals)-I know her culture and language background, but what I really want to know is why she does the things she does at school. There are some things she does in my classroom that I judge her for, but instead of judging I should just straight up ask her. The only thing I fear is that she will get in her head and think that I nagging on her, being snoopy, or wondering why I am asking her these questions. She tends to hold a lot of grudge, so me asking could make her feel a way. However, if I ask her these questions it could give me a better understanding of her.
#3 (SPED coworker)-I know so much about herself, her family, and her job, but I want to learn from her is how to do better with my finances. She came out of college without much debt, only uses credit cards to purchase things, and has investments in stocks. I hope to become that financially responsible one day so that I don't have to worry about money, worry about trying to come up with paying for unexpected costs, or not having to worry about living paycheck to paycheck.
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDelete#1 - I know this colleague has been at the district for a while. Coffee wouldn't be appreciated, but some pastry or sweet would be. I want to know more about their past. This would include childhood and especially high school. It would help me to understand who they truly are and where they came from.
#2 - I would want to know about their visions for their future. I don't know what their coffee order would be but I know it would be appreciated. I wan to know where there kids are these days (literally and figuratively).
#3 - I know they would love black coffee or tea (gross). I want to know about how she grew up out east and what that was like. She has talked about her home town and the issues they had there with race relations. I want to know how she navigated that to become the person she is today.
Colleague 1 is someone I met during my college years in the education program. We went through coursework and field experiences together, and I always remember them as a highly dedicated learner with a real passion for elementary education. That energy was contagious and honestly motivating for me at the time. Since graduating, we’ve lost touch, and I’d really like to reconnect to learn more about where their professional career has taken them, what still inspires them in education, how their family life is going, and any advice they might have after years in the field.
ReplyDeleteColleague 2 is someone I worked closely with during my first few years of teaching at my current school. They served as a mentor to me in many ways, always willing to answer questions, offer honest feedback, and provide the kind of candid advice that shaped how I approached teaching early on. I look back on that time as incredibly formative. Since they’ve moved on, I’d love to reconnect and hopefully find ways to collaborate again or at least reestablish that professional connection and shared support we once had.
Colleague 3 comes from my coaching experience. This is someone I connected with deeply through coaching conversations rather than day-to-day collaboration on the field. Since they moved out of state, we’ve drifted apart, but I always valued the way they could step back and offer a calm, thoughtful perspective on the more nuanced and emotional side of coaching. They had a way of seeing beyond X’s and O’s and helping reframe challenges in a grounded way. I’d like to reconnect to hear how their coaching journey has evolved and to reestablish that kind of reflective, supportive dialogue.
I have two specific colleges that come to mind I would like to reconnect with, I know about their families. I know who they go home to and what sports/activities their kids are in. I don’t know a lot about them personally. I love the idea about the favorites. We fill out an interest form at the beginning of the year, but it’s only shared with admin and not each other. I would like to suggest we share it. I love bringing a “pick-me-up” when I can. I want to learn about their interests to that I can start a conversation when I see them.
ReplyDeleteFor a college on my team, it would be nice to learn about how they feel their day-to-day goes. This way, we can help each other if possible. I want to learn about them as a person because sometimes I feel like an outsider. If I knew more about them, I feel like we could collaborate more.
I also have one very successful colleague that comes to mind, that I would like to pick her brains and see what her classroom is like. The one in particular is new, so I don’t know a whole lot about her and she teaches a different grade, so I don’t get a lot of time to connect. I would go back to the questions we ask in our teams… “What do the kids need to know? What do we do if they know it? What do we do if they don’t?” and how she uses this to structure her classroom. She obviously has great connections with the kids and I’d love to learn how she does it.
Sorry some typos! I can't go back and edit.
DeleteKelsey Berletic
ReplyDeleteOver the next month, I’d like to reconnect with a few former colleagues—specifically those who, like me, struggled during the 2021–2022 school year. Reflecting on where we all are now, I’m realizing how curious I am about their journeys and how much I still value those connections.
Lex
I know Lex recently had another baby and has transitioned into a principal role. Back in 2021–2022, we both struggled in our teaching positions, and at one point, we each had plans to leave. I followed through with that transition, but she chose to stay in teaching right before the school year ended. I’d love to understand what led her to that decision and whether moving into a new role and building has positively impacted her mental health. I’m genuinely curious about what shifted for her—and whether that’s something I could have experienced as well.
Julie
Julie and I both left teaching in 2022, but she eventually returned to education in 2024 in a different capacity. She’s no longer in the same school and now supports teachers rather than leading a classroom full-time. I’d like to learn more about the steps she took to return and what influenced her decision. We both had challenges with administration, so I’m especially interested in how she found a healthier or more sustainable role. I also want to better understand how I can support her as a friend.
Kris
Kris also left teaching in 2022 and transitioned into a college role, where she supports low-income, low-GPA students as they adjust to college life. She hasn’t returned to a traditional classroom, and I’m curious if she ever plans to—or if she’s found her long-term path outside of K–12 education. I’d love to hear how she views her career now compared to a few years ago.
Reflection
Looking across these relationships, a pattern stands out: I’m drawn to reconnect with people who experienced the same challenges I did during my final year in the classroom. Even though I’m no longer teaching alongside them, I still care deeply about their well-being and their paths forward.
I also recognize that during my last year, I carried a lot of frustration, and I may have expressed that more than I intended. Part of reconnecting is not just learning from their experiences, but also showing that I value those relationships and want to move forward in a more positive, supportive way.
At the same time, I’m hoping to learn from them—how they navigated their transitions, what helped them reach a healthier place professionally, and what I can take from their experiences as I continue shaping my own path.
The first colleague is a newer teacher. I know they are still learning the routines and expectations of our school. I would like to know about their background, what led them into teaching, and how they adjusting into their new role. I want them to feel more supported.
ReplyDeleteThe second colleague is someone I have worked with before but haven't connected with recently. I would like to learn what challenges they are facing if any and if I can be of any support for them.
The third colleague is someone who tends to keep to themselves. I know they are reliable but I don't know much about their interests or life. I would like to learn more about them and build a stronger connection.
I think work friendships are one of the most deep kind of friendships you can have. My family and I moved across country two years ago from Arizona to South Dakota. Three collegues I would love to recconect with would be:
ReplyDeleteMy team teacher that I taught with for three years. We were both first year teachers, fresh out of college and we learned and lived together. We became best friends like the very best friends. Now that I live states away, we haven't talked in years and I miss her. I really want to give her a call and catch up.
My teacher bestie that I taught with for six years together. We were such a pair. We always bounced ideas off each other, planning, teaching, life in general. She still lives in AZ also, and I have been feeling guilty about how I need to be a better friend.
Finally, I would love to catch up with my Aide I had when I taught K. She was a one on one aide and the time that we spent together and connecting was so special, I would love to see how life is treating her and what she is up too these days.
1. One of the EAs that works in my building is also a mom to a child in my daughters preschool class. I'd like to make a better connection with her because of course she has a child the same age as mine and I've seen her wear a football team's jersey before that I also support. We've chatted before, but never on a true connection level. I'd like to get to know her better.
ReplyDelete2. A teacher that I used to work with, is now at a different building in the district, but will be in the same building as me next year. When she was here we got along well. I know a lot about her family and some health struggles she's had recently, but I'd like to reconnect and catch up on the latest goings on in her life.
3. We recently added a new occupational therapist to our team. I know that she has an infant daughter with some health issues and she was in my sister in law's sorority in college. We've connected a little bit over our children and the connection to my sister in law, but I'd love to know more about her family and things she does outside of work.
1-My first year of teaching I taught on a local Reservation here in South Dakota. At that time the student population had outgrown the school building and trailer classrooms had been added. I got to teach in one of those trailers. There was a 4th grade teacher working for Teach for America that was quiet and he didn’t really catch my eye as an outstanding teacher. Yet, I am fascinated with what he has done with his career.
ReplyDeleteHe helped establish Oceti Sakowin Community Academy. This school is established to create a school culture grounded in Lakota thought and philosophy. Although this is more of a methodology. I believe the way it is executed is though value the students heritage.
I see this teacher every few years and have wanted to observe this school and see the impact the culture has on students academic achievement.
2-I haven’t been teaching for the last 13 years, so I am going to take some colleague liberties. I would like to connect with my neighbor who teaches at my daughters school. She is the kind of person who loves her children and husband well. They are a busy family. Her husband is running for Sioux Falls mayor. She runs a fabulous student council program. They are such great neighbors. Throwing the best neighborhood picnic. Caring about social justice issues. I would love to know how she managed the work/life balance while maintaining such a high level of connection with students.
3-My want to connect with friend of mine who also is staying-at-home/subbing. She started subbing in the school district before me. With my youngest in Kindergarten I am continually asked what are you doing next? I have loved subbing. I enjoy the compliments that there is such-and-such position you should apply for. I want to teach. I also never want to regret the time away from my kids. I know I would come home happy after teaching and feeling like I made a big impact.
Colleague #1–I want to reconnect with a colleague who retired. She was the colleague I would always go to for advice. I know she loved teaching and was always willing to help others. I would like to learn more about her life outside of school as a retired teacher. What is keeping her busy and etc.?
ReplyDeleteColleague #2 – I would like to reconnect with a former co-worker from a different school that I worked with. I know she has a great sense of humor and connects well with students. I’d like to hear about how her job is going at her new school.
Colleague #3 – I would like to reconnect with my former college professor. He was a professor I thought very highly of. He made learning fun. He wanted us to make learning fun for our students. I would like to see what he is doing now days. I assume he is retired but I do not know that for sure.
The first colleague I’d like to reconnect with had a great impact on my when I first got started teaching. She was one of those people that made the best connections and made everyone feel like they mattered. She made every kid and coworker feel important and she always had the biggest and best smile that just made you feel good. I really enjoyed my time getting to work with her and I feel like she made me feel like a better person. I know she moved away and isn’t in education anymore, but I can guarantee that she is making a difference in all she does and having a positive impact on every person she comes in contact with. I know that she has gone through cancer, but I need to follow-up and see that everything has continued to go well for her and that she’s able to love up on her grand babies. Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful person that I have in my life.
ReplyDeleteThe second person I’d like to reconnect with is my mentor teacher that I got to work with right out of college. She had such a big impact on helping me get on my feet in the teaching world. She was also so kind and compassionate. I know that she is not teaching anymore, but she doesn’t have a big social media presence so I haven’t been able to keep in touch very well with her. I’d love to know what she is up to these days and what her kids are doing since I know they are all grown up now!
The third colleague I’d like to reconnect with is one that I spent many years teaching alongside. We built such a good relationship and knew each other very well. We were the co-workers that shouldn’t sit next to each other at meetings! :). She moved on from our town and we kinda keep in touch, but we live close enough that we could still get together. Life just gets so busy that we(I) haven’t made the time to reconnect. I would love to know what she has been up to and how teaching is going for her.
Colleague #1: I would like to reconnect with her, as I completed my student teaching under her. She taught me a lot in that short amount of time. We shared a lot of laughs during that time. She has since retired from teaching but I would love to reconnect with her to find out how her role of "Grandma" is going!
ReplyDeleteColleague #2: This colleague was very instrumental in getting me into treatment for Eating Disorder, while supporting throughout my time teaching there and my stay in treatment. She has also retired but I would love to reconnect to see how she is enjoying retirement, as well as spoiling her grandchildren!
Colleague #3: This colleague and I clicked from the beginning, as we were both new to the school. We spent a lot time together, sharing laughs and tears. I would love to reconnect with her to see how things have been going for her, as she is now an empty nester.
List 3 colleagues you would like to reconnect with in the next month. Don’t give their real names, but after you take a mental inventory regarding your relationship with each of them, identify what you know and what you’d like to learn about them.
ReplyDeleteThe first Colleague I would like to reconnect with is my past administrator. We worked together for many years. After leaving the district, he transition to superintendent for the district. I would like to reconnect to learn how he is adjusting to his new role. I would like to hear about the successes and challenges he has experienced. I would like to know if his previous position with the district has benefit or challenge. I already know that he was a successful principal, but the job of a superintendent is different His leadership qualities are strong that it would surprise me if it was not going well.
The second colleague that I would like to connect with is a teacher that I worked alongside for many years before she took a position with a nearby district. The new position was going to allow her to work full time with middle school students verses both middle school and high school students. She connected so well with middle school students that it would be nice to see how she was liking her new role. I would like to hear about the difference she has notice between her current school and her previous one. I'd love to hear about what is going well and what has been the most challenging for her.
The third colleague that I would like to reconnect with is an elementary/middle school counselor that I worked closely with for many years. She is now retired. I learned so much from her and credit much of my current successes from what I learned from her. I would love to learn how she is spending her retirement. She was a valued educator that cared deeply for the social emotional needs of students. It would not surprise me if she is somehow still connected to education. She has so much to offer that it would be nice to ask her what advice she would have for me now working in a larger district based on her year of experience.
The first colleague I would like to reconnect with is the principle that I worked with for several years. We coached football together for 20 years. He was a great role-model for students and staff alike. He moved to a new school and I would reconnect with him to see how he is doing and what it like at his other school. The differences in jobs and situations.
ReplyDeleteColleague two is a principle from another town - he was my principle when I was in high school and then he also coached so I got to know him on a different level. Then he retired but still lives in the town in which I grew up in. Going there, occasionally I think of how he is doing and what he's been up to.
Colleague three is an industrial teacher that I got to know very well while we were in college. We were both studying to be a teacher and after college we stayed in contact and visited about teaching, wives, kids, etc. I would like to reconnect with him to see how his teaching career is going.
I would like to reconnect with colleague #1 from a previous school who was on my team, and we collaborated daily. She went to a different school, and so did I. I wonder how her school year went. I wonder how she has liked switching positions. I wonder how her farm is doing. I wonder how she and her husband are doing on a daily basis. I miss our conversations and our relationship.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to reconnect with colleague #2 from a previous school who was on my team. I wonder how she is adjusting to a different school with different coworkers. I wonder how her new baby is doing. I wonder how she is adjusting to mom life and teacher life. I wonder how she has liked switching grade levels.
I would like to reconnect with colleague #3 from a different school. She and I shared a similar background of moving from a self-contained classroom to becoming regular education teachers. We shared a lot of firsts together. I wonder how her son is doing, since he was in my first grade class. I also wonder how she is doing now that she has a high school graduate. I wonder how she is adjusting to her new team. I wonder how her chickens hatched this year. I wonder about all the amazing lessons she incorporates into her teaching.
Over the years, all of these colleagues became more than coworkers; they became friends and family. Being a teacher and a mom, it is hard to always put in the time and effort to reconnect with everyone who has come into my life and helped me get through the school years. I hope they are all doing well, and I hope their school years were great.
I would like to reconnect with colleague #1. She was my teaching partner for two years. I truly enjoyed getting to know her over the span of those two years and we worked very well together. My personality was a little more on the reserved side and she was more opinionated. She really helped me to push myself and stand up for my students. She was amazing at math and science and went above and beyond for her students. She always had such great ideas and fun ways for kids to practice. I miss the conversations we had and how well we worked together. I'm curious how she's liking her new job at her new school and how her own children are doing!
ReplyDeleteI would also like to reconnect with colleague #2 from a previous school. My first year teaching my teaching partner and I both were expecting our first child that year. She was such a great teacher and was very helpful in all aspects! I'm curious where she is at now as we both moved to new schools after that year. I would love to know what she's doing now and how things are going. I appreciated all of her help throughout that first year of my career!
Finally, I would love to reconnect with colleague #3. She was the first person who helped me along the way at my new school (which was only my second year of teaching). She is such a thoughtful person who always went out of her way to give me little pick me ups throughout the years. She helped me learn all about first grade (I went from teaching 6th grade elementary to 1st grade). She was always a listening ear when I needed advice or just to vent about something, both personally or professionally. She cared so much about the students and truly put all of her time and energy into being a teacher. She now works at a different school but still lives in the area. I would love to chat with her more often and see how things are going with her and her own children as they are all growing up and becoming parents themselves!
I have had so many wonderful colleagues, it was truly hard to pick just three. They have all become very good friends of mine and I am so thankful for everything they have done for me along the way. They have helped me become a better teacher and I would truly love to reconnect with each and every one of them!
#1 I would love to reconnect with an old team teacher. Then I started teaching 14 years ago, I was a kindergarten teacher, and I leaned heavily on the rest of the kindergarten team to help me find my place in a new grade in a new school. I taught alongside this teacher and really enjoyed working with her, but when I was moved grade levels, I lost that connection. I would like to learn about where her family is now and what she is planning to do in the years to come.
ReplyDelete#2 I would love to reconnect with a fellow music teacher. When we first started teaching together eight years ago, we had many conversations and worked together to try and figure out what we are doing. I feel as the years have gone by, I have stopped reaching out to her, and it would be great to talk to her, not only as a teacher, but as a fellow human being.
#3 I would like to reconnect with my fellow colleague that helped me get my job and was my teacher during my student teaching. She has since retired and has moved to a different state but often does come back into the area and I would love to sit and talk to her and let her know how much she’s meant to me throughout the years and also to learn what she is doing now.
Hi Mary Ann, thanks for sharing! I hope you find joy in these 3 connections and it goes well for you!
Delete1. A history teacher I taught with at a previous district. He was extremely knowledgeable in the content areas we taught and great with kids. I always admired the way in which he built relationships. He was quick to give sound advice to young teachers.
ReplyDelete2. The principal at my first school district. I have worked for 5 principals since, and he's still the best. He excelled in communication and team building, was great with kids, and built a really strong school culture. He has since retired and I would love to know how retired life is treating him.
3. A teacher from my first school district who mentored me. She had almost 30 years of experience and one of the best teachers I've taught with. She was quick to share advice, shared any material that she thought I'd need, and was always willing to listen.
First, would be the teacher that I did my students teaching with. She was also my kindergarten teacher growing up. I often think back to my student teaching and wonder ‘what was I thinking?’ I also grew so much during that experience. My co-operating teacher had so much patience and understanding for me that year. Right now I would like to know how it felt to have a student that she taught in kindergarten become a teacher and want to come back to her. Full circle moment. Was she proud of me?
ReplyDeleteSecond, I would like to reconnect with my high school teacher, she isn’t a colleague per say, but she did teach in the same district as I did when I first started teaching. I avoided her. I was ashamed of how I treated her in HS my final year. She was fairly new and was doing her best, but she and I didn’t see eye to eye. Now looking back, I get it. I would like her to know that I think of her often and I want her to know that I am sorry for how I treated her and that she really did teach me more than what the course was about. She taught me to have patience, sympathy, and grace for students even when they didn’t deserve it.
The third teacher, I would like to reconnect with a colleague that I taught with at the beginning of my career. She and I went through a lot of first year, first job moments together. We were each others ‘person’. We would spend an extra hour a night chatting about the day and on weekends we would spend time preparing for the following week. I eventually moved on to a different school, and we slowly drifted apart. We see each other from time to time and all those moments come floating back; but I want her to know the impact her friendship was on my life.
1. My principal at the school where I taught in Northern Minnesota as he was older and taught me so much through his wisdom and experience in years of teaching. He wrote one of my letters of recommendation when I started teaching back home, here in South Dakota and I have not been in contact with him since. Time flies and am sad that I have not reconnected with him.
ReplyDelete2. My college roommate, who is also in education in the Omaha area. We stayed in contact well and were able to talk about what we were doing in our classrooms and what was going well and trading ideas, but then kids and time caused our correspondence to become less and less. It has been awhile since we connected now and now that our kids have (pretty much) grown and left home, it would be great to catch up again and share wisdom and learning!
3. A teacher that I had in high school who later became a colleague, but she was in the high school and I was in the elementary. She was so nice, but talked with a lisp and many kids made fun of her. She taught German and had very small class sizes which was nice as there was lots of time and space for connection. I often think of her and wonder what she is doing now and want her to know that she did have an impact on my life.
It is fun to reconnect with colleagues that you had when you first started teaching. I know that when I was told that I was going to be nonrenewed this last year, a former principal was one that gave me great insight and advice and checks on me every couple months since to see that I am still doing ok.
DeleteFirst collegue that I would like to reconnect with was a lady that was my aide the first year I started teaching. She was very helpful and always asked what I needed her to do. Over the years, she has shifted to title services and i don’t get to work with her as much. She was very family-based and loved talking about them. It would be nice to get back in touch and ask about her family.
ReplyDeleteSecond colleague that I would like to reconnect is someone that I started with and we learned and leaned on each other the first couple years of being in special education. We always talked and discussed kiddos and could always come up with ways to better approach what we were teaching. I miss those conversations and the bouncing ideas off of each other.
The third colleague that I would like to reconnect with would be someone that has kept to herself over the last couple of years. Reaching out would let her know that I was there for her and she could come with problems or just to talk and reconnect.
Thinking of three colleagues that I would like to reconnect with is kind of part of a grief for me. Since I was told that I would not be renewed last year and I resigned, it has been tough to see my former colleagues and interact with them, not because I didn't love being with them but because they all still work together every day and are experiencing the joy of teaching students and I am not there to enjoy it also. So I guess if I had to pick, I would like to reconnect with is my student teacher that I had a few years ago. She was such a sweet girl and when she got her first job, she reached out and told me that she was taking many things with her that I taught her and even had the same books to teach out of that we used during her student teaching experience. She just had her second child and even though we connect on Facebook, it would be fun to connect with her in person. Second colleague that I would like to reconnect with would be the teacher who was down the hall from me for 19 years of teaching, even when I moved rooms twice, she always ended up being the first person to greet me every morning and the one who I always went to when I needed advice or a prayer said for me or someone, I knew and loved. The third colleague that would be fun to connect with is the English teacher that was only there for a few years and even though she was older than me, she always came to me for advice and we had so much fun using our knowledge and excitement for good parties to make prom a wonderful experience for the students. She was a joy to be around and always had some great advice and was always open to hearing what I thought about something.
ReplyDeleteColleague #1
ReplyDeleteI first got to know this colleague through serving on the MTSS team together, where I caught glimpses of her teaching style, her classroom, and her life with her kids. She is someone who isn’t afraid to use her voice, yet she is also incredibly giving—always bringing in treats or offering a kind word when we pass in the hallway. Lately, she has been walking through a really difficult season after losing her father. Moving forward, I want to make a intentional effort to check in on her more often. I would love to learn from her wealth of teaching knowledge, chat about her passion for reading, and connect over her knack for keeping a tidy home, which I know she takes great pride in.
Colleague #2
This colleague tends to keep to herself, mostly because she is busy running around with her own kids' activities. Though she transitioned into education later in life, she has proven to be an amazing teacher who loves her students deeply. What I admire most about her is her remarkable composure; even when things are stressful or upsetting, she remains completely level-headed. I would love to get to know her better and learn more about her story, specifically what inspired her journey into education and how she manages to maintain such a beautifully calm demeanor all the time.
Colleague #3
My connection to this colleague is unique because she is both a paraprofessional in our school and a parent. Her child was one of my students and he tragically passed away this school year after a brave battle with Cerebral Palsy. While I have checked in on her a few times, I want to learn how to better support her through this immense grief and help keep her child’s memory alive. She is a resilient single mom, and because I have the privilege of teaching another one of her children this coming school year, my goal is to figure out how I can best support them both so they feel deeply cared for and lifted up by our school community.
The first colleague that I will try to build a stronger connection with is actually a former student of mine who has gone on to become a teacher herself back in her home town. I think she is a very talented young lady with lots of new fresh ideas. I'm impressed with her classroom management and I need to do a better job of letting her know that. She's been a little reserved with most of us and tends to turn to a family member for all advice and/or other interactions. As one of the "senior" teachers, I want to do better at reaching out with my support.
ReplyDeleteThe second colleague that I want to make sure and be there for is the young lady who did her student teaching with me, and is now one of our new teachers. We did build a great relationship, but I want her to know that I am there for her still, not just so she can learn from me, but so we can learn together moving forward. She is about to take on a new role as head girls basketball coach. I know from early days how much time and energy that takes. I want her to know she can count on me to help her navigate that new challenge.
The third colleague that I want to show up for is a brand new teacher to our school system. I know her name and that is about it. She will be teaching a grade level that I had previously taught for over 20 years. I want to reach out to her and let her know if she needs anything at all she can count on me. We have a great staff. Any of us would be helpful. As one of the older ones, I not only want her to know that first years can be tough, but also rewarding. She is also going to be planning a wedding at the same time. Life could get stressful. Hopefully I can help provide some laughter along the way as well.
Mostly, I want all 3 of these young teachers to know that what they are doing matters, and that they are doing a great job!