Collaboration
If I've learned something in this wild ride, it is that nobody knows what he or she is doing at times. Everyone is clueless at some point. Nobody really admits it, but it is a real thing. Without certain people, support systems, and outlets, I would not have made it through this adventure.
We all need somebody.
We all need somebody.
Professional Collaborators |
Personal Collaborators |
Within the school walls, collaboration is constantly happening (or at least it should, in my opinion). I've learned that I know very little on my own. I need help from experienced teachers, staff members, and anyone who can help!
All types of collaboration have taken this year, but my personal favorite were collaborating for student pride, fun, and service. Getting students excited about being in school can make a HUGE difference.
The picture provided above and below are examples of different types of activities to help students have pride in THEIR school. During the Halloween season, we were encouraged to decorate our door with student help and input. They loved seeing their work and design displayed. We even placed in the competition! Nothing like waking up early on a Saturday to join the Diamond Dolls and baseball team to scrub every inch of the concession stand and baseball field. This was one of my favorite experiences. I had the chance to collaborate with students, teachers, coaches, and parents to bring pride to our facilities. While it was very gross at first, the outcome was amazing!
Nothing is worse than having your career and place of employment constantly criticized. It would take it's toll on anyone. During my year at THS, a fight was posted on social media and quickly spread like wild fire. Instead of accepting defeat, teachers did an amazing job of rallying together and becoming #TerryStrong.
If you'd like to read the article about the "high school from hell", take a look! We had the privilege of collaborating with Byram Middle School to help prepare eighth grades for Terry High School. 60 students, two teachers (one being me) and a counselor hopped on a bus after two days of workshops and training to go hang out with future students to prepare them to be #TerryStrong.
Other teachers have really stepped in and helped with groups that I've sponsored or co-sponsored. It has helped my classroom and sponsor experiences. It has started a really cool atmosphere of students knowing their future teachers' names, personalities, and created an excitement about taking classes with those teachers.
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I have to give credit where credit is due. If it were not for Ford Rigney (pictured to the right), there is no telling where I would be or what I'd be up to. In May of my first year of teaching, he proposed! Everyone from MTC knew I was ready for this to happen. It became the running joke. However, his ability to provide listening ears, deal with weekends spent planning, and constant support were vital for me to make it through my first and now second year teaching.
College friends that turned into best friends were vital. I lived with three of the girls during my first year of teaching. All nine of us have a group text that is filled with everything you can imagine. Sometimes one simple text from it made a bad day so much better.
Liv Gonsalves. What a saint. Nobody loves 6th grade reading like she does. She was one of my first friends in MTC and now a bridesmaid in my wedding. This picture, I believe, demonstrates how she's become family. Ford and I planned a trip to the Memphis Zoo and we both begged her to come (aka take a break from planning).
MY (yes, I'm very possessive over them) second year teachers at Okolona were my saving grade. They gave me insight and constantly said, "Chill. Go home, do something - don't plan."
If it weren't for our group text that blew up with questions, complaints, and humorous moments, my teaching career (thus far) would not have been as humorous as it has been!
Phoebe Quinn - person I text everyday, person I complain to about how crazy things are, personal I consistently laugh and celebrate with.
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