Many people have been expressing their concerns about going back to school. Anxieties can run high as summer creeps to an end, but this 2020-2021 school year is a different breed. Que the animal puns! While hearing the news across the United States about how school districts will start the new school year, I am reminded of how important it is for educators to find their pack. (See! Animal puns).
Educators often find themselves being a part of the lone wolf syndrome. There are a lot of things to juggle daily and it can seem more efficient to keep your head down and just get it done. I know that I have worked in a school once where no one collaborated. I felt like I was tackling things on my own. Although, I am fine working independently, I do enjoy bouncing ideas with others and working together.
Now more than ever, we need to go ahead and confirm our support group. Go ahead and the find people who you know will support you in the way that you will need it, especially this year. These don’t have to be people that work in your building. I can tell you that I have found my support group of educators mostly outside of my building and a lot of these amazing people don’t even live in my state. There is no excuse for not creating collaboration opportunities because we have the technology like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Marco Polo just to name a few.
Write down 3-5 names of the first people who come to your mind. Look at your list. This is your support group for this year. Go ahead and send out an email or call them up and ask if they want to be a part of this support group with you this year. You never know who needs this kind of collaboration and comradery.
You will be each other’s support for those good days and tough days. You can be thought partners and help each other solve problems even by simply sharing your own experience. Be cheerleaders. Celebrate the small stuff. Everyone will know that if they are having a hard day, they can count on anyone in that group.
Now, I might take it a step further. As you look at your list of 5 people, I would consider what do you know they would be good for when you need it the most. Remember, when we get super stressed, it is sometimes hard to think rationally or quickly. This list may seem silly and extra, but it will serve you well if done ahead of time. For example:
- Dave: My brainstorming partner. He helps me think something through. We are similar in many ways, so I know he gets me.
- Albert: Always helps me to chill out and look at a situation/problem at a different angle. (Note, he also wrote books with cocktail recipes.)
- Leticia: My spiritual guide and always good for making me laugh.
- Pete: He is kind- hearted and empathetic. Plus, he loves Disney too.
- Fred: Can work me through a problem. We both geek out on Star Wars.
Do not be afraid to build up your support for this year. We are all feeling scared with so much change and unknown. The best thing we can all do is just prepare to take care of ourselves. Ask for help. Create your pack.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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