To the Teachers That I Once Feared

     As college students we had all heard the horror stories. The stories of the veteran teachers who would do anything in their power to keep the status quo. The stories of the veteran teachers who would shoot down the ideas of any fresh-faced newbie who dared to share a resource, method or opinion. We were told to keep our heads down, and remain unnoticed for the first couple of years, and whatever you do, don't try to change anything. 

     I worried through my entire job search about finding the right fit. How far should I drive? Should I remain in a city school, or move to a more rural location? Most of all, I worried about fitting in. I'm quirky, unique, slightly eccentric, or in laymen's terms, odd. 

     I finally found my fit, but in the days before meeting my new co-workers I still worried. Not about the students, or classroom management, but about the veteran teachers that I had been warned about. The night before our district meeting I received an email from a team member offering to meet me at the entrance to the high school so that I would not have to walk in by myself. That was the first sign that this is a team that takes care of each other, and they have.

     I work with a magnificent group of educators. Some are new, some are veterans and some are in mid career. We are a special mix. However, I want to digress to the beginning of this post, and those veteran teachers that I worried so much about. Those veteran educators have become some of my strongest allies, and mentors. They have been pillars of support, fantastic collaborators, and friends. They have boosted my confidence when I felt myself plummeting to the bottom. We have laughed together, cried together and made funny faces across the hall. For these many memories I thank them from the bottom of my heart, but it doesn't end there. 

     Our veteran teachers are our greatest resource. They know what works, and what doesn't. They know how to keep from burning out (listen to them on this one). They know how to pick their battles, and they know that state tests come and go. Still, there is one thing they may not be aware of; their value. Show your appreciation. Tell them thank you. Let them know you appreciate their expertise. They may not realize that you have noticed.