Finding teaching buddies as an introvert

Just a few of the awesome people I've had a chance to work with!

Jim Rohn famously said, "We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." I don't know if we're the average of that, but we're certainly influenced greatly by it. And considering how much time teachers put into education, we need some seriously good influences around us to help us deal with all of the stresses of being a great teacher. And no matter how many great people you have in your life outside of school, you need someone at work to be your teaching buddy. Teaching buddies are so important for a healthy work environment and preventing burnout. Having the ability to ask fellow teachers questions about reaching certain students or asking for feedback on a lesson plan (and to rant about those students who just don't appreciate - yet! - all of the hard work you put into getting them a quality education) means you feel more connected and supported. Plus, you can collaborate on awesome ideas together!

However, if you're like me, making that first step to reach out to people you work with can be hard. Plus, teachers are some of the busiest people I know, so even those with the best of intentions may not be able to check in on you. Here are some tips for helping you find some great teaching buddies - and possibly some lifelong friends.

Start small.

It sounds simple and cliche, but just get to know the people you share walls with. Introduce yourself, and maybe ask them simple questions like, "How long have you taught here?" and, "What unit are you currently working on?" Trust me - teachers love talking about teaching. Just the simplest question may lead to an hour-long minimum length conversation. These people will be vital to your success in the building, even if you don't end up thinking of them as your go-to teaching buddies. They can help during a crisis, give you pointers on those simple questions ("Where is the laminator?" That one took me over a year to figure out. Oops.), and you'll need them on your side during that extra loud activity day. And with that - don't forget to warn them about loud activities that might be happening. Try to be flexible if they're giving a test or doing their own activity that requires lots of silence and thinking!

Find the people that run activities you loved to do at that age.

My first teaching friends were the gifted teacher and the choir teacher because I felt comfortable enough talking about those subjects since I was the gifted kid and the choir geek all through school! Let them know you'd be willing to help out with something they run. Time for track meets, read for Quiz Bowl tournaments, and help out backstage at concerts (the music people will love you forever if you do this). This is a great way to kill many birds with one stone - you get to meet people you wouldn't normally see during your day (Win for common interests!), you get to volunteer at a school event (Win for brownie points with the principal, staff, and especially your students!), and you have a scheduled time and thing you will be doing (Win for not having to make weird small talk with people!).

Mentor.

If you're to the point in a district where you've been there a while, mentor someone who is newer! Who cares if your school has a designated mentor program or not. My school had no teacher mentor program when I started, but that choir teacher and gifted ed teacher were my unofficial mentors. They helped me out with anything I needed, and I am especially grateful to them for helping me navigate all of the moving pieces you have to work with as a new teacher. And by my last year at my last district, we'd developed a teacher mentor program! Yay! Even though I hadn't been there too long, I was a mentor to my new curriculum partner. She learned the ropes of the district from me, and I learned at least a million things from her. Plus, her and I are great friends now! As are the two awesome gals who mentored me.

The hardest one: Strike up a conversation with people you see regularly.

As an introvert, I hate this one. However, it doesn't have to be small talk! Everyone who works in that building is dedicated to helping kids receive as quality of an education as they can give. Talk education with them! Ask about any upcoming conferences. Ask about a particular student you want to help engage in your class more. Ask about new technologies they've used. Ask where the laminator is. Again, just one question may lead to quite the lengthy conversation, most of which you just have to nod and smile at.

Out of all of these interactions, you're bound to find at least one person you click with. Sure, you might talk to some people and realize you approach education in two different ways and could never think of being friends with them. But at least be cordial, and you might end up learning some things from them. But you'll realize in talking to people who you jive with and who you can foresee becoming teacher buddies with. Don't just stay in your own little world! Be brave, reach out. You'll become a better teacher for it.

What ways did you find your teacher buddy? Did these tips help you? Comment below!

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