Lack of teacher support is a reason often cited by educators who quit early in their careers. If you feel this way, don’t give up just yet! Help doesn’t always meet us at the classroom door. Sometimes we have to leave the room and seek it out. In this article, I’m going to discuss how teachers can find sources of support during times of struggle.
How to find teacher support
Ask for help
You need to be willing to ask for help. Forego your pride and be honest about the fact that you need others to lean on. There is always an avenue of support for teachers, but you will never find it if you don’t look for it. Ask your coworkers, teammates, or principal for help when you can’t seem to manage on your own. It may feel uncomfortable, but that’s perfectly all right. Discomfort is often a sign of resistance to change and when overcome, can spark the growth you need to be successful.
Keep a growth mindset
Stay positive and open to suggestions. Sometimes support is right in front of you, and you may not see it if aren’t willing to listen. If your first instinct is to shoot down ideas and explain why they won’t work, the problem might be internal. Your fixed mindset might be getting in the way, and when others see this, they will walk away. Supporting a teacher who has a fixed mindset is like talking to a brick wall. Nothing will get through if you aren’t willing to grow.
Learn from others
A learning walk is an activity where teachers visit others’ classrooms to observe, learn, and reflect. You can gain a lot from visiting and watching experienced teachers model classroom management, lessons, and other practices. Ask your supervisor if someone can cover your class and let you go on a learning walk. There’s always a thing or two you can pick up from others, so look for opportunities to watch and learn.
Final words
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. At some point, every teacher needs it, and it’s better you seek it out than struggle alone. Teacher support may be a conversation away, so ask around, keep a growth mindset, and show willingness to learn.
Better yet, stay connected with the Classroom Camp community and get the support you need right here, right now!
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