First Grade Team

Last school year was when I really began thinking about how truly blessed I am to have such an incredible first grade team.  Not only are the ladies I work with brilliant, compassionate, selfless, and dedicated, but they are also some of my closest friends.

When you think about work, the people you see every day at your job are indeed the people you see more than your family members.  The fact that your colleagues know what you're going through when you walk in on a Monday without saying anything is comforting.  Here is a list of a few important reasons why it's important to have a close knit group of friends at work, especially your grade level team:

1.  You don't need to pretend.  
The fact that you don't need to sugarcoat how your morning is going is liberating.  No need for the cliche, "It's going wonderful", when really it isn't.  It's safe to say my team members know me too well for me to even fool them if I tried.  I love that they are beginning to read me, just like my sisters do.

2.  You aren't alone.
"Did you get your newsletter printed?"
"Are you having your students take the Unit 1 math test this week?"
"Want to go outside for an extra recess at 2:00?"
Everything you do in your classroom, your team is also doing.  We literally are teaching the exact same thing, so sharing resources and teaching strategies are a constant on our first grade team.  I never feel alone and know they are right down the hall if I need anything.

3.  You can vent.
I say this only because I think it's important that people have confidents where they can vent about a problem they may be having, either at work or at home.  I have learned the hard way with colleagues and have found only a few who I trust dearly.  Some days it just feels better to say, "Hey!  I'm super stressed about this parent e-mail.  What are your thoughts?" or "I really don't feel like being here today..." because haven't we ALL been there at one point or another?  It's nice to know that you are heard, and that you can say what's on your mind without judgement.

4.  You become family.
On the last day of inservice at the beginning of they year our school ends the day with an open house.  I brought my tooth brush and toothpaste and was brushing my teeth in one of the student bathrooms before families came.  Right after me, Kelly (who is on my first grade team) came in and began brushing her teeth as well.  As we were standing there in front of the mirror I couldn't help but smile and think about how close we've become.
I have laughed with my team and cried with my team.  They've seen me with spinach in my teeth, marker stains on my pants, and still love me anyway.  I cherish the small family we have become.