For the Dream to Work, the Team must Work

I always hated group assignments growing up. There was always that kid that didn’t want to do any of the work. They expected everyone else to do everything. Then there was the know-it-all kid who was certain they were the only one who could possibly have the right answers. Group projects never really turned out the right way because the group was not a team. Even if we each had an individual task to complete, the lack of cohesion of the team made the final product suffer. That is an important lesson for us to remember as teachers. For the final product to be what we want it to be, the team must work together.

Now, you may be thinking, “I teach my own students, in my own classroom.” And for some teachers, they are literally the only teacher in the building. Major props to teachers in a one room schoolhouse. I can imagine it gets lonely. That being said, most teachers do not teach completely in isolation from other teachers. There are most likely several other teachers in your building: specialist teachers, title/intervention teachers, others in the same grade level as you, other grade levels, etc. Each of these teachers will interact with your students and are part of the dream team that shapes their education. While you each have your tasks, you need to be able to work together toward the same common goal, education of the students in your building.

I understand that different personalities do not always get along. Believe me, I understand drama and conflict in the workplace. The important thing to remember is that you do not have to be BFF’s to work together. I have told my students many times (during those dreaded group assignments) that they are not required to be close friends, just to work together to accomplish a common goal. This requires each person to put aside their own pride, arrogance, and possibly prejudice to be able to listen to others and work together. Do your part, and allow others to do their part.

I know some of you are probably thinking, “What if they aren’t doing their part?” That is a different issue. First, stop and think, “Could there be something going on outside of school that makes it difficult for them to do their part?” You may never know what is going on in their personal lives that makes it difficult for them to always be a rockstar colleague. To be completely blunt, do you always give 100% every time, every day? Give grace to your colleagues whenever possible. Then, trust that your administrator will deal with those who do not do their job, just as you address those students who slack off during group projects. You may not let the other students see how you address them, and your administrator may never let you know what they do about your colleagues. Frankly, that is the best anyway since what they decide to do is not really any of your business.

My challenge to you is make a list of each and every colleague in your building. (I know this may be a lot). Then each day pick one person on the list and write down how they help educate your students. It may be only hallway interactions, but that is still part of their education. Then jot down a few ways that you can build them up. I know this will be far easier for those on your list who are your “Teacher Besties”. I hope you will actually start with those colleagues that drive you crazy. We are a team, and it is time we acted like it. I hope you will join me in making the commitment to build up our teammates. Let’s get to work and make that dream work.