It's All About Who You Know

     As the year comes to a close I can't help but think about the interpersonal relationships that have gotten me to where I am today. We have all heard people say, "It's all about who you know." Usually this has a negative connotation and is used to justify someone's accomplishments. I prefer a more positive perspective. This post explores who I know and why knowing them has been so beneficial to me as an educator.

Family
     There is probably very little explanation necessary for this one. I needed my mom to tell me to try an education class in college just in case I decided not to be a clinical psychologist (there's always time for that as a second career, right?). Her guidance is vital. I need my dad to continue to encourage me to follow my dreams and to keep me safe. My younger sister is my daily motivation to be a good role model. Many of my cousins are teachers and college professors. I need them to inspire me with their passion and dedication to the craft.

Significant Other and/or Best Friend
     I am fortunate enough to get to marry my best friend next year. He is a teacher too and I cannot tell you how much I value that! We are so lucky to get to bounce ideas off of one another and celebrate classroom victories together! (This most often happens during our nightly grading sessions.) My best friend became a school counselor and she just gets me and the whole teacher thing which is also invaluable. Even if these two confidants of mine weren't teachers, I would need them just the same to cry and scream and laugh with.

Students
     Well this is a given, I would not be the teacher I am today without the students that I have had the honor of teaching thus far. They are kind and compassionate and brilliant and confident and clever and SO FUNNY. Fourth grade is a special year when they start to feel more like the big kids in school and really learn to be role models. I am not sure if I could ever leave teaching in the classroom because I believe that children are the best co-workers.
     One day during my first year of teaching I was wiping away some tears just as a the students entered the classroom. I was trying my best to look chipper and excited for the day. A student came up to me and gave me a smile and said, "Miss L. I am so sorry that your allergies are still bothering you! Can I get you a tissue?" This was a beautiful reminder of how innocent and empathetic children are. There are very few jobs out there where you encounter situations like this daily!

Colleagues
     I learned to love teaching from some of the best teachers around. My 4th grade team has the most creative ideas when I am struggling. They are there to celebrate successes and solve problems too. I have amazing reading specialists and instructional support staff at my school. This is the second year that I have been blessed with a brilliant special education certified co-teacher. My list of new instructional strategies is a mile long because of these educators and I love them for it!

Administrators
     I am so lucky to have amazing administrators at my school who support my endeavors. They are full of wisdom and valuable techniques that have helped in countless situations. I know that I thrived during my first years of teaching because of their leadership and support.

My Former Teachers
     I had so many wonderful teachers growing up. My fond memories of school helped shape me into the educator that I am today. Make sure to take the time to reach out to your teachers and thank them. We all know how much it means when a former student thanks us.

My PLN
     I started my online PLN this year via my Twitter account and what a fun journey that has been! I have learned so much from participating in chats and following educators from around the world. I look forward to continuing to share ideas and resources with my PLN in 2016 and beyond!

     Next time someone tells you "it's all about who you know," agree with them. Take a minute and tell them that success is about who you know because you cannot do it alone. I could not have done 2015 without all of the people above and many others who I didn't include. Thanks to everyone for being my network of support. Happy New Year!