The Loneliness of New Staff Members
During my first year as a teacher, I was standing on a counter putting up my very first bulletin board. I was so impressed with myself as I looked at the interactive recyclable trash board I created. Since there was no one around to share my pride, I smirked and kept prepping. A few minutes later the assistant principal peeked into my room. She smiled and complimented my work. Then she turned to me and made a comment I’ll never forget, “Are you doing ok?”
I smiled and nodded my head. I was alright. I was bubbling with excitement at the opportunity to run my first classroom.
She continued, “You may be surrounded by children all day, but teaching can be a lonely profession. You can go hours without adult communication, so just checking on you.”
She gave me a warm, genuine smile and said that I should ask her if I ever needed anything. Then she moved on.
I stood there bewildered. I kept replaying the conversation in my head. How could teaching possibly be lonely at times? There are chatty staff meetings, children and parents, and the constant buzz of gossip. It seemed like an odd comment to me.
As the years went on, I’d remember her words. I finally understood what she meant when I became a director, as I wandered the halls during teacher prep week. Although it had been a busy week of workshops and team building, I saw teachers prepping their rooms in solitude. I stopped at the classroom door of a new teacher. I suddenly realized just what the assistant principal had meant. New staff members are literally thrust into a classroom within seconds of arriving. It can be lonely. Every “new arrival’ would benefit from an anchor. It was from this realization that the peer mentor program was born.
Our Professional Orientation Program (aka POP) matches alumni teachers (mentors) with new teachers (mentees). The pairing lasts the entire first year. It is run by teachers, for teachers; creating an anchor to the school and providing a confidant, guide and friend to help guide and nurture the new teacher. The mentor hones their leadership skills and events are planned for all to bond. The program is light, fun and incredibly successful in helping new staff feel at home in and connected to our school community.
By Jodi Cohen Perry, MS.Ed
Early Childhood Center Director
The Amy Gail Buchman Preschool
