Learning to identify allies. Part 1

My current job is at Bethany Christian Schools. I have worked as their admissions director for the past three years. My job has kept me contained to the offices for a large majority of my day, but there are also times that I interact with teachers.

Each faculty member at Bethany is assigned to a Nurture Group at the beginning of the school year. This groups meets at least once a month and is designed as a way for teachers to spend time talking, problem solving, and supporting each other. This year I am in a Nurture Group with four teachers; two high school teachers and two middle school teachers. Even though on monthly meeting takes place at 6:30 a.m. on a Thursday morning, I have found it to be a helpful activity to be a part of.

This group provides intentional time for teachers to talk about their classes, students, families, and other areas of their life. These teachers and faculty members become allies for each other. Even though I am not teaching yet I have felt the support of this group as I continue to work towards my secondary social studies license. They check in with me about my classes and have also invited me into their classrooms. I feel I have four allies in this Nurture Group.