Quality teacher-to-teacher relationships are essential in schools, and as such they must be tended to in order to be healthy. In the book Every Connection Matters: How to Build, Maintain, and Restore Relationships Inside the Classroom and Out, authors Michael Creekmore and Nita Creekmore provide the following suggestions related to teacher-to-teacher relationship (pp. 69-73):
- Get to know each other. Certainly spend time learning about your colleagues’ professional strengths and attributes, but don’t neglect getting to know them as people. Learning about their personal interests, families, and similar items will strengthen the bond and strengthen your overall work.
- Be accountable for your job duties and be responsible. Know what you are to do, and do it to the very best of your ability. If you’re struggling in these areas, let your trusted colleagues know, so they can help you as needed.
- Communicate and be a listener. A wise administrator told me one time, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Listening to others is key to building positive relationships. The more you listen, the more you’ll learn about others. Use what you are learning to build positive relationships.
- Check in and reflect as a team. As your team the following questions: How is everyone doing personally? How are we working together as a team? What are some amazing things we have done so far together? What are some obstacles we have overcome as a team? What are some things we need to change?
- Connect outside of the school building as appropriate. While it may require a little effort, periodically connecting outside of school pays huge dividends.
As you prepare for the week ahead, think of ways that you can use these suggestions to further foster great teacher-to-teacher relationships. You and your students and their families will be glad you made the effort!
Phil Harrison Coaching 