A few Fridays ago, I witnessed some examples of clique-ish, childish behavior amongst my grade level colleagues. I will not describe the events in detail. However, I will summarize them as typical “mean girls'” behavior such as having conversations with the whole group sans myself in a closed room and also ending conversations when I happen to walk nearby.

Although this sort of behavior could wound me, I find that right now it prompts pity and compassion in me for them. I look at them and see insecurity and territoriality. Many of my coworkers have taught together on that same grade level for years. I came to the grade level not only from a different grade but also in only my second year at this current school. Instead of trying to fit in which would have meant compromising my beliefs in best practices and building relationships with the students, I held true to what I know to be right. Thus, they have chose to exclude me.

I look at these responses and feel even more compelled to stay true to being the best teacher I possible can. It breaks my heart that my students may not find support in their other classes and that a couple days covering a class for a teacher on quarantine can inspire a student to call me “the good teacher” and stay for tutoring if I was the one that worked with them.