While starting out can be uncomfortable, there are ways to approach teachers that can naturally lead to collaboration which is a necessary and vital ingredient for new teacher survival.

If you are new to your school or have changed grades and don't know your co-teachers very well, consider the following ideas to help you bond with your new colleagues:

1.Quick 5 minute idea share. Approach a teacher with a lesson plan or teaching idea and say: "What do you think of this idea? I'd like to get your feedback on it? Let me know what you think." Why not share a worksheet or an activity that went well? This is great for relationship building. Avoid keeping things to yourself.

2. Volunteer to take an active role in a professional learning/teaching committee. You don't have to spend oodles of volunteer time just enough to stay connected. Are you good at organizing or filing? Perhaps volunteer to organize materials for a staff in-service day. If you aren't sure if any volunteer work is needed, ask around.

3. Start an email chain. This is perhaps the least time consuming activity which can be easily implemented at any time of day. It's the best solution for harried new teachers You can decide on the purpose or theme of the email beforehand. Is it a quick check-in or to disseminate important information? Perhaps you want to just share a few ideas. Again, you can use tactic #1 to help start the conversation along.

4. Connect with teachers online. Create an informative online presence and help teachers network using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Before you befriend a colleague on Facebook, send them a private message letting them know that you wish to connect with them professionally and you understand that there are limited time and resources available during a busy school day. Many teachers these days do supplement their teaching efforts online.

5. Create a professional learning community or committee. I realize teachers are busy people but learning is a necessary part of new teacher survival. If you are interested in a teaching methodology or idea, spread the interest with your co-teachers. If this doesn't generate enough interest in the beginning, then start small by sharing ideas or an activity that worked well. (see tactic #1)

Remember, bonding doesn't necessarily mean you owe allegiance to be that teacher's best friend but to connect professionally by building a learning community. Always have something to bring to others and your bonding efforts will gradually pay off!

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