In the Teachers' Lounge
Having only worked in one school, I have had the fortune of avoiding the stereotypical “teacher’s lounge” in that my colleagues are incredibly respectful of one another. Most of us believe in each other and trust that we are doing everything that is best for the kids. We’re more likely to sing someone’s praises than badmouth them. We have a strong mentor program that helps new teachers forge connections with veterans, and those connections last long after the program ends. I truly believe that everyone I work with would lend a helping hand if I needed it, and I’d be happy to do the same for them. That’s not to say that I haven’t been witness to a different kind of teacher’s lounge than what Powell mentions in her article. Lunchtime has become a cycle of venting about students, lack of support from parents and administration, and just general frustrations. At times I have found myself participating in the therapeutic voicing of opinion about this initiative or that, or bemoaning