Education can be a profession of marigolds

Ten years ago, I entered the classroom as a first-year teacher. I was filled with excitement knowing that I was embarking on a journey to fulfill my passion.

Although being an educator always presents challenges, the first year is undeniably the most demanding. It consists of a mixture of idealism, good intentions, exhilaration, fear and confusion.

I crafted lesson plans I spent weeks preparing. I set up engaging learning centers to create a positive and interactive learning environment. I felt ready to conquer any obstacle that came my way.

However, things do not always go according to plan as a teacher. Some lessons flopped.

While my classroom looked great, it did not work for my students. Despite the safe place I created, sometimes students did not get along. During those moments of uncertainty, I came to realize I was not there to just teach but also to learn. I set out to seek answers and discovered an unwavering support system that would ultimately become my community.

Within this community, I found a remarkable group of educators and related service providers who showed me the transformative power of supportive colleagues. They embraced me and their collective wisdom and experience became my guiding light. I wish for every teacher, whether new or seasoned, to find this collaborative spirit as we enter the 2023-24 school year.

Years ago, a colleague shared Jennifer Gonzalez’s enlightening article, “Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers.” This article beautifully explained the marigold effect. It discussed the idea that educators thrive when surrounded by supportive colleagues, just like certain plants thrive when planted next to marigolds.

These nurturing colleagues act as catalysts for personal and professional growth. Stick close to one marigold, and observe your development unfold. Seek a cluster of marigolds and witness your own flourishing.

We often attribute our motivation to our students. Yet there’s another crucial aspect that impacts our happiness as teachers: our colleagues. We can transform this sometimes-isolating profession into a collaborative journey. Here are some pieces of wisdom I have learned:

1. Seek help from experienced teachers: Don’t hesitate to reach out. They provide valuable insights based on their own teaching journeys. Asking for help does not indicate inadequacy but rather reflects professional growth. Every teacher faces challenges.

2. Build authentic connections: Seek comfort from a colleague when a student expresses anger or share a laugh after a student’s amusing remark. Find solace in other teachers’ classrooms and celebrate accomplishments together to extend moments of joy.

3. Embrace your community of colleagues: Recognize the value of a supportive network. Engage with fellow educators and foster collaboration. These relationships form the foundation of a robust support system and contribute to your growth as an educator.

The ultimate success of my first year of teaching was linked to the field of marigolds surrounding me. Working alongside this extraordinary group of educators taught me the importance of lifting one another up, celebrating our unique strengths and recognizing that the most outstanding teams complement each other’s abilities.

As I embark on my 10th year of teaching, I reflect on my first year and strive to become a positive presence within my school community. Alongside my regular resolutions, such as leaving school by a specific time or prioritizing self-care, I have three additional ones and extend an invitation for you to join me.

I encourage you to be a marigold for someone, to discover your own marigold and to sow the seeds that grow marigolds within your school community. Individually, we educators are powerful, but when we support one another, we cultivate the knowledge and power to change the world one child at a time.

Tara Hughes is a Pre-K inclusion teacher at Santa Fe’s Nye Early Childhood Center, and the 2023 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.