Why I Spend My Lunch Hour with Students

When I first started teaching, everything was brand new to me. I was not only navigating through my first year as a teacher, but I was also getting to know a new school and district. As a first-year teacher, I wanted to do everything I could to build relationships with my colleagues and make a positive impact in my new school community.

One day during lunch, I made the decision to leave my classroom door open. As a new teacher, I had heard that having an open door policy can be beneficial for building connections with coworkers and creating a welcoming atmosphere in the school. I was nervous at first, wondering if anyone would actually stop by, but I was determined to try it out.

To my surprise, my open door instantly became an invitation. It was a simple gesture, but it opened the door to countless opportunities for collaboration and connection with my fellow educators. As they passed by my classroom, I was met with smiles, greetings, and even a few curious inquiries about my lesson plans for the day. It was such a small thing, but it made a huge impact on my experience as a first-year teacher.

One of the first things I noticed was how quickly my colleagues began to include me in social gatherings and events outside of school. As a new teacher in a new community, I was grateful for these invitations. It gave me a chance to get to know my coworkers on a personal level and build friendships that extended beyond the school walls. Leaving my door open at lunch was the catalyst for so many new and meaningful relationships.

But it wasn’t just about the social aspect. Leaving my door open also provided me with valuable professional support and growth opportunities. It became a natural space for my coworkers to stop by and exchange ideas, share resources, and provide feedback on lessons. I was able to learn from teachers who had been in the profession for years and gain insights from different perspectives. It was a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this journey and that there were always colleagues willing to offer support and guidance.

One memorable lunch period, a colleague popped in to ask if I wanted to join them for a collaborative lesson planning session. I was so grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to work with other teachers in my department. We bounced ideas off each other, brainstormed activities and assessments, and in the end, created a lesson that was not only engaging but also aligned with our curriculum goals. It was a prime example of how leaving my door open at lunch led to meaningful collaboration and improved student learning.

I also noticed that my students were benefitting from my open door policy. They would often see me chatting with my colleagues and would sometimes even join in on the conversations. These moments helped to break down the barriers between teacher and student and create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom. I believe that having an open door policy at lunch also showed my students that I was invested in my own professional growth and that I valued the opinions and contributions of my colleagues.

As the school year progressed, I saw the impact of my open door policy in many different ways. More colleagues began to leave their doors open and it became a common sight to see teachers collaborating, sharing ideas, and supporting each other during lunch. It was heartwarming to see how this simple gesture had fostered a stronger sense of community and camaraderie among the staff.

It’s been several years since my first year of teaching, and I still leave my door open at lunch. It has become a part of my routine, and I can’t imagine not doing it. I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of having an open door policy, and I encourage any new or seasoned teacher to give it a try. Opening your door can open the door to so many wonderful opportunities, both personally and professionally.

In the end, leaving my door open at lunch during my first year of teaching was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It helped me to feel more connected to my colleagues, improved my teaching practice, and created a more positive and welcoming school environment. So if you’re a new teacher, or even a veteran, I urge you to try leaving your door open at lunch. You never know what amazing things could come through that open door.

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