Toxic teacher communities
Jessica Doering 
Read about how to evaluate teacher communities to determine where to spend your time.
Teacher communities have the power to encourage our hearts when we are weary, to give practical help and advice when we need someone to turn to, and to make us laugh (and we could all use more laughter these days!). But they also have the power to bring us down, to make us question why we are in the profession in the first place, and to dQiscourage us, even unintentionally. I've been part of uplifting teacher communities and been kicked out of some online communities because I advocated for *gasp* compassion! So I've seen the power of good teacher community and I've seen the ugliness of communities built to bash people and complain. So what should we ask when we are going to enter into a teacher community (whether an in-person group or an online forum)?
Some questions to ask as you enter into community with other teaching professionals:
(1) Is the group run by someone who models the grace and compassion that we want to be cultivating in our own hearts? You should align yourself with people who are going the way you wish to go.
(2) Are the conversations centered around help and hope or griping and groaning? Are they about solutions to problems or are they about bringing other people into their misery?
(3) Are the people in the group aligned with your career goals and personal values? Are you compromising by spending your time around them, or are you being bettered?
(4) Are they kind to people who ask questions and are genuine in wanting to learn, or do they shame people for not knowing?
What other questions do you ask when you join a community? DM us on Instagram with your list for a chance to win a voucher for FREE access to our online course for teachers! Want to join a community dedicated to positive values? Join the TDI Network page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tdinetwork