Marigold Moments

Teaching is, hands down, one of the hardest jobs on earth! It's the most amazing, frustrating, energizing, exhausting, wonderful, scary experience all rolled into one. Too often, teachers try to tackle the ups and downs of our profession on their own. Whether you are a veteran teacher or a first-year educator, there's a growing body of research illustrating the power of mentor support as one way to improve instructional practice, enhance wellness and well-being, and increase teacher retention.

New Teacher Support has adopted the marigold as its symbol because we believe in the marigold effect. When gardeners want to protect young, vulnerable plants, they often plant companion plants, like marigolds, next to them. These companion plants emit certain chemicals that protect the young plants from dangers like worms, rodents, and disease. In protecting the new plants, they nurture their growth. 

Marigolds exist in Twin Rivers. They are our:

• Program mentors

• Site administrators

• Grade-level partners

• Custodial, office, or cafeteria staff

• District support staff like MTSS Specialists, FCLs, or department TOSAs

Marigolds are all around us! Throughout the year, New Teacher Support will recognize and celebrate marigolds in Twin Rivers. Those who support our newest Twin Rivers teachers through their first years of teaching, but also those out there supporting one another, regardless of years in education or classification. Strong, healthy communities that cultivate strong, healthy new teachers require constant tending. New teachers need all of us to thrive, and we hope you'll join us in celebrating the multitude of marigolds in Twin Rivers!

Marigolds are announced, via TR social media, on the second Wednesday of each month.