Most students find themselves being part of a community where they belong, possibly a friend group consisting of numerous people or perhaps just one other individual. No matter the case, these groups should support and respect for each other.

It is beyond no doubt that teachers get overlooked when regarding this topic. 

Educators have real, close connections that are inspiring to see. When seen, students learn valuable lessons from school faculty on the topic of building strong and long-lasting relationships.

The quality of friendships are far more beneficial than any other components. Additionally, with the right person and consistent effort a friendship could last a lifetime.

In the case of social studies teachers Jill Brown and Susan Gresham teaching alongside one another has become a catalyst for others. These two role models can be seen in the 200 hallway with classrooms beside each other. 

Gresham and Brown share a lot of history together. They have seen each other’s children grow up, they have seen the world together, and for the past 31 years they have taught alongside each other. 

“She was my student teacher; I was teaching at Crowley High School and she was a student at TCU and she came to learn how to teach,” Brown said. “As soon as she walked through the door, we became friends; we’ve been good friends ever since.”

With Gresham as Brown’s student teacher, both were bound to communicate effectively. Overtime, they built a strong relationship with one another. They grew to know each other more every year, they now relate on a deeper level.

“Well, one [reason] is she and my husband have the same personalities,” Brown said. “They’re born on the very same day and they were raised in Fort Worth, about ten years apart from each other and so they have so many life experiences and life views alike that that has made her a real easy friend for me, because she is just so much like my husband, mentally.” 

They share many qualities that make their bond so special, from husbands’ personalities to professional careers.

“Well, she’s way smarter than I am, that’s for sure. That has been one of the great things about having her as a teaching partner for so many years,” Brown said. “She’s excellent with writing analysis and ideas for hands-on activities and she’s super great at all things technology, so I really do rely on her for a lot of things.”

This duo has all good things to say about each other. Their support to one another throughout their years working together has encouraged many other students to aspire and be like them.

“Honestly, way smarter than I am and the things she has in her head; the trivia, the life things that she’s lived, [and] the ability to impart that in a story, I don’t have that ability as a history teacher, because I have a political science mind, but the story that Mrs. Brown can impart by telling the story of history is a talent that is amazing,” Gresham said. “I’ve always said I wanted my children to have Mrs. Brown, I didn’t care if they had me, but I wanted them to have her.”

For both teachers it took spending time together, going out, and traveling to build their friendship. Even through the hardships they faced they shared each other’s burdens because of the respect and trust they have for each other. Gresham wanted her children to go through a course with Brown as an instructor because of how highly she feels about Brown’s skills as an educator.

“Generally, [if you] share loyalty, support each other, and spend time together you realize you can become great friends,” Brown said.