The Power of Connection: How Five Teachers Became Family—and Stronger Educators

Something special happens when educators come together with open minds and shared purpose. At our 2024 Extraordinary Educator™ Summit in Boston, five educators from five different parts of the country arrived as strangers. They left as friends, with a deep connection to a new professional community.

Today, Christy Washington (Georgia), Da’Jhon Jett (Connecticut), Krileshia Boyd (Mississippi), Kyair Butts (Maryland), and Thamar Polynice (Washington, DC) still check in on one another regularly. They share wins, frustrations, ideas, and laughter in a group chat and affectionately call themselves “the cousins,” because they feel like family. Though miles apart, they’ve built a connection that continues to shape their work as educators.

As someone who attended that summit, I had a front row seat to the way authentic connection can magnify impact, sustain passion, and remind us why we do this work.

A Table, a Conversation, and the Start of Something More

The “cousins’” story began simply—with a seat at the same table. “We both walked in together,” Da’Jhon recalled of meeting Christy. “We didn’t know anyone, so we decided to sit together. Then Kyair joined us. Before long, Thamar and Krileshia were there too—and suddenly it was karaoke, dinner, and lots of laughs.”

What could have been a typical conference interaction turned into something deeper. Conversations flowed easily. Perspectives overlapped and diverged in meaningful ways. “We had rich conversations and bounced ideas off each other,” said Thamar. “It felt so organic. We all brought our own zest, and we just clicked.”

Why Educators Need Each Other

Teaching can be isolating. Even in busy buildings, educators often carry challenges quietly. That’s where connection becomes not just helpful, but essential. “If you look at our group chat, we talk about everything from normal teacher after-hours conversations to venting and celebrating,” said Kyair. “We’re deeply committed to this profession, and when things don’t go well, or when the system fails our kids, we rely on each other.” That shared understanding creates space for honesty without judgment and practical support from people who get it.

Krileshia echoed that sentiment. “I can celebrate wins and vent about losses. There’s real care there. It’s amazing to have people who truly support you.” Christy added, “The cousins bring me joy. When something goes well, they’re my biggest cheerleaders. And I love cheering them on. Watching everyone grow has been amazing.”

Impact That Extends to Students

Connection doesn’t just support educators, it strengthens classrooms. Da’Jhon said, “If I need a creative solution or help navigating a tough situation, I reach out to the cousins. We’re all in different roles, so we bring different perspectives.”

Those perspectives ripple outward to students, schools, and systems. “In leadership meetings I can say, ‘Here’s what educators in other spaces are seeing,’” Kyair said. “That matters. Especially when you’re teaching students with different needs and experiences.”

For these five educators, collaboration is about learning from one another’s experiences and sharing what’s worked and what hasn’t. “The cousins keep me grounded,” Thamar said. “We know what’s going on in each other’s lives. They remind me that yes, we’re all educators, but we’re human too. And we’re in this together.”

Why Professional Community Fuels Growth

Each of these educators believes connection is critical for professional growth. Kyair said, “You don’t have to teach the same grade or subject to learn from someone.” Christy agreed. “You can grow alone, but you’ll grow so much more when you work with others.”

What makes this group especially powerful is that they aren’t tied to the same building or district. That distance created space to be vulnerable, honest, and share openly. “Because we weren’t from the same area, we weren’t competing with one another,” Christy added. “We let the walls down and realized that we were all dealing with many of the same issues. That’s what made our bond last.”

Connection Creates Impact

What I witnessed with these five educators is a powerful reminder that connection builds resilience and amplifies impact. Genuine connections can sustain educators through the hardest days.

To Christy, Da’Jhon, Krileshia, Kyair, and Thamar: thank you for showing what’s possible when educators invest in one another. And to every teacher reading this: you are appreciated, you are not alone, and your connections—near or far—have the power to transform not just your work, but your journey. 

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Want to hear from these five educators? Tune into a special edition of the Extraordinary Educators™ Podcast where they talk about their connection.   

More Resources for You:
This Is for You, Mrs. Guidoboni
Celebrating Teachers Who Accelerate Reading Growth
Celebrating Teachers: Building Connections and Sharing Successes