Friendships do not just occur among students — they thrive in the company of teachers, as well. In a profession built on compassion and collaboration, it is no wonder that the teachers of Miami Palmetto Senior High have connected on so many levels. These bonds not only make their workdays brighter but also strengthen the school community as a whole.

A well-known friendship among their students is that of Advanced Placement World History teacher Julianne Farkas and AP Seminar teacher Marcos Cohen. They are often found in the morning discussing hot-button topics, and one never has a bad word to say about the other.

“What I admire most about her is a combination of her passion for teaching and her innate ability to care for students’ well-being, both academic as well as their overall health, mental and physical,” Cohen said.

For many teachers, these bonds begin in the most ordinary ways, whether they are next-door neighbors or even just teaching the same subject. Over time, however, this surface-level kindness grows into deep, lasting friendships.

“We both taught the same students, and then, really, I became friends with him more, because during Covid, we all sat outside and had lunch. So it became kind of like this great break to leave the classroom,” Farkas said.

Friendships among teachers do not just make the school day more enjoyable; they also make it more effective. Research shows that positive workplace relationships can boost morale, improve collaboration and even increase student learning. When teachers feel connected with others, that positive energy translates into the classroom. 

“Mrs. Farkas has influenced me because of her ability to innately understand pressing matters that students care about, and to not shy away from bringing those matters up with my own students in my own venue and environment,” Cohen said.

At MPSH, you can see these friendships everywhere. Whether joining in on each other’s classes or swapping coffee beans in the morning, the little gestures of camaraderie between their teachers are constantly perceived by surrounding students.

“I think seeing how we interact, I think, is important, and I know it sounds kind of silly, but it’s almost like they look to others besides their parents, other adults, to see how they interact,” Farkas said.

Another friendship among teachers is between English 3 teacher and yearbook advisor Arlene Huffman and English 4 teacher Miriam Diaz. Although they are both English teachers, they initially connected through their shared love for a staple Miami food: croquetas. 

“I think we have a lot of things in common. We have a lot of the same upbringing,” Huffman said. “We bond over the funniest things, and we basically call each other the Croqueta Soulmates, because we have a serious love for croquetas.”

Friendships can also help teachers navigate the ups and downs of the academic year. Between standardized tests, grading and seemingly endless meetings, school can be equally as draining for teachers as it is for students. Having a trusted colleague to lean on makes it easier to handle the challenges that come with the job.

“As a person, Ms. Huffman is the person I turn to for help or advice when I need someone to help guide me with something,” Diaz said. “Additionally, she keeps our lunch bunch together. I like to say she is the glue to our group.”

However, these relationships are not limited to the school walls. Many teachers’ friendships extend into their personal lives: everything from attending each other’s weddings to simply getting dinner after school. For some, their coworkers have become their closest friends.

“We try our hardest to try to hang on the weekends when we can … My goal is to get her to come to a FIU football game with me and my family,” Diaz said.

Students often do not realize how much teachers rely on one another, but they benefit from it every day. When educators work together and support one another, it creates a ripple effect of positivity throughout the school. Lessons are more engaging, communication improves and the overall environment feels warmer and more connected.

Teacher friendships also set an example for students. In a world where young people are constantly learning how to form and maintain friendships, seeing adults model healthy, supportive relationships can be powerful.

Each teacher described their friend in three words, truly summing up how work friends can become some of the most important people in each other’s lives.

“If I could describe Mrs. Farkas in three words, I would say passionate, strong and relentless,” Cohen said.

“Thoughtful, interesting and leader are three words for Mr. Cohen,” Farkas said.

“To me, Mrs. Diaz is genuine, witty and my soulmate,” Huffman said.

“To describe Mrs. Huffman, I would say hilarious, loving and croqueta,” Diaz said.