Despite good intentions and extensive planning by teacher education and/or induction programs, novice teachers frequently cite the first years as unsupported and lonely. Feelings of isolation and being overwhelmed help contribute to the large numbers of teachers leaving the profession. In fact, nearly 50 percent of all teachers will quit within the first five years, dissatisfied because of low salaries, student discipline problems, lack of support, working conditions, inadequate preparation, and little opportunity to participate in decision making. One approach to combating stress and fostering encouragement among teachers is offered by membership in support groups. Research shows that support groups reduce stress and feelings of isolation while cultivating enthusiasm, competency, and reflection. The collaborative study the authors offer in this article was an attempt for each of them, individually and collectively, to understand what they experienced as new teachers in order to improve their practice as educators and make sense of the complexity of teaching. (Contains 2 notes.)