I have been with the same cooperating teacher for the last three semesters. This year, my teacher has a co-teacher who is a certified science teacher; however the principal has her co-teaching in an English II class. It’s obvious to me that the co-teacher doesn’t like this arrangement, nor does she have a passion for teaching English. She takes this unhappiness out on the students and is completely rude to them. My cooperating teacher is having a difficult time planning lessons with this co-teacher because the co-teacher simply says “yes” to everything my teacher suggests and then proceeds to teach the lessons incorrectly. My fear, as the student teacher, is that the co-teacher is going to act in the same manner with me. Rather than working with me to teach the class, I fear that she’ll ignore what I say and proceed to teach the way she wants to. This would not be beneficial to the students because they’re learning the wrong information. Right now I am meeting with the co-teacher every Monday to go over the lesson plans for that week; hopefully she will be more receptive to my ideas as well as my lessons. What steps would one take in this situation? What if the co-teacher begins working against me as well?
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ReplyDeleteSam, if I were in your situation I would be discretely direct with the co-teacher. (There's an oxymoron for ya!) Without being too pushy or too overbearing I would really take the reigns and give her very black and white options when it comes to her lessons. Being that it seems as though she does not even want to be teaching English, she probably would not have a problem having to do less work. Although this will create more work for you, at least you will know that what your students are learing is correct. Be firm with your lessons and how they should be taught. While being repectful do not give the co-teacher the opportunity nor the freedom to do whatever she pleases.
ReplyDeleteThis situation seems very complicated and I, myself, am experiencing something very similar with a class aid. In this situation I would talk to the co-teacher and also students in your class to get an idea of what is being taught in the science class. I would gauge the teacher’s favorite lessons to teach in science class and see if you can combine an English or writing lesson with certain science topics. Another suggestion would be to have the students do research on some scientists being studied in science class. This would allow students to learn important skills for researching and using the resources of the internet and libraries in a correct and useful manner. The only problem with this is that it can become difficult to veer off track from the curriculum to make time for something such as this. If the teacher seems unwilling to find a common unit plan, I would focus on your lesson and brief the co-teacher as much as possible. If the teacher is working against you, look to your cooperating teacher for advice. Remember that teaching the students is what really matters, you cannot make every teacher happy.
ReplyDeleteI also had a similar situation at my job prior to student teaching. I was in a special education school, and one of the aids in the classroom did not want to be there. She had been moved from a classroom she was in for the past 5 years, and did not want to change. We really just felt her out. We would ask small questions just to see if we could find out where she was coming from, and say suggestions (starting with small ones). I think it would be a great idea to try and combine the English and Science lessons. Just like Rob said, if she is not interested in the combination of the two, I would just plan your lesson and mention to her what you want to do. I have always found the more adults you put in a classroom, the more difficult it becomes. I find this especially if they do not want to be there, or if the people do not get along. The classroom I worked in two years ago which was in an Autistic Program in a special education school had one-on-one coverage so lots of people in one room. We had one main teacher, five aids, a speech therapist and an OT all in one room. We were very lucky that we all got along so well, but the class next door was not so lucky. I think it is very important to still attempt to keep her involved even if she seems to not want to be. This is because you do not want it to turn back on you, and have her say you never informed her about anything. You are there for the benefit of the students, and you want to make sure you are doing your best for them. Good luck!! Hope everything works out well for you!
ReplyDeleteSam Bremer
Sam, what I'm suggesting is just to be nice and you should place her in the position she should be with kindness. If she continues to act the same way make sure you explain to her that you are only student teaching and this is your first time and it is very challenging for you. Tell her that you are asking for her help and you would appreciate to have an effective cooperative teaching with her, which will make the semester go smoothly for you, her, and your students. Sometimes people need detailed explanations so don't hesitate to talk to her how you feel, because for some individuals its very hard to understand how other people feel because they are over occupied with their own feelings.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought might be to use your "student teacher" status as a starting point to open up a conversation about sticking to the lesson plans. Tell the co-teacher you would appreciate his/her input on lesson plans and his/her cooperation to make this a great learning experience for you. It might also be helpful to share the Caldwell lesson plan format with this teacher. I know that the format where I'm student teaching is much less detailed than the lesson plans I have created using the Madeline Hunter format. Explain that using the script you prepare in your instructional strategies helps you with pacing yourself and covering all the materials for the class.
ReplyDeleteIf you begin to experience problems with this co-teacher, make sure to reach out to your regular cooperating teacher and your college supervisor. Use their expertise to make the most out of the situation. Good luck!