I have a brand new co teacher this year. She is very sweet and seems to like the job, but her behavior management is not there yet. She is fresh out of college with virtually no experience, and none with the age level we work with. I have almost 10 years working with this grade level. My question is, what would you do if you were in this situation? I have had a few conversations with her where I suggest things she can do to keep them listening and encourage them to make good choices, but I don't want her to feel like I am stepping on her toes since she is supposed to be my "co" teacher. However, this is intolerable to me. they do not show her the same level of respect that they show me, and i am unsure how to go about changing that- my thought is it has to come from her. I don't want to take over, but my students are behaving horribly whenever she is the one in charge, and it makes me have to work that much harder to calm them down and reel them back in when it is my turn to teach. I hesitate to go to my director for advice because I don't want this woman thinking I am complaining about her. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
Sounds like you and her need to have an honest (but extremely blunt) conversation about what's going on. She probably realizes she's lacking in the behavior management aspect, but doesn't know how to fix it.
Agreed. I would mention very specific things you have observed, throw in some empathy (it's hard starting out...) and offer to help her-- ask if there is anything you can do as far as giving suggestions, feedback, or whatever.
Thanks for the replies. I would love to speak with her about this, but since I am not supposed to be her superior I hesitate to step in. You don't think she will be offended?
You aren't going to her as a superior. You're going to her as a colleague who, due to the unique situation of co-teaching, happens to see all of her instruction.
Also, you're not going to her just to "butt in" to her business. It is something that affects you directly, given the co-teaching situation.
After thinking about it, I think you guys are right. I spoke to her on Friday a little bit about her behavior management and taking full advantage of the system I have in place that the children are very responsive to........hopefully it will work, and if not i will look for other opportunities to open the conversation again. Many thanks!
