It’s important to be realistic about co-teaching expectations. Just like in any other relationship, there will be challenges and hard times.
Let’s take a look at some common issues and potential solutions:
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Problem #1
Solution
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Ms. Carol and Ms. Esther are co-teachers in a toddler classroom. Ms. Carol thinks that the block area should be over by the window. Ms. Esther thinks it should be in a more central location. What now?
Ms. Carol and Ms. Esther have some communicating to do. This should not be an arguing match over who is right and who is wrong. During a meeting time, each teacher should share why they think the block area would work better than where it is now.
Each of them should keep the children in mind at all times. They could try compromising and try each of the new locations for a few days to see which one works most appropriately for their classroom. |
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Problem #2
Solution
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Mr. Daniel and Ms. Jennifer are co-teachers in a preschool classroom. A student is having a difficult time sitting still at circle time. Mr. Daniel tells the student that they can go get a drink of water and stretch before returning back to the circle. Ms. Jen, who is leading circle time, sees the student getting up and asks her to sit back down. The student responds, “But Mr. Daniel told me I could!”
The teachers should use this situation to model communication for their students. Ms. Jen could say something along the lines of, “I’m sorry Mr. Daniel. I didn’t know that you had already talked with Claire. Do what you need to do and hurry back to learn with us!” Of course, tone is everything in this example.
The students will be able to see that Ms. Jen respects Mr. Daniel’s authority and doesn’t try to undermine it by telling the child that she cannot go and get a drink. After the children leave the room and have some meeting time, Mr. Daniel and Ms. Jen should have a talk about the expectations for circle time and make a plan for what to do if something like that happens again in the future. |
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Problem #3
Solution
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Mr. Kyle and Ms. Brittany work together in a school-age room. Ms. Brittany likes to be in charge of all of the after-school activities. Mr. Kyle doesn’t feel like he has much say in what goes on. He thinks it’s just easier to go with the flow and let Ms. Brittany have her way.
Mr. Kyle needs to speak up about how he really feels. Not only does he feel invaluable, the students can see this relationship as well. Both teachers need to share the daily classroom responsibilities. A schedule for planning, assessing, and teaching should be put in place. If needed, the director could oversee this process.
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