This year has also brought me the new experience of having a co-teacher in my Reading classes. At first I was not happy to say the least. Discussion of literacy workstations happening daily and focusing on pronunciation of words when we really needed to be focusing on literature, had me very shaken. With only 45mins to teach my Reading class, I could not fathom how we could do workstations daily when my students needed to be learning how to read novels. Luckily, a conversation with my principal completely calmed my nerves. My new co-teacher, who has been working with primarily grades K-3, was just as nervous as I was about starting this process and she really didn't understand what she was coming into. Since my meltdown, things have been going great!! She has worked diligently to grasp mythology, legends, and fairy tales and she has been an asset to my students and to me. I have had to get over my obsession with "its written in my lesson plans so it must me done." I have loosened myself up and we are all benefiting in my classroom. She has been giving me confidence in my lessons and adding details that have greatly increased the knowledge we can gain. Having that daily encouragement and affirmation has been fantastic!
I have learned a great deal from her already in the short 3 weeks we have been working together. But the tables are about to turn! She is definitely a "digital migrant" and I will be her passport into the world of Glogster and Digital Storytelling. When she looked at my PBL unit plans, the look on her face was the same look I'm sure some get when asked to read Greek for the first time. Now she is nervous that she will be in the way when I have the students use technology. If anyone out there has some suggestions to help me help her, I am all ears...or in this case, all eyes!!
Co-teaching can be a wonderful assest if implemented correctly. It seems like you both are doing well. One of the benefits of co-teaching is that you can capitalize on the strengths of the teachers when it is best called for. In your case, your knowledge of literature and technology is benefiting not only your students, but your co-teacher as well. Teachers should always keep learning too!
ReplyDeleteMiddle School is a hard age to teach because of the hormonal changes and attitudes on their view of the world. Therefore, adding to the stress of be given a new task is justifiably frustrating. I am glad you got the help of a co-teacher and have gotten over this hump of adversity.
ReplyDeleteI go into a kindergarten classroom and a third grade classroom to co-teach. In one class I feel like I am in the way, but in the other class I feel like I am needed. It is hard to work with someone when you are not used to it. Good luck! Glad you all worked it out!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post! I am a co-teacher and when I started in December, I immediately felt that I was stepping on toes, eventhough she had had a co-teacher for the past few years. It was hard to see how someone could share their classroom with me, but we get along great and work VERY well together. Since this year has started, we have gotten even closer. I have learned sooooo much from her and will become a better teacher because of what we do together in there. We can almost finish each other's sentences and I hope our relationship and teaching style continues to grow together.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've been very lucky with my co-teaching experience. I have heard horror stories and can believe them completely. Co-teaching can be frustrating, but if everyone works and tries, it can turn into something beautiful :) Hope you continue to enjoy!
thanks ladies!!!! I am really enjoying having her and I can't wait to learn more from her!!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post! Co-teaching is really what you make of it. It can be a great opportunity to really assist struggling readers in the classroom if the time is well utilized. I hope things contintue to go well. :)
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