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Co-teacher "issues". Should I do nothing?
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Birmingham.couple



Joined: 29 May 2010

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:16 pm    Post subject: Co-teacher "issues". Should I do nothing? Reply with quote

I have 3 co-teachers, 2 of them are awesome, we sit together plan the lessons - create activites and plans - have good lessons as a result.

The third one though, the one I happen to have the most classes with is different. He's only a month into this job and he doesn't like to plan, he prefers to literally read out of the teachers manual and prepare an activity himself without consulting me.

If there's any time left over he'll just play clips of Mr Bean from youtube.

Ok, part of me thinks, great, I don't have to plan and I can just cruise through the lessons.

Another part of me worries that this teacher may actually be screwing me over and reporting to the head of department, despite the fact that he's quite a nice guy.

The final part of me thinks, what on Earth is the point of me being here if he's not letting me teach, I don't want to take the easy route, I want to be a good teacher and I want him to be better at his job.

I just can't decide if it's worth me annoying him and, possibly, messing up a pretty sweet deal.....

What would you do? Have a word or just take it as it is. I have two really good co-teachers as it is, maybe asking for three is a bit too much.
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thegadfly



Joined: 01 Feb 2003

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:28 pm    Post subject: Re: Co-teacher "issues". Should I do nothing? Reply with quote

Birmingham.couple wrote:
The final part of me thinks, what on Earth is the point of me being here if he's not letting me teach, I don't want to take the easy route, I want to be a good teacher...

I just can't decide if it's worth me annoying him and, possibly, messing up a pretty sweet deal.....

What would you do? Have a word or just take it as it is. I have two really good co-teachers as it is, maybe asking for three is a bit too much.


I think asking for three good co-teachers IS asking for a bit much, but personally, I would not leave things as you said -- whether or not you can cause this other person to improve, you can still do a good job yourself.

I would just tell the person what you said above -- that you do not want to take the easy route, that you want to be a good teacher, and what is the point of having you in class if he will not let you teach...those are clear, respectable sentiments, and sharing them with your co-teacher should not come across as an accusation...I would leave out the bit (as I did) about making HIM better....

Personally, I would shoot for having your own section of the classes you share with him -- maybe 10-20 minutes per class of time where YOU run the show -- let him slack, sleep, get coffee, or sit and watch. Worst that happens is that he says no, in which case, you tried. If you get your own portion, you should be able to work on your own craft and skills...and the sight of you teaching lessons may serve as inspiration for his own quest to improve (You may infect him with enthusiasm or drive him our of shame).

Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Caffeinated



Joined: 11 Feb 2010

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:32 pm    Post subject: Re: Co-teacher "issues". Should I do nothing? Reply with quote

thegadfly wrote:
Personally, I would shoot for having your own section of the classes you share with him -- maybe 10-20 minutes per class of time where YOU run the show -- let him slack, sleep, get coffee, or sit and watch. Worst that happens is that he says no, in which case, you tried. If you get your own portion, you should be able to work on your own craft and skills...and the sight of you teaching lessons may serve as inspiration for his own quest to improve (You may infect him with enthusiasm or drive him our of shame).


Ask for a block of time to do your own thing, and if that works well you can start coordinating your ideas together.
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ThingsComeAround



Joined: 07 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Why would he 'report you to the board of Ed' for doing your job?
Don't you think the other two that you get along with would back you? Well- I've had coward co-teachers that left me hanging when they dropped the ball, but if your relationship with the other two is so great, then tell him "Let me do something instead of you showing a video". He came a month ago, so he is indeed a salaryman. Someone who just wants to collect a salary and do as little work as necessary to get it. I'm sure if you push he'll love it. Try to push him out of the class so you can have full control!


Another thing, a month in is a little late isn't it? Shouldn't you have made some action one week in?
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tanklor1



Joined: 13 Jun 2006

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Personally, I'd let it slide.
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Birmingham.couple



Joined: 29 May 2010

PostPosted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ThingsComeAround wrote:
Why would he 'report you to the board of Ed' for doing your job?
Don't you think the other two that you get along with would back you? Well- I've had coward co-teachers that left me hanging when they dropped the ball, but if your relationship with the other two is so great, then tell him "Let me do something instead of you showing a video". He came a month ago, so he is indeed a salaryman. Someone who just wants to collect a salary and do as little work as necessary to get it. I'm sure if you push he'll love it. Try to push him out of the class so you can have full control!


Another thing, a month in is a little late isn't it? Shouldn't you have made some action one week in?


Yeah, maybe. It's never really that easy though is it? I don't want to rock the boat when, for the most part, it's pretty awesome here. Nobody is on my back and the people here have been really welcoming.
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sulperman



Joined: 14 Oct 2008

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got 6 co-teachers, one of whom is adequate. The rest do nothing at all. Don't worry about it. Consider yourself VERY lucky.
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Boodleheimer



Joined: 10 Mar 2006
Location: working undercover for the Man

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

leave it be. you're already *very* lucky!
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gervais



Joined: 29 Sep 2010

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Personal relationships are everything.

Don't get into useless squabbles.
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nomad-ish



Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Location: On the bottom of the food chain

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

if this is the worst of your problems, then consider yourself lucky. take a step back and read some of the other posts on this board. your co-teacher is not going to report you to the board - he just wants a free ride - this isn't a set up to get you into trouble.

i would do as the other posters mentioned here and tell him that you've heard of other english classes being divided into sections and ask him if he thinks it's a good idea. if he's a true slacker, he should jump at the chance.
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randall020105



Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Location: the land of morning confusion...

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:09 pm    Post subject: re: D�j� vu?!? Reply with quote

wow!! this sounds exactly what i went through ,many MANY moons ago.
i honestly felt if were to bring a sleeping bag to class and 'take a rest time' the Teacher wouldn't even notice!!! I wish I knew then what I know now...

R.
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randall020105



Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Location: the land of morning confusion...

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:15 pm    Post subject: Re: Co-teacher "issues". Should I do nothing? Reply with quote

A. "thegadfly" wrote: I think asking for three good co-
teachers IS asking for a bit much


B. Worst that happens is that he says no


to A. - great... i like that.

to B. - what do you do if that happens though?!? just leave it gathering moss?
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SeoulMan6



Joined: 27 Jul 2005
Location: Gangwon-do

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bottom line is that you are his assistant. If he chooses not to utilize you, it's his business. Sad, but true.

I do like the idea of asking for a block of time for you to teach, though. That could lead to some good things. You could also suggest that he "teach" the grammar or vocabulary point, but that you lead an activity afterwards.

Good ruck.
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JD_Tiberius



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Korea

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You have it great.

I have 8 co-teachers, all of them are great, but I have to give every class 100%
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MattAwesome



Joined: 30 Jun 2008

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 10:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

let it be. do something else with your time.
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