Case
Classroom teacher displaying favoritism with certain students

I am currently in an internship and am having an issue with the classroom teacher (not my CT). She displays clear favoritism with certain students and allows them to get away with everything including leaving the class without permission, using cellphones during lecture times, and giving extra time or extra credit on assignments. When I am teaching on my intern days she consistently interrupts my lessons to talk with her favorite students and then gets into arguments with the students she doesn't like or writes them referrals for exhibiting the same behavior as her favorites. How do I address this with my CT and the classroom teacher without seeming like I am trying to get her in trouble?

Posted on: 02/24/18 | Views: 946
Solution #1
Top Solution
This is a tricky situation. I would approach the teacher as a curious pre-service teacher, looking for insight and ideas. Perhaps ask about her classroom rules by saying "I noticed that at times you allow students to use their cell phones, is there a time or subject they are allowed to do this during? How does that work?" Getting the teacher to acknowledge the rules and the lack of enforcement for some students may be the first step in the right direction.

Yes this is a very tricky situation and i agree with this solution

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Solution #2
I would first go to your University Supervisor. As an intern, you are supervised more by them than by admin. I would get together with your CT and Supervisor to come up with a plan; maybe your CT could go to administration about the other teacher. It is not your job to correct her, that is the job of a fellow professional teacher and admin.
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Solution #3
This is not appropriate behavior and it should be addressed immediately. Although it should be your CT's concern as well, I would bring it up with them and discuss the situation. If your CT does not respond well or the issue continues, I would reach out and share your concerns with the teacher you are having a problem with, stating that it is creating a distraction and that you are an intern who is still trying to establish authority among your students. If it still continues to be an issue and you were the classroom teacher, I would take it to administration and request a restorative circle.
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Solution #4
I would honestly bring it up in conversation, but do not attack them. Just bring it up in a non-accusing manner. Give them enough space to not make them feel threatened. Just be genuine and understanding. They will probably make up excuses like, they are the good kidsa dn the others are always acting up or something like this. They will try to deny the favoritism. Sometimes, while they are denying the act because they're embarrassed, this will still bring their attention to it and will often help get them to fix the behavior. If it doesn't help, whenever it does happen, I would bring it up after that class innocently.

This is another great approach in this type of situation.

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Solution #5
I would first start asking questions to the teacher and question her behavior. Ask her for an explanation as to why she may have written a referral to certain students, and make it a learning experience instead of questions her. Also, reach out to your supervisor and ask them for advice and make sure to write a review on your CT once your internship ends.
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