Case
Being Viewed as the Teacher

I am interning in a middle school class, grades 6-7. My CT has procedures in place for a classroom management plan and for the most part it seems to be effective. The issue I am experiencing, even when I implement her procedures and expectations, is that the students don’t view me as the “teacher figure.” This is especially true in times where I am left alone with the students. I find that my CT and I have different demeanors - and I think that might play a role in how the students view us. I’m more soft spoken and don’t have a loud protected voice. How do I get the students to view me as another one of their teachers while still maintaining my softer, kinder demeanor? I don’t want to come across too harsh or unnatural sounding if I need to be more stern with the kids.

Posted on: 02/21/19 | Views: 736
Solution #1
Top Solution
This is a dilemma that I have also encountered with being young and working in the upper grade levels. I would recommend that you go into your internship every day like you are supposed to be there. When talking, teaching, or redirecting the students, do it with confidence. I have found that when your students see that you are confident and comfortable in the situation (classroom), they will tend to test you less and respect you as another teacher in the room. They can't trust you as a teacher in their classroom if you do not project yourself as one.

I find in literally everything that I do, if I do it with confidence people don't question a thing and start to follow me when I ask something of them.

I agree with this solution and being confident could help.

I think this is the best solution to the situation at hand. It can be difficult to make that barrier, but as long as you have confidence it could defiantly help the situation.

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Solution #2
Top Solution
A lot of my friends in this program experience this problem. To avoid these situations, never take a "back seat" while interning. If your cooperating teacher wishes to teach, ask him or her if you can try a co-teacher model. This will allow your students to begin seeing you in that position. Also, for future reference, utilize your first few weeks to establish solid relationships with your students. Once your students feel a connection with you, they will perform for you.

I agree with this solution

22 1
Solution #3
This is an issue that takes time to adjust to, but like you said it is all about demeanor. You want to have an inviting presence in your classroom, of course, to allow the students to feel safe in this environment. However, it is extremely important to set the boundary that you are their teacher not their friend. As harsh as that sounds it is crucial to have a strong demeanor whilst allowing them to feel safe and happy in the classroom.
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Solution #4
I have felt the same way because I am young I also look younger than I am and I am interning in high school! I still struggle with this but I realized that I have to step in more on the disciplining or getting a hold of the class when they are getting off task. I always try to talk to them and create a relationship with the students but when they are doing something wrong or distracting they know that they are supposed to listen to me and take direction from me.
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Solution #5
This can be difficult, especially since you are not with these students everyday and your CT has been with her students everyday for the entirety of the school year thus far. I think one of the best strategies to utilize as an intern is ensuring to implement the classroom management plan, classroom rules/consequences, and the procedures that the teacher has been implementing since day one of her students being in her classroom. By doing this, it could let the students know that you too should be treated with the same amount of respect that they give their teacher.
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Solution #6
I, too, have this dilemma. I am more soft spoken and thus, find that I have a more difficult time trying to command the room. However, I make sure that my CT calls me by "Mrs. Last Name" and I try to walk around the room as my CT is teaching and helping the students. Additionally, the CT has explained that in her absence I am the teacher. I think having the support of the CT is crucial.

I agree with this too! I think it is best to have the support of the CT.

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Solution #7
I tutor at a middle school and I find those kids especially difficult to deal with. I try to remain calm and not take their disruptive behavior to heart. I continue with confidence. I have a soft voice and demeanor as well so students do not feel like they need to listen to me. I just try and treat them like how you would anyone else, some level of respect and expect that respect back. Do not be condescending to your students. From what I can tell I am sure you do not look down on your students. It takes a lot of practice and everyone is constantly learning.
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Solution #8
I have been in the position of being an intern and you have to just act like you are a teacher not an intern. When you are there don't let you CT do all the disciplining because then they think they can misbehave in front of you and you won't do anything. Be stern but only when needed.
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Solution #9
I think reviewing your expectations for them and enforcing your teacher's classroom management system (consequences for broken rules) and even having the teacher reinforce your role in the class as another teacher will help alleviate this issue!
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Solution #10
With this generation of students you have to be assertive. It is important to stand your ground and let them know that you are in charge. You do not have to change your demeanor to do this but you might have to be more assertive. Middle schoolers, and high schoolers are going to test to see what they can get away with. You have to be prepared for this. You might have to get outside of your comfort zone to get their attention and to let them know your are in charge. This does not make you a mean teacher at all. Its you letting them know what the boundaries are and you will not be disrespected.

Setting boundaries is good and I will implement that in my classroom.

I agree with this solution

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Solution #11
I would sit down with the CT before meeting the students so the two of you can discuss how you will be introduced. I would ask the CT to make it very clear to the students that you are in charge when you are teaching. If the students see that the CT has your support, it will curb a lot of disruptive behaviors. If you have already started teaching the class, then I would ask the CT to have the same conversation with the students.
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Solution #12
I think it's important to set the stage in the beginning, even though you are an intern, you are still equal to the teacher. You don't have to change who you are or how you talk, but don't make yourself seem smaller or less important. Throughout the year, as you see they are not respecting you or seeing you as an equal I would first confide in the CT and get him/her to discuss your position in the class and affirm that you too need to be given the same respect.
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Solution #13
Confidently tell them, in front of the teacher that you have the same authority that he or she does. Obviously talk to the main teacher and tell them the issue first but let them know you are also in charge if that is the case. Sometimes being direct and confident will help them establish your role in the classroom.
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Solution #14
I would say match your CT but in your own way whether that be an id badge or name card plate or even a desk in the physical classroom. You also need to gain the students' respect to be viewed as a teacher figure. I think you can also play student for the day and see what happens and if the student's behavior changes.
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Solution #15
Be confident and act as a professional. You are the authoritative figure and need to project that image. You don't necessarily need to be harsh but a healthy does of what you are capable of needs to be conveyed. Express your style of speaking and teaching in your own way. You can try the understanding image and switch to the stern persona when needed.
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Solution #16
Some times the best thing to do is to fake it till you make it. If you are not confident, fake it. If you do not feel as if you are sure of yourself with the kids alone, fake your confidence in front of them and act the part of the teacher even if you do not feel it.
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Solution #17
I completely understand because that's a big fear I have myself. Sometimes we have to bite the bullet and give a stern side to establish our demeanor. I'm also big on mutual respect but it can be difficult to build. Stick to what you know is right.
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Solution #18
I think a lot of this has to do with how we carry ourselves in the classroom. You can be soft and caring, while still creating an air of authority. Embrace your caring demeanor, but have hard limits. It comes with practice!

I agree with this solution

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Solution #19
If I were you, I would let your CT know how you feel and see if she can have a chat with the students and how you should feel just as respected as they are to her.
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Solution #20
This can definitely be a struggle! I know how it feels something that I can reccomend would just ot implement what she has put in place and follow those procedures!

I disagree with this solution

I do not agree with this approach.

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Solution #21
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