Case
Specials

As an intern I like to go with my class to their specials so I can see how other teachers work with them. The problem is that their art teacher has zero classroom management skills and the students go crazy in there. I have only stepped in one time when two students started physically fighting, but she got upset at me for interjecting. I talked to my CT about it and she sat in a few times after that, but she really needs that time for planning so she can't always be there. I haven't been back to art since then, but the student's tell me about everything that happens in art (they are little so they always share everything) and the teacher is still struggling. Should I talk to the art teacher and ask her if she would like me to come and help? I know she got upset at me when I interjected before, but she was really frustrated with the students at the time and I don't think she would have normally reacted that way.

Posted on: 10/13/19 | Views: 339
Solution #1
I would start by communicating with the Art teacher about how she would like you to help. It may be helpful for the art teacher to know a little back ground about your teaching experience so that they know you are more about you and your experiences. I would also ask the teacher what their classroom management plan is so that you do not conflict with it but support their plan.

I agree with this solution. Taking to the art teacher and offering up your assistance might be beneficial to her.

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Solution #2
I would first ask your CT about their thoughts on you attending that specials period. Your CT likely will have a better understanding of the art teacher's teaching style. If your CT encourages you to attend, I would have a conversation with the art teacher, and ask her if/how you could help her. Explain that you do not want to step on any toes, but would like to help if possible.

This would be my course of action if I was in this position. I don't know why art class gets students riled up like that sometimes. Offering to help is probably always needed.

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Solution #3
I would talk to the art teacher and try and explain to her that you want to help. You are in your internship so you are trying to learn all of the different things about the students and about school as you can. I would tell the art teacher that you are only there to help and learn and you are not there to step on any toes.
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Solution #4
It seems like the teacher doesn't want to recognize or deal with the classroom management issues in their class. If they don't want you to interject than I wouldn't step on their toes and assert yourself when they don't want it. But I think making a mental note of who is causing trouble in this class and discussing the behavior with them individually or with your CT at a later time. Or, you and your CT could have a conversation with the whole class about expectations in Specials. You can do your part outside of the art class to correct the behavior but if the art teacher doesn't want help in their class, then I wouldn't interject at that time.
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Solution #5
If I were in this situation, I would first talk to the CT about how you wish to approach the situation. If they say that it is okay, I would then approach the art teacher humbly and talk to her or him about how you would like to help if they are comfortable with it. You can also make it more of a "you" thing by saying that you'd like more experience in how to deal with conflicts among students rather than making it about her abilities.
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Solution #6
I suggest talking with the art teacher and offering your assistance. If there are no changes, I would mention the situation to the principal. Maybe they could offer the teacher a training or additional resources such as a classroom aide.
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Solution #7
I would take the teacher aside and ask her if she would like the additional support with the class. If I would probably sit in on the class and if nothing changes perhaps go above her. Since there were children physically fighting, she wasn't doing anything to stop it, and she got annoyed at you for intervening I would be concerned for the students safety in her class.
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Solution #8
I would sit down with the Art teacher and speak on the issues that you have observed and even give advice.
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