Case
As a teachers aid how do I remain in my place and also try to help with the management of our class

The teacher I am working with a brand-new teacher, her first year in the classroom. During covid she worked online. However, she is really unfamiliar with classroom management, and it is very clear that she wants to be the cool teacher. I totally understand that this is her first class, and she wants them to love her. Now that I am here though it has become pretty clear that because she wanted to be the cool teacher so badly, she did not set any boundaries or expectations in the beginning of the school year. Now I feel horrible because I am always having to be the bad cop and she does not really support me in those decisions. I am trying to bring some disciple and order to the classroom, but I also enjoy having fun and doing fun activities.

Posted on: 04/03/23 | Views: 122
Solution #1
First things first, you have to talk this out! I would set a time with your lead teacher either before or after school, and share your concerns. Try to be cautious of your word choice, as you don't want her to feel attacked, but you should be honest. If you're in school, you could talk about some strategies you learned in your classroom, or from a prior classroom experience. Another way you could talk to her is from the standpoint that you're "feeling overwhelmed" or want to work together to make the classroom as successful as possible. Communication is key here, and you have responsibilities too, even if they differ from the lead teacher.

I agree! You will need to talk this out with the teacher. If the shoe was on the other foot, wouldn’t you want the teacher to communicate effectively with you? Remember, you will be in her shoes one day and you will begin to see what she is experiencing. It’s all in the presentation. I know, you mentioned that she was the cool teacher with the students but how is your relationship with her? Is she approachable? If not, then I would seek help from a trusted colleague that is close to her and ask how to approach her. I’m not saying go tell everyone what is happening. However, you want to do things the right way and if he or she can give you pointers on how to approach her, then seek guidance. I don’t think you are the bad guy at all. You care and I’m sure she does as well. Everyone has a different approach to teaching. She just needs to see the benefit in setting boundaries. Good luck!

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Solution #2
Open a dialogue with the new teacher, emphasizing your desire to help both her and the students. Suggest working together to create expectations and standards for the classroom that you can both enforce. You will not end up being the "bad cop" this way, and she can continue to take a reasonable approach. Then Model effective classroom management techniques in your interactions with students. Demonstrate how discipline can be implemented respectfully and consistently. Share classroom management tools and techniques you think the teacher would find useful.
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Solution #3
I would definitely start by having a conversation with this teacher. Talk about the long term effects of not having disciple and order in the classroom, like students losing respect for authority figures, which can lead to unsafe situations and an inability to learn. Start to brainstorm ways where compromises can be made and try to still make it fun, like rebranding a classroom contract or coming up with some behavior incentives. It's all about showing your co-teacher that students will still enjoy the learning environment, even with rules and structure.

I think this is a great solution! Having the talk with the teacher is great because you can explain that you can still have a laid back approach while also being the authority in the classroom.

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Solution #4
I would talk to the teacher. If you cannot work together to solve a problem, then the students will see this. It is like when you have parents and one of them gives in but the other does not. The children will go to the parent who gives in and ignore the parent who does not because they know that they will still get what they want. Depending on what grade you are teaching, this could affect other teachers when the students are in their classroom.
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Solution #5
I think that you should not worry too much about it. at the end of the day, you are just a teacher's aid. you should take this time to learn what to do and what not to do when you have your own classroom.
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Solution #6
I would take the teacher aside and express my concerns. She may be unaware of what she has to do the maintain order in her classroom and thankful for the pep talk from you.
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Solution #7
As mentioned in the other posts, I am in agreement that it is essential that you have a meeting regarding your concerns sooner rather than later. You could express that you have had experience with managing classroom behaviors, and you would like to be involved. It may be beneficial to have a plan with some suggestions for your meeting. For example, there are ways to manage a classroom while still ensuring that the learning is fun and engaging. You could suggest that students be involved in the development of a set of class rules. By involving them in this activity, the students will feel respected and also have greater accountability for their own behaviors in the classroom. Secondly, the teacher could create a reward system. It is important that this behavior management style focuses on intrinsic values as opposed to extrinsic. It is important that the students develop a motivation to self-regulate and practice respectful and positive classroom behaviors. Ultimately, you want the teacher to know that you are there to support her in managing the classroom.
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