This is a tricky situation, especially if you're not directly part of this team. It also depends on whether or not the teacher and the assistant are AWARE that they don't get along. (I know how that sounds, but it's not as far fetched as it seems). If they are aware of their inability to work together it might be a good idea for the two of them to sit down with the counselor of the school and see if they can work out why they are not getting along, or at the very least come to some sort of agreement or understanding. If the class is truly suffering, and you can see that is it indeed caused by the teacher and the assistant (rather than the third graders finding some reason to stall on their work) if might be best if they can try switching assistants for a few days to see if that improves the work ethic of the class. If it does, it might be worth the time to try and see if a switch of assistance is possible. When it comes right down to it, the assistant and the teacher need to get over their person feelings for each other and do what is best in the interest of the class. As harsh as it sounds, the kids come first- no exceptions.

I think the best first step would be to have a private meeting with the three of them (and perhaps a mediator) so that they can air out all their feelings and grievances. Not everyone is going to always get along, but if some common ground is found, it will make life much better for the classroom, as it is not only impacting the teacher / assistant relationship, but the effectiveness of the lessons for the students as well.

I feel that the best solution in this situation is to act professionally. As teachers we are role models for our students and we should work out problems like adults. Speaking to one another is what should occur first in order to understand why there is a problem in the first place. Then the teacher, intern, and the assistant should discuss what they should do in order to work through their issues in order to maintain functionality in the classroom. The most important thing is the students and their work ethic and working together should be a main priority.

This is a situation that I have experience myself as the intern. I think that the teacher and the intern should show respect and not talk about that person in front of her. If it is interfering the class as a whole, then they should be called to the principal office and the situation be addressed.

A conference with a neutral third party would be a good start to resolving the issue. Not liking other people is normal but must be dealt with in a professional manner and as adults they must learn to work through it. Some type of solution must be found because to continue on in such a way as to rob students of their precious learning time is unprofessional and unethical. The person mediating the conference must be neutral for some real progress to be made.

Unfortunately, this is a problem that requires administration help. A conference must be set up with them and an administrator to see what the problem is. If things cannot be fixed, hopefully they can be separated into different classrooms.

It is important to remember who you are there for. I think it is crucial to put aside differences for the good of the students.

I would suggest that each person meet individually with each other along with a mediator then all three meet together to come up with a solution so that they can be professional, get along, and put the students first. After all, they are all there trying to do the same thing and that is to create a positive, safe learning environment for the students. I feel like once they all come to that conclusion then any other problems they have shouldn't be a problem. They need to come up with a way to communicate any frustrations in a professional manner as well in case any further problems arise.

Separate them.