Case
Co-Teacher Rapport with Students

I am used to working with co-teachers and sharing the responsibilities of the classroom. Usually my co-taught classes run smoothly and I have no problems with students respecting the co-teacher. This year, however, I have a co-teacher who has apparently already established a bad rapport with many of the students from prior years or semesters. I treat her with respect, acknowledge her commentary in class, and encourage students to go to her with questions when I am occupied elsewhere. It still seems like a battle everyday to get some of these students to come around and show her the same respect they show me. I don't know how to successfully address this situation.

Posted on: 03/11/15 | Views: 887
Solution #1
I would have the students express their opinions on why they do not respect the teacher and ask them what the co teacher could do to gain their trust again. I would definitely have a talk with my co-teacher and let her know the situation. Maybe she needs to change her ways too.
7 0
Solution #2
I used to be a co-teacher, so I know the struggles that can come with co-teaching. My co-teacher and I would each take turns lead teaching in whole group or teaching together. This allowed the students to see that we were both equal. Therefore, when we got to small group, the students respected both of us and saw both of us as their teachers.
5 0
Solution #3
Giving the co-teacher opportunities to build better rapport with students may be necessary. Would it be possible to facilitate class discussions that you and the co-teacher can participate in so they can see a more human side of the co-teacher? Finding out why the students don't like this co-teacher is also key.
2 0
Solution #4
Perhaps you could ask the students their opinions and solutions in written form. This would give the students an opportunity to voice their concerns and be an active part of the solution rather than the problem. This would also give you insight into their prospective.

It's important to get students opinions, this is a great solution.

1 0
Solution #5
As the general education teacher it is very important that you and the co-teacher take turns with instructional responsibility. This gives the students an opportunity to gain a better rapport with the co-teacher.
0 0
Solution #6
Since the teacher has already established bad relationships with students, there is no "beating around the bush." The classroom should be addressed directly in regards to respect and what that means, although I would not further undermine her authority by directly saying "the class respects me, but not [co-teacher]." This conversation should be paired with a team building activity and the lead teacher needs to create a classroom management plan that specifically addresses the issue. The teacher should not let any forms of disrespect be ignored and they should be handled as a team, not solely by the lead teacher.
0 1