Managing the Two Adult Classroom

1. Managing the Two Adult Classroom

2. The Two Adult Classroom • The two adult classroom could be: • A teacher and a paraprofessional • Two teachers • A teacher and a volunteer

3. Anytime there are two adults working with children in a classroom someone must take responsibility for managing the classroom and making decisions. • This requires discussion, planning, and some degree of consensus.

4. Must Have Conversations

5. Must Have Conversations Discussing Philosophy and Beliefs • About teaching in general • About how students learn • About effective instructional strategies • Can we find common ground? Is it Necessary?

6. Must have Conversations Instructional Routines • Warm up activities • Vocabulary development • Lecture/discussions • Hands-on/lab activities • Writing activities • Textbook reading • Review lessons • Testing

7. Must Have Conversations Organizational Routines • Entering room • Roll call • Being prepared • Pencil sharpening • Leaving during class • Homework • Makeup work • Trash, nose blowing, other bodily functions

8. Must Have Conversations Grading • Follow the IEP • Adapt scale • Adapt tests/ Retake tests • Consider effort Parental Involvement • Both teachers contact parents • Have clear understanding of requirements and grading

9. Must Have Conversations Professional Behavior • On time • Eating/drinking in class • Cell phone • Personal business • Out of class • Lack of preparation • Inappropriate behavior with students

10. Must Have Conversations Respecting Partner Preferences • Noise level tolerance • Turf issues • Messiness issues • General housekeeping • Personality variables

11. Must Have Conversations Confidentiality • Who should have access to student records? • Take care not to talk about the students or their identified disability Pet Peeves • Share your feelings Feedback • What worked, what didn’t!!

12. What happens when adults in a classroom cannot agree?

13. Conflict is inevitable when more than one person is involved in an endeavor. It is a real part of our personal and professional lives. What does this statement imply about a two adult classroom?

14. Interpersonal Conflict • Results when a disagreement, ill-will or mistrust develops between two or more people • Leads to “coolness” or tension between involved parties • If unresolved, it will inevitable spread among the other members of the group • Other parties will be drawn into the conflict out of loyalty

15. Two Forms of Conflict Latent Overt

16. Latent Conflict • Often conflict cannot be observed but it exists nevertheless • Tension and dissatisfaction exist but there is no visible evidence • Members work then go home to forget the oppressive, repressive, unpleasant, almost intolerable circumstances that take the fun out of work • Anxiety, stress, frustration, discontent, disharmony, low morale, distrust, and suspicion are results of latent conflict

17. Overt Conflict • If not relieved or resolved, latent conflict leads inexorable to overt conflict • Frustration and anxiety are expressed audible; discontent and disharmony give way to hostility; mistrust becomes distrust; and those who have borne their unhappiness now find company in their misery • If action is not taken to relieve or remove the cause of conflict, then conflict will almost certainly play out in other ways - and pose grave risks

18. Myths about Conflict • If avoided, conflict will eventually go away. • Usually not. Conflict situations require attention and constructive action in order for them to be managed. Failing or refusing to deal with conflict can have disastrous results. • All conflict can be resolved. • No, different participants have different values and priorities ,view issues from different prospective, and view their respective obligations and responsibilities differently. There will be times when participants simply cannot agree on an issue. Then, how do you deal with disagreement? • Conflict results in a winner and a loser. Not true. • There are many possible outcomes of conflict. If participants are properly motivated by good will and mutual respect, there are real chances for a win/win result.

19. Resolving Conflict • Recognize and resolve minor conflict • Be clear about the issue in conflict • Focus on issues professionally • Consider effect on student achievement • Be open to all possible solutions • Be willing to compromise • Seek mediation according to protocol if unable to resolve conflict

20. Change • If change causes conflict how long does change take? • Realize that the process of change is gradual • Getting to know another adult cannot be rushed • Change cannot take place without focus and effort • Make sure you have realistic expectations about any change you undertake

21. Implementing Change • Focus on the aspects of your working relationship that you have control over • Work on a collaborative relationship • Focus on what you contribute to the relationship • Remember that first year teachers, paras, or volunteers are focused on survival • Record what you are doing effectively • Learn more about the adult with whom you work

22. How Well Do You Know Me? 9. Favorite Ice Cream: 10. What color is his/her bedroom carpet? 11. Favorite Fast Food: 12. How many times did he/she fail the drivers test? 13. What does he/she do most often when bored? 14. Favorite place to shop? 15. Favorite college sports team? 16. Favorite TV show: 1. Co-teacher’s full name: 2. Nickname: 3. Place of birth: 4. Favorite foods: 5. Ever been to Africa: 6. Ever been toilet papering: 7. Favorite Restaurants: 8. Favorite sports to watch:

23. If we can be of further service to you, please contact us at: Metro East GLRS 2415 North Druid Hills Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30329 (678) 676-2400