Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Or so the saying goes! But teamwork is really key for reading teachers and classroom teachers. Students will benefit so much more if there is teamwork and it just makes our jobs more enjoyable!
But how do we make this teamwork happen? We have 5 tips to make it easier and flow just a little bit better. And just like in all things, remember sometimes we work with some personalities better than we do with others.
Team Planning
When at all possible, having the classroom teacher and the reading teacher being informed as to what each are teaching just makes it better for the students. Share plans or key skills being taught. You can do this in Google Drive or even with just a quick email to each other. Keep it short & simple. No one has time for long meetings or long emails. 😀
Be On Time
I cannot stress this enough. Being on time is essential. It helps the classroom teacher manage time in the classroom. It really messes up a classroom teacher’s flow in the day to have specials teachers pick kids up 20 minutes late and then return them late because they picked them up late.
Sometimes teachers send students to the reading teacher’s room instead having them picked up. If this is your situation, place a basket with a variety of books in the hall. Teach students if they arrive and you still have a class or you are not in your room to choose a book, sit down quietly in the hall and read. Spend time on teaching this and it will be so helpful!
Do Not Talk About Other Teachers
If you want teachers to trust you and to feel safe in seeking your opinion and teaching help, do not talk negatively to others about teaching styles you are observing. If there is a problem, go to that specific teacher. Support teachers where they are in their teaching journey and try to move forward together. Enough said.
Teach Transition Expectations
Classroom teachers will be so grateful if you teach students how to exit and enter the classroom quietly and quickly. It is a huge disruption to classrooms when students jump up and run to the door, loudly announcing that you are there. And the same when arriving back to class. Again, the classroom teacher will be so appreciative if you can teach these expectations.
Build Relationships
Just like everything in life, building relationships makes things easier. You will build a relationship with some teachers easier and more quick than with others. For some teachers, they may not be interested. But the better we work together, the better it will be for the students and the more likely they will experience gains. If another teacher is totally resistant, just continue to do your best, be professional, and do all you can for the students.
What tips would you add that are helpful in building teamwork between reading and classroom teachers? We would love to hear them!
Leave a Reply