sharing a classroom

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Home : 2001 : July : 31

sharing a classroom
By Carolyn

It sounds as if you are a high school or middle school teacher, since elementary school teachers don't usually share their room.

My husband is a high school science teacher. His building was so crowded the last two years
due to the tremendous population growth in the area. He, too, had to share a classroom.
He suggests that you ask the teacher who is to occupy your classroom during your planning period if it's okay for you to remain, since it would be more convenient for you to do so. Who wants to lug everything somewhere else? And to a place where it might not be quiet? And then suddenly remember

that you have left something in the classroom where you teach?

He has never had any difficulty with the teachers who share his room allowing him to do this. A chemistry teacher taught in his room the year before last, and a psychology teacher taught in his room last year. Both were agreeable to the idea. I think they even liked it when they were out and a sub was in. The kids once tried to sweet-talk a sub and tell her that Mr. So and So always lets us do this. Well, that's when my husband spoke up and said, "No, he doesn't." After awhile, he says that the kids learn to ignore the extra teacher in the room as he works at his desk, and so does the teacher.