anxiety over departmentalization

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Home : 2002 : April : 8

anxiety over departmentalization
By Carolyn

I have been on both sides of this situation, so I can understand your dilemma. Here is how I see the plusses of departmentalization and also the minuses:

1. You teach the same thing more than once. This is easier for
planning, but it is more boring teaching the same thing. I found that I lost my "zing" after the second repetition. I really did get bored. The class would walk in and I would say to myself at times, "Oh, I have to do that all over again!" On the other hand, if you botch up the lesson the first time, for some reason, you have a chance to make it "right" the second time. That certainly

is a plus. I often thought how nice it was that my principal came in to observe me when I was on my third time of teaching the same thing! I felt like a master!

2. You have the same kids all day long when you are not departmentalized. That means that you can ensure consistency with discipline, since you don't have to train the kids your way after they have left Ms. So-and-So's class. Each teacher on a team has a different style for classroom management, so this can make consistency a bit tricky. However, on the down side, you have those same kids all day long when you are not departmentalized, and that can also get tiresome. Certain kids who you have difficulties with can get on your nerves when you have them all day long. You sometimes wish they'd just leave for another teacher. Also, I think that kids, especially older kids, get tired of being with the same teacher all day when they are in a non-departmentalized classroom. I can't say that I blame them.

3. As a team, it is wonderful to work together, if your team is a true team. Teamwork can make for a great group of kids and teachers. You share the same kids, so you understand the problems each one of you has with particular kids. You can plan together, even integrate lessons together.

4. As a member of a team of teachers who has up to five different classes a day, you have a rather large number of parents to keep up with. When you only have your own 25, then it's easy to get to know the parents. However, getting to know 125 parents is more challenging.

5. The children probably relish moving from classroom to classroom to relieve the monotony of sitting in the same seat all day long. It gives them sort of a break. However, consider that you also have to get kids settled down every time you get the next bunch of kids in. Think about your mornings when the kids come in and you are trying to get them settled down, or just after recess, or just after lunch. Those transition times. That's what you will face 5 times a day. You will have to use a warm-up on your board or overhead to get them settled quickly.

6. When the kids move from place to place, they are more likely to leave things behind that they need--such as homework, pencils, etc. They will have to be trained to remember these things.

Good luck with your departmentalization. I know that with some time you will adjust to its ups and downs. You might find that you even like it.