Team problems

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Home : 2003 : October : 3

Team problems
By Sue W.

This is a tricky situation. I'm wondering why your "experienced" partner was moved to a different grade level in the first place. I would think that if anyone were asked to change grade levels it would be the teacher with
the least seniority. Could this be a "management" decision by administration trying to jog her out of a rut a bit by teaming her up with younger teachers, or though I hate to think it, to upset enough to make her quit? Do you know anyone at her old grade level who could discretely let you know how things were with her there?
There are compulsive complainers who always feel abused.

I doubt that her preparation load is any tougher than that of preparing for 90 minutes of either language arts or math. I would bet most teachers feel overwhelmed at one time or another, but to me, the chance to collaborate as a team would be a true asset.
With all the emphasis on testing of Language arts and math here, other areas have been pretty much devalued. Could it be that she feels offended that you "youngsters" have been assigned the "important" content areas? Could it be that she came in thinking you would both need her expertise, and she was hurt to see that you didn't? You helping her may not be what she expected in the least.
I believe it may be time to stop feeling sorry for her and just let her know that she is a part of the team and that she needs to work as one. Easier said than done, I am sure.
I agree with you that going to administration feels like a last resort type of thing, but if you feel that the education of the students served by your team is suffering, it may be necessary.