Twas the week before Christmas

"Twas the week before Christmas when all through the school the children were crazy. I was losing my cool! Their papers aren't finished, they don't want to work. But when I try to make them, I feel like a jerk! I'm tired, I'm cranky, these kids have it coming, but I stop and think, 'what a Scrooge I am becoming!' So I tune out their chatter and I try to enjoy the last days before Christmas with each girl and boy"

This week I have truly realized how much I rely on my fabulous partner in crime. It's the week before winter break AND it's our holiday concert week. Routines are disturbed and kids are anxiously awaiting the holidays. Anyone who is education knows what this means...mass chaos. Today was no exception. Apart from the normal craziness that surrounds this time of year we had a student who was very "off." We kept switching off and tag-teaming to give each other a break and give the student a break from each of us. Even though we tried our best, it got to the point where we needed to remove the other kids from the classroom. This is when having a joint classroom with doors comes in handy!


An incredible benefit to co-teaching is being able to switch on and off with behaviors so we don't burn out or get frustrated throughout the day. If a learner is angry with one of us and doesn't want to talk to that particular person, the other can step in and handle the behavior. I have a huge benefit seeing the difference from last year (when I had the now 4th graders in 3rd grade) to now. When there was an issue with a learner, I was alone. If that learner was angry or frustrated with me there was no choice but to continue to interact with me. Now that there are two of us, there is more freedom and choice in handling situations that arise. It is less stressful for the learner, and less stressful for us.

After the situation was resolved and the concerts were over I had some time to reflect on the day during my drive home. I came to the conclusion, once again, that I am so grateful for having a teaching partner. Even better that it's my best friend! Having another teacher in the room alleviates so much anxiety and stress. Being able to brainstorm and talk through different things with another person makes a huge difference in day to day activities. When there are difficult conversations that need to be had we can have them together. It is so fantastic to know there is someone with you that will always support you and jump in if you are having trouble finding the right way to say something.

Not all co-teaching relationships are successful. I think the dynamic and relationship has to be right for both the learners and the teachers to be happy. Last year I went to visit a school district that has multi-aged personalized learning classrooms. The principal talked to us about the importance of finding the right "marriage." Just like a real marriage, if the "marriage" between the teachers is toxic and not supportive, it will have a huge impact on the kids.  That being said, if the relationship is built on trust and support the end result is something pretty amazing. The holidays are a time for reflecting on things we are grateful for. Me? I am grateful for family, friends, and my wonderful partner in crime.