One more observation from today. And I'm really curious about opinions on this. And I feel I can talk about this fairly because I have been both a regular classroom teacher as well as a specialist. When we picked the class up from their special(in a portable/trailer classroom) the specialists went+
I remember hearing how different my 6th graders were for me vs another T & it was always negative. Like "why are they so bad for me?" But it was a hypothetical. The other T didn't really want to evaluate how he might need to change, just complain. I think that's just the mentality for some ppl.
The one time, as a specialist, where I brought up class behaviors (and I wasn't the only specialists seeing it) the teacher got extremely defensive with us. I felt we were trying to be respectful, wasn't asking them to fix all the problems, more like a "we're struggling with your class and don't+
I get that it's hard as a T to not take it kinda personal as a "failure" that you aren't solving everything all the time. I wish there was more consistent emphasis on "you aren't going to get it right 100%, you have to grow your skills & collaborate w/ others". We ask kids to do it that way 🤷🏻♀️
+know what to do, maybe you have some ideas." Instead of ideas, they just defended the class and themselves.🤷🏼♀️
I agree 100%, but it is just so frustrating to hear that over and over again. One year I had a doozy of a class, those first couple of months I absolutely dreaded picking my kids up from specials every day.
Reading all of the replies and I keep thinking: "Who has the time?" Honestly, I rarely have a moment to do more than wave at classroom teachers when I'm returning a group after class. 🤷🏾
Exactly!
+on and on about all the misbehaving that went on, which kids, which behaviors, etc. I remember during the years where I had extremely challenging classes it was so defeating every time I picked my class up from specials because all I heard was how awful they were and I really felt like the teacher+
+was blaming me, expecting me to fix all the problems. It really got old after a couple of weeks. I understand teachers trying to be on the same page, well informed, but I also believe that I'm not in the specialists classroom, so I have no control of what happens in there. When I was a specialist+
I had a similar experience years ago, with a class with some very challenging behaviors.Transitions can be difficult for K students anyway, so I get that it was hard. But I agree that it's not the teacher's job to fix problems that happen when they're not there. Advise, maybe, and reinforce...
That school rules apply in specials, too. But ultimately the specialist should be taking ownership of classroom management during that time.
+I tried really hard not to do that, and tried to handle those things on my own during our class time spent together. I would share the really important things(like if a student was hurt) but that was about it. Anyone have any opinions on all that?
My opinion is influenced by middle school perspective . . . Aren’t specialists teachers too?? Classroom management in your space, in your subject, is your responsibility! I know they see students way less often, and also they need to be good at making connections with their rosters as community too
I do not complain to the homeroom teacher about misbehaving students in my classes. I handle anything that comes up and I only relay information that may affect how the rest of the day goes, or if they ask. It shouldn’t be on the homeroom teacher only to fix behavior issues.
If something is especially challenging, homeroom teachers and specialists should work together.
I was hoping you would see my post because I learned a lot from you before I became a specialist, and I know that it helped me.
Aw, you just made my day!
🥰🥰🥰
I’ve been in the gen classroom and a music teacher. Still a teacher. Classroom management was my responsibility in my music room. When teachers asked for a report, I would give it to them… but then learned some teachers would hold their kids back from my class bc of behavior. Stopped doing that!
In my most recent experience, I did talk with the classroom teachers, but that’s bc we were a team at Anastasis, and we worked together to solve any behavioral issues. Less of “your kids were awful today,” and more of “how can we better meet students’ needs.”
I have thoughts, but I’m too tired to be clear. But I hate it when specials teachers report how bad my class is. Especially in front of the kids.
Same, same, same. Give me a second...
This is from like 12 years ago. I still chuckle and roll my eyes when this Facebook memory pops up. You'd think we would have gotten away from these sorts of things by now.
I’ve had those classes. It’s hard enough to feel defeated daily when a class is difficult, without others piling on. Often the kids are so fun individually, but the group dynamics are hard.
Yes, I use to call that the "X Factor" when you just don't know how a certain mix of kids and their dynamics are going to work out.
A hundred percent agree!
I means, if something major happens, I want to know. But if they are chatty or not following directions all the time, that’s on you. Specials teachers have access to parent contact info, they can make a call.
Should also note- sometimes a class was working on a desired behavior, like how to take turns or how to encourage a classmate. Classroom teachers would ask if we saw evidence of this- this is an example of something I’d share aloud to recognize their positive progress.
Oooo, yes! Very good example!
As a classroom teacher I struggle with this. I can’t really do anything to make sure my kiddos are doing well in specials but I also have them more than any other teacher so I feel some responsibility. I do try to suggest things that I have found work with any group of students.
Just want to say… it makes my heart happy that the school is benefitting from your experience as well as your kindness. 🤗
Thanks.🥹 It's taken me far too long to start doing this. Just needed to jump in. Just trying to give back just a little bit for all the volunteer help I was given over the years. I have really miss interacting with kids, this is just what I needed. Hoping I work off the rust and show them my best.😎