Sandra's Case

What would you have done if you were in Sandra's shoes?

If I was in Sandra's situation, I think I would have done something similar but different. 

I don't think I run a super 'tight ship'. I try to make my class like a workplace. If I am talking or we are having a 'class meeting', I want their full attention but if they are working they can occasionally check their phone, get some water (I do have a water machine in my classroom) and talk to their peers quietly.

And I must say, I have little experience with fourth grade aside from subbing (and I didn't like it very much as a sub).

I think I might have let the lesson go a little longer. If they kids ended up having recess instead of science for a day, so be it. I also wondered as a read the case about the word 'terminated'. Did the supervising teacher really say, 'you should terminate your lesson'? I think that word has a very negative connotation. I know, even if I did want to terminate the lesson, I would be more tactful with the new teacher by saying something like, "I think the kids are getting a little wild and this lesson may take more time that we thought. Let's wrap it up for today and finish it tomorrow." It could be a way to work out a compromise. The student teacher would not feel as rejected and might say, "I see what you mean. Can I finish up this section before we finish for today?" and I think I would open up a conversation. I could then say, "I'm sorry with lunch coming up, we can't risk them being late." or "Sure, lets give it a try." If that section doesn't end up getting finished, is that really a problem? I don't think so, it could be made up. And the student teacher would learn about how & what makes lessons go off course. 

In the end though, the supervising teacher is in charge. Michelle learned that. She may understand Sandra when she is someone else's supervising teacher someday.

Who do you think was at fault?

No one was at fault. Again, I do think the supervising teacher could have been slightly more sensitive. Although, when someone is new they do not have a full view of what is going on. Michelle was required to work under the supervision of Sandra and Sandra made a judgement call based on experience.

I was reprimanded once for something I said to a client when I was a new loan officer. I was offended at the time and was told that they knew my intentions were good but I was in the wrong. I realized later that I was wrong. I have seen others who were new to a job think they know more than they do- it happens to the best of us. It can be hard for us to swallow our pride or not get offended.

What do you think teachers can learn from Sandra's case?

I know I do not like confrontation and I have offended a newer employee unintentionally while trying to show them the ropes and I have been offended as the new employee.

I think new teachers can learn they may not agree with their supervising teachers but they are in charge. Hopefully a new teacher will learn from this case that lessons do go wrong for all new teachers and for more experienced teachers teaching new lessons.

That being said, I hope teachers don't feel defeated by it. The students will survive on occasional less than ideal lesson!