Re: My aide will be last year's teacher!

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On 6/03/09, new teacher wrote:
> I just got hired to teach at a private school. I'm
> currently working towards my teaching certificate and this
> is my first time teaching. At this school, you have 3 to
> earn your certificate while you teach. My aide will be last
> year's teacher!! She's been there for 10 years, teaching
> for 3. She didn't get certified for some reason or another
> and is stepping down as the aid. I've been warned by
> another aide that she has no intention of stepping down and
> will run this classroom like it's her own. What should I
> do? I just don't want her to make my first year teaching
> unbearable because the only one's that will suffer are the
> children.

Some of the reason it could be unbearable is having people
gossip about the situation..."putting a bug in your ear."

In these economic times, it may be that the admin. cares
about the former teacher and her needs and really values her
gifts. They obviously value yours, as well and believe both
of you can make it work. They know you and they know her.

Maybe certification was beyond her means.

I would have a meeting with the person with whom you will be
working and make nice and clear the air. Unless you talk
directly to her and get a sense of her attitude toward you
and your new relationship as lead in the classroom, you
cannot assume it will be difficult or hostile.

I have had numerous aides and volunteers in the classroom and
they are often the extra hands that are so helpful. I would
think ahead of what your expectations are for an aide and
have that in your mind going into a meeting, but also use
your people skills to disarm her if she is also feeling
aprehensive.

Be open to the possibilities, but also clear about not
confusing children and parents when it comes to articulating
progress and expectations and curriculum and your methods.

Ask the aide questions. She can be a valuable resource. And,
if difficulties arise, involve the admin. as a mediator, if
necessary.

It is unusual and uncomfortable, to be sure, but it is what
it is, for now.

Best wishes to you both.  

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