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1/31/01
Question 61
Dear Preschool Teacher,
I recently started at a private school run daycare. The center has no
director, and is overseen by a board of directors. My problem is with my
other co-worker. When I started, she had been the sole person with knowledge of daycare procedures. Because no one on the board has daycare
knowledge, she is allowed to be the authority on how things are run.
This has been a huge problem to me. When I first started there was no
schedule, no lesson plans, no center....The children basically had free play for most
of the day. They had been having discipline problems, and the board asked
me for suggestions. I implemented schedules, themes, regular art
projects. This lasted for 1 week, and my co-worker is back to doing nothing. She rearranges furniture and changes wall displays for most of the
day! I am so frustrated. I cannot work full-time, and she is the main
full-time person. The board doesn't understand how things could be run, and
in the meantime I am having a hard time working with this co-worker.
I suggested team-teaching, which she agreed to, but when I teach circle time
she criticizes as I talk, and criticizes my art projects. She is constantly
telling me why her ideas are better. I am at my wits end.
Any suggestions? I dislike going to the board, and hoped I could work this out.
They have had ads in the paper frequently, but couldn't find any other
qualified full-time people. Thank you for your help!
Co- Worker Woes
Dear
Co- Worker Woes,
Wow, it sounds like you have your hands full. I think you have done well in
trying to communicate and implement some structure to the program.
Each morning, perhaps you can have a 5 minute planning meeting with your co-worker to
tell her your plans for the day and ask hers. You can begin by asking how you
can support her in the classroom and then hopefully she will do the same for
you. Sometimes it is necessary to be blunt and tell her 'this is not the right
time for this discussion' and carry on with the children. After they are gone,
you can then ask her to repeat her comments and have a discussion about your
goals for the children and why you do the things that you do with them. I
expect the board is made up of some parents and hopefully they have observed the
positive changes you have made. While I respect your preference to work things
out with the teacher alone, you can still request a meeting with the board. You
might approach it by saying you would like some feedback on your work and you
can show them your schedules and program plans and ask how they feel about your
approach. Then you can lead them into a discussion of how the program was when
you came and the problems you are experiencing. Maybe the board will then agree
to meet with both of you to clarify their expectations of the teachers and the
program.
Good luck!
Shelley
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Co- Worker Woes,
I understand what you are going through!
Unfortunately, I had a very similar experience with a co-worker.
She had a tendency to take credit for everything I had been doing in
the classroom.
My advice to you is to try discussing the
situation directly with her. Tell her you are feeling
frustrated, and explain why. If you do not see an improvement,
it might be best to look for a new job.
I have been through it and can
sympathize with what you are going through. But if the situation
does not improve, do not sit idly by and let things go. It is
not healthy! Good luck to you!
Jill
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Co- Worker Woes,
You are in a tough spot. She is feeling threatened by your knowledge.
You really have no choice but to talk to the board. Find some information
on developmentally appropriate practices and share it with them. You did
not say if either of you are trained but you sound like you know what you
are doing. She just wants an easy job. You may not be able to change
anything depending on how much influence she has with them.
How do the parents feel about this program? Most want some kind of structure for their
children. If you back up your ideas with research perhaps they will all
want a better center. Otherwise, you may need to find another job!
Good Luck.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Co- Worker Woes,
This indeed sounds like a tricky situation.
I would suggest approaching the board -- but not to complain about the
other employee! I would suggest coming in with a suggested
schedule and maybe sample monthly lesson plan to present. This
may draw questions as to what is being planned now, and you should
answer the questions honestly without pointing fingers or complaining.
Most likely the board will like what they
hear from you and should support you in implementing your ideas.
If the board does not support you, perhaps it would be best to seek
employment elsewhere. Good luck! Keep your focus
on the children and a quality program.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Co- Worker Woes,
I don't understand why you don't have a director. The preschool where I am director/teacher is a private, non-profit organization. We are licensed but we are strictly a 1/2 day preschool program and not a daycare. I am the only teacher, and I have an assistant. Even though my assistant is great and I consider her more of a partner than an assistant, I still think there needs to be one person in charge. Do you have the education or credentials that would qualify you as the director?
I think you should go to your board with your concerns--that is what they are there for. My preschool is also governed by a board of directors but they don't tell me how to set my schedule or lesson plans.
If you agree to stay co-teachers, perhaps you could split up the day. You could take art and music. She could be in charge of story time and large motor skill. That way each of you would have your own things that you're in charge of.
Good luck!
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
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