In my previous article, I discussed how I think that it is important for teachers in various grade levels to meet and talk with one another. When harmony and appreciation exists among all of the grade level teachers, a new unity is created in the school.
I think that this is important not only for your instruction but also for your attitude. In many cases we get wrapped up in the “mes”. Every teacher feels that they do more or work harder than another.
I am one that can truly testify that no teacher has it easy. Every grade level is work. The type of work is different but the effort is still there. I have taught on both ends of the spectrum- middle school and kindergarten.
The level of difficulty of your job depends on your enjoyment of the grade level. I find it more difficult to teach middle school because I enjoy it less. It was not harder; my personality just simply did not match it.
As our faculty meets as a whole and we discuss topics and skills I hear amazed comments when kindergarten teachers comment on the skills that they teach. I hear many questions being asked due to the lack of understanding of other grade levels. These questions are understandable but not necessary. Upper grade levels and lower grade levels should not be strangers.
There are several ideas that I have in how to help teachers open their eyes into another’s world. The first would work but would not go over well with the teachers. Near the end of the year, the school could have a teacher swap day (or half day). The teachers could swap up and walk in the other’s shoes for a couple of hours. This would really open up some eyes!
Another idea is sharing lessons. At each teacher meeting, one grade level could present a brief lesson as it would be taught in their class. The other teachers, acting as the students, could see material taught and how it is presented.
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