What Is Team Teaching?
Team teaching is a unique opportunity to allow two teachers to work collaboratively with a group of students. With this model, teachers will take turns providing whole group and small group instruction. Our learning space will be set up into two rooms with different purposes. We will have one room ("The Den") that will be used for most of our whole group instruction. This room will be very open and will have plenty of space for students to work during guided lessons. Our other room ("The Growl") will be set up with small group spaces and both teacher desks. This room will be used for small group activities and for impromptu small groups that may be needed during a lesson. Team Teaching is designed to meet all students at their level. With this model, two teachers are available to work with groups of students based off of the student's needs.
Will the Classes be Together All the Time?
The answer to this is not a simple direct answer. With the exception of lunch and special classes, the two classes will be blended 100% of the time. However, this does not mean that we will be a group of 50 students at all times. This does, however, mean that when we break out into smaller groups, they will likely be a mixture of students from both classes. This way, we are able to mix students into groups based off of needed skills.
Has This Been Done in Willard Before?
YES!!!! This research based practice is being implemented at Willard South, Willard Central, Willard Intermediate, and Willard Middle School.
Who Do I Need to Contact if I Have Questions or Concerns About My Student?
Your student will be taught and cared for by both Mrs. Blackburn and Miss Jones. We will have an equal understanding of each student's progress. If you have a question about your student's progress, we would love for you to e-mail both of us! Since our classes are teams, Miss Jones and Mrs. Blackburn are a great team as well! We would love the opportunity to provide both teacher's perspectives so that you are able to have a more complete answer. However, if you would feel more comfortable simply contacting your student's homeroom teacher, please feel free to do so and we can pass the word along!
How is Tiger Team Beneficial For My Student?
Tiger Team is a very positive opportunity for your student for many reasons, here are a few:
- Two teachers to answer questions
- Two teachers to build positive relationships with
- More opportunities for small group instruction
- More opportunities for collaboration with other students
- An additional teacher to pull a group of students who need a 5 minute intervention during the whole group lesson
- An additional teacher to handle disruptions and behaviors while the rest of the class is able to continue on
- Two teachers to provide different perspectives and explain things in different words
- Two teachers to provide information to you about your student
- Two teachers to answer questions
- Two teachers to build positive relationships with
- More opportunities for small group instruction
- More opportunities for collaboration with other students
- An additional teacher to pull a group of students who need a 5 minute intervention during the whole group lesson
- An additional teacher to handle disruptions and behaviors while the rest of the class is able to continue on
- Two teachers to provide different perspectives and explain things in different words
- Two teachers to provide information to you about your student
What About Birthday Treats?
Tiger Team is a team and we do everything together, this includes birthdays. However, if you choose to celebrate your child's birthday, please do not feel pressured to provide large treats for the team. Maybe consider something smaller such as a sucker, a fun size piece of candy, or small Oreo's.