Need advice - re: working with CTT

This is going to be long.

My school in NYC is new (this is the 3rd year). We have minimal resources, are in a tough area, and are just getting our feet wet in terms of coaches, CTT, push-ins, etc.

This year they hired a woman to be a special education teacher (experienced - 3+ years) but she found out the DAY BEFORE school started that she was actually a CTT in ALL subjects (she originally thought she was just working in humanities). She hates math.

I'm the 6th grade math teacher - first year teacher. I have NO IDEA what I'm doing. I fake it well, I keep the kids entertained, but I know jackshiz about planning. I'm busting my azz everyday.

I have 3 classes. 2 are regular ed (although I SERIOUSLY question that ) and 1 is special ed. My CTT is with me for the special ed class.

So I mentioned before that I have no idea how to plan. I'm sure as most experienced teachers can attest - your first year you plan day-to-day. For me, that is 100000000000000% true. I'm usually seeing how things go one day, and then I change my plans for the following day. I'm at school until 7 pm, I go to bed around midnight. I get up at 5 am, and am in school 1 hour early....yet I never seem to get it all done.

This isn't meant for a pity party - I signed up for it. I love it. And I'm beyond happy doing my job.

BUT...

I'm pretty sure my CTT complained to my principal that she felt like more of an asst. than a CTT in my classroom. This is because shortly after our horrible class together my principal pulled me, and the other 2 teachers she works with aside, and proceeded to explain that the CTT has to be more involved in the classroom, and teach just as much as the other teacher does. She was pretty annoyed.

Thats fine. I have no problem with co-teaching. In fact, I KNOW it will be beneficial.... But the planning time and hammering out EVERY detail of every lesson is KILLING me. I meet with her 3 times a week after school just to go over how the lessons are going to for the week.

The problem is that - as I mentioned - I honestly am not capable of planning and sticking to a laid out plan right now, because I'm just trying to stay above water right now. Not only am I planning for the other classes, I now have to meet for 9+ hours a week (yes, I'm serious) with the CTT. Not to mention that she hates math and told me she is "petrified" to teach it.

I don't think I can keep this intensity up. Please tell me that it will either get easier, or that the CTT is insane for needing 9+ hours of my time per week. I feel like she just doesn't understand that I'm new to teaching and have not mastered "weekly planning." I can only go day-today right now!

Re: Need advice - re: working with CTT

Hey Bon~ I've done CTT a few times, both as the math teacher and the SpEd teacher. It sucks at first, but it will grow to be your fave class, I promise. Right now, Mondo and I are taking turns lesson planning for the week. Granted we are both more experienced than you and we actually chose to work together (I heart him) but we are the exception, I promise.

First, assign roles to each other. For example, he checks the HW and I do the Do-now. I am the bad guy, he's nice. You may have to tweak this to avoid her feeling like the Vanna. Also, group work is the best part of CTT. Divide the class up after the lesson and make sure she gets to work with kids one-on-one. Make sure she has a copy of the lesson plan, even though she hates math, she has a masters degree, she should be able to put a few examples on the board.

I do know people who plan and meet for hours a week - personally, I feel it is unnecessary. Let your own personalities develop in the classroom, it should be natural, not rehearsed. You should be able to assert your strengths, not over-script everything.

Also, very important: work on your "marriage" spend time with her NOT doing CTT crap. The friendship (or acquaintanceship) will only enhance the classroom and ultimately make for a better partnership.

GL

Re: Need advice - re: working with CTT

Thank you so much Christine.

I feel better.

I actually LOVE her...but we're very different. I definitely want it to work. We'll see what happens.