Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

I don't know what to do. I started in a new school and I am working with a para that iis very difficult.

She seems not to like the way I teach, she is always telling me how some other teacher did it.
I believe she is talking to parents about me.
My parents seem to be seeking her out and asking her questions.

I am trying to adjust to a new grade and new school and I feel so troubled by this. She makes me feel like a failure.

It's bad a enough that I have tough parents and now I have her to deal with.

I feel like I can't say anything because I am new.

What do I do?

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

It's your classroom, and you need to make that clear to her. I know being in a new school can be intimidating, but if she says something about your teaching method, just tell her that this is the way you teach it and you feel it's the best method for YOUR classroom. Is there a veteran teacher you've become friendly with that you could confide in? Just say how overwhelmed you're feeling. Don't badmouth the para, but explain that maybe you're finding that you have different personalities.

If she is badmouthing you to parents, then that's pretty low. If she is undermining you in front of the students, then it's undermining your authority in the classroom, and the kids will pick up on it.

I wish I could help more.

Message edited 9/10/2008 10:42:28 PM.

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

Thanks Michelle. I just feel like I am trying to find my way still to see what works and what doesn't.

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

I agree with what Michelle said.

Maybe afterschool or during prep time have a talk with her. I find that some veteran para's think that theyve been at a school for years counts as how a classroom should be ran, if that was the case why arent they the teacher? JMO not offense to any paras out there

Also it may have nothing to do with you, she may be angry for her placement that maybe she wasn't expecting.

Good luck, hopefully it gets better.

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

I would def. talk with her. It wont get better unless you tell her how you feel. The first few weeks are so overwhelming to begin with...I am sure it will get better and you will also feel more confident

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

Posted by Epeebes

I agree with what Michelle said.

Maybe afterschool or during prep time have a talk with her. I find that some veteran para's think that theyve been at a school for years counts as how a classroom should be ran, if that was the case why arent they the teacher? JMO not offense to any paras out there

Also it may have nothing to do with you, she may be angry for her placement that maybe she wasn't expecting.

Good luck, hopefully it gets better.

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

I agree with Donegal. If she is talking about you with parents then you need to get someone else involved because that is NOT GOOD. You mentioned that your parents are tough, which might mean that they have sway in your school and you don't want them hearing negative things about you. Find someone you can talk to in your school that you trust and speak to them. Maybe a lead teacher or the school psychologist. But find someone and ask their advice as to what to do. Then, formulate a plan of how you want the conversation with your TA to go. You may want that other trusted person in the room with you when you have the conversation if the situation really becomes bad. I know it's tough, I've done it before too and I'm sooooo not a confrontational person. It's tough having different personalities in one room, but she needs to know that you are the teacher and she can not undermind you in front of the children or parents.
I wish you the best of luck!

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

Re: Does anyone work with a para or teacher's assistant that you don't get along with?

I went through the same thing...but I let it go on for three years, until I was tenured. My advice is similar to what the others are saying. Be direct and firm with her, as to what her expectations are, and what your plans are. Since you are new there, I would also confide in a union rep. as to what is going on, because she may be able to give you good advice for your particular school. I would think that she has no business contacting parents at all. Don't let it continue, because it will get worse (believe me, I know!). I ended up going to administration with the facts, not requesting a change, but just letting them know what was going on, and how I was handling it. When they made the switch, all sh*t hit the fan, because she was as unprofessional as yours sounds, but I am so much happier now. Be strong, girl!