A Team Effort
By Peter Barnes

Some teachers I've known view themselves as captains of the ship, leading their students through wide oceans of learning. They feel empowered by controlling everything in their classrooms. Only an occasional visit from the principal or a district mandate makes them alter their course. By closing their classroom doors, these teachers avoid what they view as tedious team meetings and conflicts with colleagues.

Teamwork requires time, patience and, most importantly, compromise. My fifth grade team believes the benefits of collaboration far outweigh the effort involved. Here are some good things that grow out of working as an effective team.

Less competition
Who has the best bulletin boards? Whose class does the coolest projects? Which teacher is most popular with students? These are questions that many teachers may secretly ask about themselves and their teammates. Unhealthy competition is created when teachers refuse to share ideas for fear of losing the spotlight.

Our team tries to share ideas and spotlights equally, so competition is unnecessary. Class parties, lesson plan ideas and guest speakers are coordinated so students never feel slighted.

Students get more attention
Frequent informal meetings give team members time to discuss students who need extra help or students who defy conventional approaches. When Justin has a bad time in morning math class, he'll be given a little space in afternoon science. We also use a single management plan, so students receive the same consequences for their actions no matter the classroom. Everyone on our team enforces the rules equally.

A cohesive unit
Parents appreciate knowing their children's teachers are a cohesive unit. Many of our parents feel comfortable going to any teacher to discuss grade level policies, upcoming events or their child's progress. Letters sent home are signed by the whole team. Since we check in with one another throughout the day, information is passed efficiently, making the principal's job easier.

No matter how you look at it, teaching is a difficult job. If we can rely on team members to energize and listen to us after a bad day, we'll last longer as teachers. Remember, when entering uncharted waters, a ship's captain always feels safer traveling with a fleet rather than as one lone vessel.

Peter Barnes teaches fifth grade at Rawls Byrd Elementary in Williamsburg, VA.

November/December 2003, Vol.34, No.3