Chapter 11: Teaming

Abstract

As can be seen from the story at the beginning of this chapter, being on a team allows teachers to pay close attention to the students that may need it more than others. They are dealing with a smaller number of students and all four or so teachers deal with the same students on a regular basis. This provides multiple view points of how students act in certain classes. This chapter also discusses the importance of subject integration. This could include teaching students how to write letters in an English class when they are about to write letters to historians in a history class. Next, this chapter also hits on the importance of having a core set of values as a team. All members should help create these values, and also believe in them 100%. Finally, this chapter gives some advice on how to keep up with team meetings. It recommends creating a schedule that works for everyone so the meetings can remain productive.

Reflection

I look forward to using subject integration when I become a middle school teacher. I think it's a great idea. It allows students to make connections in all of their classes that they are taking. It may seem overwhelming when all four homework assignments they have due on Friday are completely unrelated. But when they have an art piece due on Monday that has to do with the narrative piece that is due on the Tuesday that has to do with the science project due on Wednesday, it might feel like students are actually learning and having fun at the same time. I remember doing an integrated project in the 6th grade. I don't remember what it was exactly, but I do remember that it was based on an important period in history. In each class, I was required to complete individual projects that all revolved around the same project. I specifically remember writing journal entries as if I were an important person from the past. At the end of this integrated unit, we presented what we had done to the parents in our community. It was a really great opportunity and really created a sense of ownership.