We are working very hard at building a team approach in our school.  We plan our lessons and activities together.  I kind of like it because I have already had 3 students who have moved from our school to one of our other elementary schools.  If we are all doing approximately the same lessons, then they don't lose or miss anything in the process.

However, what do you do about a brand spankin' new teacher who thinks she knows everything and refuses to follow the team plan, the district map, or common sense?

Here is what is happening...  three of our team get together twice a week and do lesson plans, decide who is doing the copying for what subject and in general, we take turns doing everything.  It is working out great.  We planned a solar cookout for this coming Friday.  The kids are excited and we have read about it and talked about it and I made mine in front of the class in about 10 minutes.  That really sparked interest.  We will each bring our own food and cook our own hotdogs out on the playground.

The problem?  What problem could there be...it was planned over a month ago and we talk about it at every single planning session!  However, Ms. X decided she didn't like planning with the team.  She complained we moved too fast.  She just can't get anything done that fast.  I said fine.  You can plan yourself but you do need to follow the district curriculum map.  That isn't my idea, it is the districts.  Sooooo...she quit coming to the meetings and hasn't a clue what is going on.  Now I am in an email "argument" with her because we had changed things and not told her or let her help with the planning.  Duh?  She is the one who chose not to come to the meetings, not me.  I tried my best to insist that as a first year teacher she NEEDED to be part of the team.  BUT, she already knows everything so I was talking to the wind.

Now, I have to meet with her and the Principal on Monday to try to resolve this issue.  She is telling the boss that I am purposely leaving her out of everything.  I haven't left her out of anything.  She chose to leave herself out.  My boss had told me to sort of backoff earlier when this started and I did just that.  It is not my fault if she decided not to take part in the team.  Actually, the whole team is ticked off over this.

On top of that, she told me she wanted to meet today after buses.  I made arrangements to stay late at her request.  Then she called the boss and told her she had a previous appointment and needed to wait until Monday.  So, I have to fume about this all weekend. 

Yes, I am a little controlling.  She is worse.  She doesn't want to listen to what the others have to say or me.  I only have 21 years of experience.  She has none.  I guess I am ticked off at this whole situation.  I needed to vent.  I know when I was a first year teacher I was happy to get all the help I could.  She isn't willing to let anyone on her team be her partner because she doesn't need a partner.  Very competitive.  I hate that.