LEARNING HOW TO WORK TOGETHER

Gauging the atmosphere and feeling of the young teachers is a fine art.

Our first trainee is open and eager for feedback, while our second trainee seems to take it personally. He is something of a burden to his large family and he has been trained to feel like his thoughts do not matter and he is a waste unless he is working and bringing in income. Feedback needs to be handled carefully where this gentle soul is concerned as too much negativity will be seen as personal and might break his shy, isolated spirit. We must progress slowly so that we don’t do more harm than good.

"Coming together is a beginning;
keeping together is progress;
working together is success."
- Henry Ford

It’s also about finding equilibrium. I don’t want to pull rank as ‘the teacher.’ I want equality and rational thoughts in which we hash out the issues and come to a measured conclusion. It is a relationship with my trainees which must find the razor thin balance between friendly and professional.


Chloe Smith
Director of Studies and Teacher Trainer