CASE: Mia and Lyka are co-teachers in a classroom of twenty 3 year-olds. Both are experienced teachers with their own classroom management style and beliefs about how a program should be run. Mia recently talked to the director about her frustrations with Lyka. According to Mia, there are far too many transitions from one activity to the next and not enough time is allowed for cleanup. Consequently, the room is usually disorganized and messy. Moreover, Mia was embarrassed recently when a prospective family visited. The room was scattered with materials, the children were undirected and several arguments broke out between children.
When the director asked Mia how Lyka responded to her concerns, Mia replied, "Well, i haven't mentioned it. It's hard for me to confront someone and i don't want to hurt her feelings. "The director responded, "Please talk to her about it. You can be gentle and respectful but you are really the one who should discuss your feelings with her." Mia was upset with this reaction and felt that it was the director's job to talk to Lyka.
Questions: (Respond to the following questions at least one page length paper. Use citation if possible. Course: Administration & Planning Early Childhood Program)
- What do you think is the problem between these two teachers?
- What would you suggest that Mia do to resolve the problem?
- What can the director do to prevent future difficulties between these teachers?
- If you were the director, how would you follow up this situation?