A Note on Co-Teaching
Usually, classes are taught by a single instructor with maybe a couple of TAs for good measure. The beauty of the EL-T program is the co-teaching arrangement. I will be honest. Initially, I was a little anxious about working so closely with someone. What if we have different visions or different pedagogical methods? What if we butt heads? But intentionality and communication make each potential conflict dissipate like smoke.
In this environment, co-teaching transforms the classroom into a vibrant ecosystem.
Maybe Jared feels differently, but so far, I am grateful that we are a team. We planned our course carefully, and Jared allowed my extremely specific coursework plans for certain topics, and I hope I paid him the same courtesy for the topics he deeply cares about. We prepped almost everything together for months leading up to the course, and we also prep each class together beginning around 9 am usually, and class begins at 2:30. Doing prep together allows us to bounce ideas off each other and assess the flow of content. We share the responsibilities, but we also share the joy of learning alongside our students.
We exchange topics and trade off on which days each of us will be the primary instructor. For much of common law, I was the primary instructor. He took the lead for Environmental Justice and led the class through an activity in which they attempted to craft their own definition of environmental justice. It was incredible to sit by and watch their gears turn as they carefully examined the connotations of certain verbs. I took the lead for explaining the memo assignment, he took the lead for CERCLA, I took the lead for RCRA, and so on and so forth. We absolutely have different styles, but they do not clash the way I worried they might. Maybe they would if we tried to perform simultaneously, however, the delineation between “Jared days” and “Jen days” provides structure and exposure to different ways of thinking. We each bring a unique flavor, creating a melting pot of ideas and perspectives.
It's wonderful to have someone you can count on when unexpected things happen. Just last week, I had to take Thursday off due to catching the flu. Luckily, it was Jared’s turn to take the lead, and although I was disappointed to miss out on the discussion about deference and expertise, it gave me peace of mind knowing he had everything under control. Next week, I'll be flying solo while Jared heads off to PIELC. I’m curious to see if the vibe shifts at all without him, but I’m not expecting much to change.
This collaboration fosters a sense of community, allowing for playful banter and creative problem-solving. Our varied approaches to environmental law make the subject come alive, as we unite our strengths to guide our students through the complexities of legal landscapes. As I sit and think about our dynamic, it inspires me to pay more attention to our different styles and personalities as they present to the students. Hopefully, I can take more notes on how we differ, and how those differences help rather than hinder the learning environment.
