Question Details
I feel as though the students see me as a support assistant, rather than a teacher, so they don’t listen to me or do what I ask them as quickly as they do for the teacher.
Answer
I would talk to the teacher about this. I’m sure they will have lots of ideas of things you can do to stamp your authority, but they may also help by reinforcing to the students that they need to behave as well with you as they do with the teacher. Children are very quick to pick up on new teachers, even experienced ones, so it’s something that all teachers have to deal with. But if you are working with another teacher, then potentially they can be a useful ally in boosting your status in the room.
Consider your use of voice and the tone and projection you use in the classroom. There is no need to mimic your co-teacher, but you can develop a more authorative voice and presence in the classroom by controlling your breath, dropping your pitch and slowing down sometimes.
Ensure that you share how you feel with your co-teacher and ask if they have any suggestions. Think of your co-teacher as your teammate and not your competition. They might have made observations that they can share – and often, simple tweaks are needed to improve your presence in the classroom. For example: Are you waiting until all the students have stopped and are listening, before you continue to address them? Are you projecting your voice so that they can hear you clearly and you are demanding their attention? Do you stop when you are being interrupted before continuing to speak? Try not to look to your co-teacher in the presence of the children. Whilst they are an amazing resource and mentor to have, you want the students to see you as equals in the classroom.