I've noticed lately that when people ask me how my dual-grade (combo/bridge/etc...) class is going, my first thought is something negative. Sure, there are good things going on in my classroom, the children are learning. Things are going ok! But "ok" isn't really good enough for SUPER TEACHER! Super Teacher has super high expectations of herself and her students. Sadly, it takes time to achieve/surpass those expectations, time that a dual-grade class just doesn't have. Take Math, for instance....
I have had a very difficult time with teaching Math. Yes, I can teach first grade Math, and I can teach second grade Math. However, my district has a long list of things to teach/do that requires 90 minutes EACH grade level. I only have 90 minutes TOTAL. I have dropped some important parts of Math because I simply do not have time to do everything. Then I discovered that if you drop even ONE little thing that the district requires, that ONE little thing will be on the district's assessment. So, I had to go back to the drawing board to figure out just how to do everything.
Over the last few weeks I have reached out to some people above me to help me figure out how to give MORE time to each grade level in Math. I have worked very hard to give them equal time, but it is not ENOUGH time to meet their needs. I had a great plan! Hire a Math Tutor! My school usually has a tutor come in for 3 hours a day to work with the 1st/2nd graders who need extra help in Reading or Math. I asked to have that person come into my classroom for one hour each day during Math. Between the two of us, we could get both grade levels the instruction that they need. However, from current funding issues, it seems unlikely.
Apart from that, there is only one other viable option. I have to drop Science time for awhile and use that time for Math. (moment of silence). Yes, I actually said that. Me, the teacher with the Master of Education in Science Education degree, just said that I have to stop teaching Science for awhile. After talking with some of those above me, I really have no choice. Math is absolutely vital, whereas Science can be fit into centers periodically, sent home as homework, fit into class when we have an extra 10-15 minutes, etc.... We already do that now with Health and Social Studies. (Now I just need to spend time actually planning how and when to fit Science in, rather than having a regular time....)
While my fingers are still crossed hoping for the Math Tutor, I will still work very hard to be SUPER TEACHER! That's just who I am. I can't give up, I just have to work harder and smarter while trying to hold on to my own sanity. Oddly enough, someone recently asked me if I would be interested in a better job elsewhere for next year. I said no, thanks! (That answer even shocked myself!) Despise the dual-grade craziness, I am surrounded by awesome people at my school. I couldn't do this job without their friendship and support. And most importantly, I am happy to be where I am, Dual-Grade Super Teacher and all!
