I'm looking for advice: I am a math interventionist and in my new school, I have an assistant, which is completely new for me! I have met her and we seem to hit it off super well. I'm just looking for ideas on how to balance leading her and also give her autonomy to use ideas that she also has for our small groups. She has experience so it's not as though this is brand new to her.
Great question - I lead a team of 5-8 Title One Teaching assistants in our building and one of the ways we approach this together is to have an agenda and routine meeting times (weekly or biweekly etc). Start with an inventory of materials available and what you both are familiar with etc. then you can dive into the data as that will drive a lot of the alignment for who does what etc. You can also include a strengths survey - or interest inventory where you both can share your areas - skill development or material preferences etc.
It seems that there is a good relationship growing. I would sit down and have a discussion about common goals. Having an understanding of the direction that you would like to go, ask for support on what they feel will reach that goal. It is important to stay professional and positive. The students’ needs should be the priority. Open communication and weekly meetings looking at the student data will drive the path to success.
I would also suggest weekly meetings to set goals and monitor data.
I love the idea of a strengths assessment. This creates a way to share responsibilities and to rely on her/him for suggestions.
